Sustainable Design
Area Coordinator: Kiel Moe, Assistant Professor of Architectural Technology
From urban metabolism to nuanced thermal properties of materials, architects and related designers are responsible for the consequential formation and flow of energy in new ways in the twenty-first century through building design. In a context of climate changes and increasing demand for diminishing resources, few words can transform for the purpose and activity of much design activity than the observation that matter is but an expression of captured energy. Architecture’s material practices are subset of its energy practices. As such, the GSD sustainable design concentration focuses on this new role for energy in design through the consideration of pertinent theories, techniques, and technologies in the discipline of architecture that lead towards more sane ecologies and more exuberant architectural performances. A primary aim of the program is to develop conceptual and technical means with equal rigor. The sustainable design of energy formation and flow requires habits of mind that places the flux of energy at the center of design activity. Coupled with this intellectual habitus is a focus on the operative principles of thermodynamics and human physiology of more sustainable practices both as a generators and optimizers of cogent design strategies. This invariably involves a critical approach to current digital design techniques and modeling programs involved in sustainable design and the production of new tools.
The program is especially designed for individuals with a strong interest in sustainable building design and some related work experience. Candidates should have a background in architecture, but graduates from related disciplines (engineering, environmental studies, etc.) interested in design are also encouraged to apply. In their first year, students can choose from a wide selection of classes at the GSD and beyond. A core set of classes provides students with the skills necessary to model the energy performance of buildings, implement daylighting and natural ventilation techniques, and apply these skills in a design or research project. Typical electives include land reclamation and remediation technologies, brownfield remediation and development, green roofs, environmentally responsive building skins, net zero energy developments and innovative business strategies in sustainability and finance. Students are further encouraged to include courses at other Harvard Schools (for example, School of Public Health) in their curriculum. During their second year, while still taking classes, students start working on a six month research thesis. The thesis topic can be chosen by the students in consultation with their thesis advisor. Students wishing to pursue alternatives to the thesis may do so after consultation with the area coordinator.
Required Courses
6333 Day-Lighting Buildings
6428 Urban Modeling
6430 Forms of Energy
9304 Independent Thesis
Typical Electives
5469 Environmental Planning and Sustainable Development
6122 Energy, Technology and Building
6125 Environmental Technologies in Buildings
6333 Water, Aquatic Ecology, and Land-Water linkages
6428 Modeling Urban Energy Flows
6430 Forms of Energy
6433 The Environmental Performance of Tall Buildings
6445 Green Infrastructure in the Non-formal City
7307 Business Strategy, Economics and Sustainability
Associated Faculty
Joana Goncalves, Visiting Professor
Nico Kienzl, Nico Kienzl, Atelier Ten, Lecturer in Architecture
Niall Kirkwood, Professor of Landscape Architecture
John Macomber, Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Planning and Design
Kiel Moe, Assistant Professor of Architecture
Spiro Pollalis, Professor of Architecture
Christoph Reinhart, Associate Professor of Architecture
Joyce Rosenthal, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning
John Spengler, Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation
Matthias Schuler, Transsolar, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Technology
Christian Werthmann, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
