Site Design, Landscaping and Site-Water Issues

Structures are sustainably sited based on an assessment of site specific climatic and natural conditions. An understanding of the geologic, hydrologic, and ecosystem processes, as well as regional climate, and site-specific microclimates, are the foundations upon which sustainable planning and design are based. This course will introduce principles and practices, and materials and methods that allow the realization of responsible solutions in today's burgeoning green marketplace. Students will explore the role that architects and other design team professionals share in generating sustainable site design as site elements are used to increase comfort levels and lower energy use and operating costs. In green practice, the site's climatic and environmental features directly influence form and location as architectural design moves beyond the building envelope and into the landscape.