The climate crisis is here now and for the foreseeable future. For designers who shape the built environment, there is an urgent need to respond to the changing climate with greater understanding, sophistication, and imagination.

The effects and burdens of climate change are unequal, contributing to increased social and economic disparity and often exacerbating historic patterns of inequity. The impacts are multiple and diverse, as are the many cultures and communities that must respond and adapt. Therefore, a universal, one-size-fits-all approach is not an adequate response. To develop design tools that respond to these conditions, we need to understand not only the science but also the political, social, economic, and cultural contexts on the ground, where design projects and movements are rooted.  This requires a community of learning committed to deeper analysis of the patterns of change and the potential roles designers may play in reducing carbon emissions and adapting to the many changes the future will bring. We must ask critical questions and interrogate existing systems of knowledge.  What are the risks and conditions associated with a rapidly changing climate? How have design and planning played a role in constructing conditions of risk? What are the tools and techniques designers can use to adapt to these risks? How effective are they? Whom do they serve? And on what terms?

Through a series of lectures and case studies, this course will explore the historical role of design in shaping climate-related risks and a range of paradigmatic design responses to the climate crisis. We will engage in discussion with one another and with invited experts to advance our knowledge and interrogate existing practices.  

As the primary assignment, students will analyze a case study over the course of the semester. The cases will be situated in different geographical, political, economic, social, environmental, and climatic contexts. Student work will critically assess and visually represent social, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions as well as environmental function, economic deployment, and political engagement. These exemplary cases will be a means to understand and articulate the evolving role of landscape architecture and related disciplines in designing for an increasingly vulnerable planet.

Climate by Design is a required course for MLA degree candidates and open to other GSD and Harvard students with an interest in the climate crisis and design. The lecture course (W + F) will be supported by a series of 5 workshops held on Monday mornings. In-person attendance at these workshops is required for all MLA degree candidates. Non-MLA students who have a course-related conflict with the workshops will be provided with an asynchronous option to engage with the materials and complete related exercises. On select Fridays, local field trips will support in-class lectures. These have been coordinated with the MLA schedule. If the field component conflicts with another course for non-MLA students, accommodations will be made.   
 

Note regarding the Fall 2026 GSD academic calendar: The first day of classes, Wednesday, September 2nd, is held as a MONDAY schedule at the GSD. This course will meet for the first time on Friday, September 4th.

Students who are taking this course as an elective and have a course scheduling conflict on Mondays, will be approved for a scheduling conflict. Workshop information will be made available via Canvas.