Total Immersion in Sustainable Design

Ecosa programs are exciting, fun, informative, rich and integrated experiences where learning is based on the concepts underlying nature. We use complexity, recursive experience, experiential learning, and systems thinking to develop potential solutions to the challenging issues we face in the 21st Century. Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, these unique Certificate of Regenerative Ecological Design Programs offer, through field trips, lectures, guest speakers and real world client projects, an integrated understanding of sustainable design- from architecture to permaculture, product design to urban and community planning. Client-based, real world design projects serve to teach holistic thinking ''in action" to bring the threads of sustainability together into practical solutions. At the end of the program students have gained a strong foundation in what David Orr calls "ecological literacy", an understanding that is crucial for our future leaders in all fields. Upon completion of the total immersion semester, students may choose to continue their education at Ecosa by participating in the Apprenticeship Program.

Each total immersion semester is uniquely developed based on the client projects selected for the semester. The core curriculum for the semesters include:

SYSTEMS THINKING AND ECOLOGICAL DESIGN CONCEPTS

Beginning with an introduction to and assessment of various concepts in Systems Thinking we explore ways to develop ecological solutions to such things as agriculture, buildings and urban environments. We translate the concepts of seminal figures in the field including Fritjov Capra, James Lovelock, and Janine Benyus into strategies for the ecological and regenerative design of our projects. We explore what can be learned from chaos theory, fractals, biophilia, biomimicry, and permaculture as ways of creating regenerative environments. As part of the design process, we explore the impact of governmental ordinances and jurisdictions and how these might be revised to create a holistic approach to design.

HANDS ON DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Students learn the skills needed to develop ideas in building and site design and apply these concepts to real world situations. Systems thinking and permaculture design principles are applied to these very different projects and the viability of these projects are designed with an underpinning of cultural, economic, environmental and social contexts. We explore the work of thinkers and designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Paolo Soleri, Ken Yeang, Bruce Goff, and Christopher Alexander. We also discuss what ecological design can learn from mainstream design practices. Throughout the semester we explore a series of building systems through hands-on construction experiences, exploring both "natural" materials and technologically processed materials. These studio practicums demonstrate how building materials may be used as part of a systems approach to construction. These experiences give an opportunity to determine the appropriate material for each project.

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

As we develop detailed site/building design concepts, we mesh on-site and local building resources, food production, ecological habitats and the surrounding infrastructure. Systems such as water supply and treatment, transportation, and energy are integrated into both the site and building design. As a part of integrated building design, the components of systems that constitute a building are explored and put into the context of ecological design.

sample curriculum

course descriptions

receiving academic credit

FALL SEMESTER 2010 - August 23, 2010 - December 17, 2010
ROLLING ADMISSIONS NOW THROUGH AUGUST 23 - 3 SPACES REMAINING

SPRING SEMESTER 2011 - January 10, 2011 - May 6, 2011
Early Notification Deadline - October 15, 2010
Suggested Application Deadline - December 20, 2010

SUMMER SEMESTER 2011 - May 16, 2011 - August 19, 2011
Early Notification Deadline - March 1, 2011
Suggested Application Deadline - April 25, 2010