Planning for Regenerative Urban Environments

The world's population, now approaching seven billion, is estimated to grow another billion in the next decade. With the environment already stressed and a number of pathologies appearing, the dilemma of our current cities is their inadequate fit within the resources of the earth. This workshop examines the development of the modern city and proposals for transforming it into an ecologically sound habitat. Participants will gain an understanding of the complications inherent in transforming the current system and potential ways that it can be reformed or transformed. We will use complexity, recursive experience, experiential learning, and systems thinking to develop potential solutions to the challenging issues we face in the 21st Century.

5 DAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOP: October 11 - 15, 2010

This intensive 5 day workshop immerses participants in an exciting regenerative design curriculum centered around a real world urban design project. The workshop covers topics including complex adaptive systems theory, urban design history and theory, systems thinking, regenerative ecological design, mapping, diagramming, resource assessment, watershed ecology, green infrastructure, and programs like LEED-ND and the Living Building Challenge. A visit to local examples of ancient ruins, the urban laboratory at Arcosanti and Prescott's vibrant downtown will offer a context for understanding the urban dilemma. Participants will be asked to engage in discussion and research, and work as part of a design team to offer solutions to a local urban planning challenge. The workshop will culminate in a final presentation of the team's design proposal.

INSTRUCTORS

TONY BROWN has over 40 years experience working on sustainable architecture and urban design. He teaches sustainable design and planning at the Ecosa Institute and lectures at universities around the United States and abroad. As Director of the Ecosa Institute he continues to develop an innovative new approach to educating students and graduates in the role of sustainability in design. Before founding the Ecosa Institute (1996), Mr. Brown worked as an architect in London, Boston and San Francisco, led construction of the urban laboratory at Arcosanti, founded an award-winning graphic design company, was a magazine editor and wrote numerous articles for magazines for which he won press club awards. He has received awards for his book illustrations including illustrations in "Nature Notes" and "The Ecology of the Grand Canyon." Today he is Principal Architect at Ecosa Design Studio where he continues to promote concepts of sustainability.

TOM HAHN is a registered architect and licensed contractor, and is the Associate Director of the Ecosa Institute, as well as the Managing Principal of Ecosa Design Studio:Architecture+Planning, both of Prescott, Arizona. His design work of the last 20 years has focused on a "research-oriented" eco+logical architecture, exploring the "edge of green" - the innovative edge seeking synergy between environmentally- and experientially-sensitive architecture. Previously, Tom founded Sol Source Architecture, of Phoenix, AZ, and led it for 13 years developing those ideals in one of Arizona's first exclusively ecological-architectural practices. He was also one of the founders of Three Rivers EcoBuilders of Phoenix, Arizona, builders of some notably innovative environmental and architectural projects from straw-bale to all-foam. He was formerly a full-time faculty member of the School of Architecture at Arizona State University, and is a former Managing Editor of The Last Straw, the international journal of natural building technology. He is widely recognized as an authority in the use of alternative and ecological design and building ideas and technologies in high-design architecture.

INSTRUCTOR OF FIELD BIOLOGY/ECOLOGY - TBA

GUEST SPEAKER - TBA

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Planning for Regenerative Urban Environments workshop is open to participants of all backgrounds with a genuine interest in sustainability and drive to improve life on our planet. In the past we have had architects, interior designers, urban planners, landscape architects, product designers, industrial designers, graphic designers, engineers, ecologists, mathematicians, real estate professionals, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, economists, builders, artists, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, undergraduate and graduate students, career changers, and many more participate in our programs. The diverse group of individuals that we attract adds to the richness of our curriculum. We encourage both designers and non-designers to apply.

REGISTRATION & FEES

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM - Download PDF Form / Download Word Form
A $200 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration and the remaining tuition balance is due by October 1, 2010. Full payment is due with all registrations received after October 1.
pay $200 registration deposit

WORKSHOP DATES: October 11 - October 15, 2010
COURSE COST: $645 for early registration, $745 for late registration
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 15, 2010

*SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 14 REGISTRANTS. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE.

Furnished housing is available at the Ecosa student housing on a first come first serve basis for $25/night. Participants may also contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about possible individual or shared rooms at a local hotel for a discounted nightly rate or make their own arrangements.