Building the Future: Top Degree Programs in Sustainable Architecture and Design

guest post by Lauren Bailey

The term "sustainability" has become something of a buzzword in recent years. Sustainability, as an environmental issue, means that we as a society find ways to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As issues of climate change and global waste become more and more pertinent within our society, ecological sustainability has become a priority throughout the world. Institutions of higher learning have always been the main platform for forward-thinking and passionate individuals to create new methods and techniques for improving the way in which we live. It is through education and academia that a truly sustainable future can be harvested—new programs in sustainability are cropping up within numerous schools throughout the United States. These three universities in the US provide some of the best and most unique architecture and design programs available.

Boston Architectural College- The Sustainable Design Institute
With every course focused on sustainable design, Boston Architectural College (BAC) is a wonderful choice for students devoted to sustainability and awareness. Offering courses in Sustainable Design, Sustainable Community Planning and Design, Sustainable Residential Design, and Sustainable Building Design, BAC provides a fairly diverse array of programs. The college contains a School of Architecture, School of Interior Design, School of Landscape Architecture, and a School of Design Studies. With both distance and online education opportunities, SAC provides for a more flexible educational option than many other design and architectural programs.

One interesting and unique thing that Boston Architectural College offers is its Summer Academy for high school design exploration. This program encourages high school age students to engage in a four-week design studio. Students will "build fundamental architectural design skills through hands-on projects" and will have the opportunity to collaborate with studio leaders and fellows students to address design problems including structure, form, sustainability, beauty, and utility. This program is a wonderful way for school aged students to approach concept of sustainability in a more practical and approachable manner.

University California Berkeley- Environmental Design
UC Berkeley is known for its academics in many different departments and areas. The school's College of Environmental Design (CED) is no exception. Founded in 1959, the CED has emphasized environmental design as an ethical practice, co-produced through dynamic engagements with diverse communities, workers, businesses, and policy-makers. This approach to sustainable design is an important one. By placing the responsibility not solely on the architect, designer, builder, etc., we have a better chance of really addressing issues of sustainability in urban planning and development. UC Berkeley was one of the first institutions to conceptualize environmental design as something that is inseparable from its social, political- economic, and cultural contexts. This realization and practice is essential.

UC Berkeley's Department of City and Regional Planning provides a wonderful example of combining both the social and design elements of sustainable design into one degree program. This department offers degrees such as a Bachelor's in Urban Studies, a Master's of City Planning, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in City and Regional Planning. These programs are spread throughout the areas of Architecture, International and Area Studies, Public Health, Landscape Architecture, and Transportation Engineering. Truly an interdisciplinary program, this department offers a variety of options for individuals interested in city planning, architecture, sustainability, and sociology.

University of Oregon- Department of Architecture
It's not much of a surprise that this Pacific Northwest University holds some of the top spots for sustainable degree programs across the board. The UO Department of Architecture holds two locations in both Eugene and Portland, providing a diverse environment for study with both a big-time city and a small town structure. The department offers a few degree options including, Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Architecture in Portland. The architecture program that is specifically interested in urban issues in Portland provides a unique learning experience for students. This program focuses on the influence of urban design and planning on building design, using Portland itself as a living laboratory for urban architecture. Students can also gain experience from UO's International Programs in Architecture. Providing a "deep understanding of how the design of buildings interacts with the physical and cultural contexts of human traditions, landscapes, settlements, cities, and suburbs," students can study abroad to explore architecture. These programs abroad offer degree requirements at the intermediate level design studios in Rome, Italy, Copenhagen, and Vancouver. There is also a program in Landscape architecture offered in Kyoto, Japan.

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By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Lauren Bailey, who regularly writes for online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email: blauren99 @gmail.com.

Slideshow: Knoll Ridge Cafe - designed by Harris Butt Architecture

View more presentations from Photographer Simon Devitt

Knoll Ridge Café
Whakapapa Ski Field, Mt Ruapehu


With the destruction of the original Knoll Ridge Chalet in February 2009, an ambitious design/construction programme was initiated to create temporary replacement facilities (café, toilets) for the 2009 winter season followed by the design and construction of a new café for the 2010 winter season. The simple lean-too structure of the temporary café building tested the construction process and the selection of materials facilitating the adoption of a similar methodology and material selection for the new café.

The new café is located approximately 50m down the mountain from the original café site, with the main café floor at approximately 2010m ASL. The eastern face of the building is located on the edge of the drop off to the Te Heuheu Valley. The north face looks back down the mountain whilst to the west is the chair lift and ski area. The new building accommodates café seating for approximately 400 people with servery, kitchen and support facilities all on one level. At this same level, a deck area for approximately 200 people is provided. The main public toilet area, staff facilities and storage are on the level below with separate access from the outside as well connection to the café via an internal stair.

A major consideration in the design of the building was the issue of the remote location. The building was to be constructed during the summer with limited access – all materials had to either be delivered by helicopter or on the near by chair lift – no road access. Alternatively, materials could be delivered over snow in the preceding winter season. The entire building, from foundation beams/floor panels to roof sections and windows was broken down into a modular panelized system, which allowed for delivery, placement and erection by helicopter and on site plant.

The form of the building reflects the strong geological features of the mountain. The “gull wing” roof was to appear to “cradle” the mountains peak. On a practical level is used to manage the snow. The building is designed to cover with up 3.0m of snow. Timber has been used extensively inside and out to create the warm “feeling” of the “traditional” mountain chalet without adopting the traditional form. The glass exterior (particularly to the east wall) is the other feature of the building – allowing full exposure to the magnificence view to the Pinnacle Ridge.

GRANT HARRIS
ARCHITECT B.Arch (hons) ANZIA
| e. granth@hbarchitecture.co.nz
| Harris Butt Architecture Ltd |
| w. www.hbarchitecture.co.nz

Photography by Simon Devitt

Architectural Photography from New Zealand by Simon Devitt

I've recently been in conversation with an architectural photographer from New Zealand who is partnering with Talkitect.com to bring us images of some of the incredible architecture being created on the island nation. Starting tomorrow Simon Devitt will be sending along slideshows of some of the projects he has recently photographed. The concept for his photography series is to showcase a new project every few weeks. We will curate the projects to bring some of the most creative project and beautiful designs that New Zealand has to offer. I look forward to our collaboration.

More about Simon and his Photography:Auckland Photographer Simon Devitt brings a unique view to photography of Architecture. While this genre appears quite specific, it offers me the broadest possible view on the world; landscapes, the built environment and people are all treated with the same democratic eye. I have not trained in architecture, and I taught myself photography. I capture what I see not only as 'an outsider looking in' but as an outsider 'exposing' beauty in situations where inherent beauty might be present but not articulated as a dramatic moment, or series of dramatic moments. Translating reality to two dimensions produces a medium of pure perception. Beauty to me is infinite in its complexities and exquisite in its simplicity. Two of the complexities I love are decisive moments and decay. Decay to me offers the most compelling aspect of beauty; time has to have played out, a space has to have been lived in, or used to a degree that the original intention of the design becomes a part of the person or people, and vice versa. Mostly the appetite in the magazine world is for newness and a fresh perspective on design, which reveals other aspects of beauty. I'd love to revisit some of these places in ten years to see how they look.

Invest. Engage. Inspire | McGregor Community Centre Lounge

Invest. Engage. Inspire
This project was part of the City of Toronto’s commitment to investing in 13 priority neighborhoods over a 4-year period to fund new youth-focused recreational facilities. Located in downtown Toronto, the McGregor Community Centre Lounge creates a new street façade that extends out toward Lawrence Ave.E. The new Lounge includes meeting space, computer areas, an office, kitchen, ample storage and an outdoor courtyard.  

Bold Design Infuses Lounge with Color and Light

Bortolotto’s bold design for this project was conceived of a horizontal split box. The lower portion is comprised of solid brick and block allowing for visual privacy and a safe and secure environment on the inside as the users had requested. The upper portion is made of glass panels that create a lantern allowing natural light to spill into the space.  The glass panels in various colors wrap the upper portion of the addition toward the main entry to the building resulting in an energetic focal point of the community centre.

Meet. Learn. Play

McGregor Community Centre Lounge was the result of an intensive public consultation process, that engaged the local community and gave youth the opportunity to experience first-hand about the design and construction industry. The final result is a bright, open, lofty gathering space. Designed to be a safe, secure and inspiring meeting place, this Lounge has fast become a city jewel and community landmark where youth, seniors and families meet, play and learn.

Video: A light Haven by Brullon-Trolio-Marinot Architects

Untitled from light haven on Vimeo.

“A Light Haven” - by Brullon-Trolio-Marinot architects

In between two strata. Under the railroad, in levitation above the street, A Light Haven takes place in an urban cavity, affirming an identity based on duality, and synergy with the place’s architecture. Natural fiber against industrial steel, lightness against heaviness, curves against straight lines, light against darkness, and weightlessness against gravity: A Light Haven finds its own identity through the contrasts. The project unrolls a network of ropes on the whole area. While the original deepness of the space is kept, a path emerges, making the place special. Above, underneath, through the enveloping forms, the visitor perceives the space in its entirety. He walks around and gets information behind the frail fiber cocoons and, at last, penetrates the intimacy of the exhibited works of art. The structure’s lightness and its slow beat contrasts with the urban activity around. Materiality, light, sound: all the elements play a part. A Light Haven quivers with the breeze; the light intensity is synchronized with the sound of the wind rustling through the ropes, providing a soothing distraction from the urban noise. Like the High Line, A Light Haven offers, in its own way, an alternative to the urban environment. The counterparts form a unity in their duality, eventually constituting one single architecture."

Simple Design Elegance - Blümen

by Pierce Atkinson,

I recently visited my Nations Capital, to catchup with an old friend. Ottawa, Ontario is an amazing city with much to offer and great developments. It is the second largest city in the Province of Ontario and the fourth largest city in the country, and boasts some of the most iconic architecture of Canada. Although the government buildings attract most of the tourism and high profile architecture, it is the smaller scale design that caught my eye.

While visiting my friend she introduced me to a great little gem in the Hintonburg neighbourhood of Ottawa, Blümen Studio. Blümen became a reality a little over a year for owners Kat and Nathan. I got in touch with Kat to ask a few questions about the space and how it evolved into an amazing Floral Design boutique and Café.

When she first took over the space Kat explained that it was originally an old fashioned variety store with minimal updates having been done over the years. Today she has transformed the boutique into a 21st century variety store; "...we still offer a whole variety of things just with a little twist." says Kat.

The renovations took ten weeks with no hired help. "...it was a lot of work. This place was run down BAD." reflects Kat. As mentioned, no designers or contractors were hired for the job leaving Kat to conceptualize all design elements and layouts herself. Her partner Nathan helped with all the labour and detailing, the space reflects what a great team they make; "Nathan is gold. He asks me what I want, I tell him, and he gets on it and does it and here we have the finished product."

Kat used very simple and elegant materials throughout the space. Her work area is made up of simple stainless steel counter tops freestanding in the middle of the room. White walls and white subway tiles on the café counter contrast beautifully with the reclaimed wood flooring - my favourite part of the space. The rough wood has been maintained, complete with glue from the previous flooring in the old variety store, and offers a beautiful aged warmth. Kat and Nathan finished it nicely leaving the floor as is and just sealing it with a high gloss varnish. "We like to recycle and make old new again. Make it look fab but keep it simple. Thats the key, SIMPLE." Kat says of the space. The lines, materials and vintage furniture Kat has placed in the store all tie in together so well, making the space incredibly inviting and captivating.

When asked where she came up with the concept for the space Kat explained that her mother owned several flower stores in Germany after the wall came down. "This idea has always been on my mind. I grew up in the flower industry, I grew up practically surrounded by flowers. A florist for almost 18 years myself, I always knew it has to be a flower store cafe and here we are. I love it."

I look forward to visiting Kat and Nathan at Blümen Studio in the future to see what other exciting finds they've brought in. I strongly recommend dropping in to see the space and the unique and tasty treats Kat has to offer along with her stunning floral compositions.

Video: Ma Yansong from MAD

The Chinese architect Ma Yansong from MAD architects at the Universidad Europea de Madrid-Architecture School. Studio Banana TV had the pleasure of interviewing him. Interview realised with the sponsorship of the European University of Madrid.

Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong is recognized as an important voice in a new generation of architects. Since the founding of MAD in 2004, his works in architecture and art have been widely published and exhibited. He graduated from the Beijing Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture. Ma attended Yale University after receiving the American Institute of Architects Scholarship for Advanced Architecture Research in 2001 and holds a masters degree in Architecture from Yale. He has since taught architecture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.

Ma Yansong was awarded the 2006 Architecture League Young Architects Award. In 2008 he was selected as one of the twenty most influential Young Architects today by ICON magazine and Fast Company named him one of the ten most creative people in architecture in 2009. In 2010 he became the first architect from China to receive a RIBA fellowship.
Created by Studio Banana TV

Montreal Quartier des Spectacles

text and images by Pierce Atkinson

While living in Montreal for the last 6 years, I have seen a lot of change and development. Among all of it, "Le Quartier des Spectacles" is a new development that I love! After having opened it's second phase in 2010, the area is currently being used as an outdoor art gallery, a festival venue and a promenade for locals and visitors in the summer months.

The project broke ground in 2008 as part of the city's attempt to bring life back to an area of Montreal that was beginning to be forgotten. The neighbourhood is home to Montreal's Contemporary Art Museum and is surrounded by "Theatre Maisonneuve" and "Salle Wilfred-Pelletier". With such great 'bones' already, the city found it necessary to revive this area of the city with a fresh look and a versatile remodel.

1. The first part of the project added was "Place des Festivals". The public square underwent some serious construction from it's original use as a parking lot and side street. The excavation of 50,000 tonnes of earth was a must to form a gradual slope down to Rue Jeanne-Mance, softening the look and accessibility of the area. Once the parking lot was removed and leveled an underground service room was added for the maintenance of fountains scattered throughout the square. The reconfiguration not only allows but encourages bike use and walking paths. Rue Jeanne-Mance was re-worked from five lanes to three lanes and a new no street parking rule was implemented, eliminating congestion and encouraging pedestrians and bikers. On top of these large scaled reconfigurations "Le Quartier des Spectacles" added what they call two 'Living Showcases' to the 6,141 m² public square. The "Living Showcases" are one story structures located on the sidewalk extension of Rue Jeanne-Mance. These structures are now home to two restaurants in the square. The glass and aluminum used blend with the neighbourhood to make it clear they are part of "Le Quartier des Spectacles". Profits from the rental of the spaces are then put back into cultural events held at the "Place des Festivals"

2. The second part of the project added was "Le Parterre" and the "Promenade des Artistes". A continuation of the "Place des Festivals", "Le Parterre" opened in May of 2010 and is a 3,455 m² extension of the public square mentioned above. Though smaller, the area acts as a second stage during festivals and concerts. The construction involved some major reconfiguration of a main street, de Maisonneuve, and redirecting other smaller streets. Eleven event kiosks were built along both "Le Parterre" and "Promenade des Artistes". These kiosks are convenient removable 9m x 3m x 3m structures equipped with water, electricity and multumedia services. They allow organizers to set up informations, sales and service booths quickly and effeciently. These kiosks can also be used as a showcase for short term or long term artwork. Again the white aluminum and concrete used for these structures repeat throughout the neighbourhood making it clear that these are part of "Le Quartier des Spectacles".

This neighbourhood is fairly active year round but definitely comes alive in the summer. We have amazing Jazz festivals and great Film Festivals held at these venues each year. This was definitely a must in terms of revitilizing the neighbourhood.

Ref: Ville de Montreal - Quartier des Spectacle

Ten Unusual Architectural Hotels

By Lia Schopmeyer

It’s that time of year again, when wedding invitations start arriving at your door, the announcement of dream summer weddings from all your friends (or so it seems) proving that love and happiness is surely plentiful in this world. But for anyone that’s still single, the constant reminders of true love can be exasperating. Time for a holiday? I think so. But why not try something a bit different?

While we often focus on the attraction, activities and foreign customs that come with a traditional holiday there are others out there, myself included, looking for accommodation with a culture of its very own. So, for the like-minded, I’ve tracked down the very best quirky, unusual and downright weird lodgings from across the world. Incredible architecture, clever design, and fun environments will keep you entertained.

10. The Grand Sultanate of Abalì - Palermo, Italy

If you want to experience the mysterious Arabian Nights but also like to tuck in to your prawn linguini, then this hotel is the right place for you. Situated in the beautiful Italian city of Palermo, it’s easy to forget that continental Europe sits right outside. The hotel’s interior design delves into the deepest depths of the Prince of Persia experience, even including a personal Jacuzzi if you choose the Sultan Suite. Colorful and bright, just like a holiday should be.

9. EcoCamp - Patagonia, Chile

Nature lover? Eco-conscious? If the carbon emissions from your flight are weighing heavily on your ethical shoulders, why not make it up by staying in this ultra-cool EcoCamp? Using only 100% renewable resources to power this camp, it stands as a reminder of the nomads who travelled the country and built their shelters using only organic material they found in the surroundings.

8. Jumbo Stay - Stockholm, Sweden

Plane spotters and those more interested in the journey than the goal, this is for you. Why even leave the plane when you can sleep, dine and shower in it? This vintage Jumbo jet has been transformed to welcome not airheads but aerodynamic enthusiasts. These days this plane stays stationary in Stockholm, Sweden and is quite the gimmicky retreat. Unless you suffer from severe cabin fever, this hotel is an experience with more choice than just the chicken or the fish.

7. Les Alicourts Resort Tree Houses - Loire Resort, France

No tree house of horrors here - this romantic retreat is situated in the heart of the beautiful Loire Valley, France. The already picturesque location is transformed by a colony of tree houses that will definitely remind you of the Swiss Family Robinson and their handy monkey butlers.

6. Euro Space Center - Luxemburg, Belgium

Now this is definitely one for the family. While the other retreats focus on tranquility and resting, this space centre accommodation is for people who have their head in the clouds, or stratosphere, perhaps. Futuristic creativity seems to have run out when it comes to the bedrooms, however – they’re much more hostel-esque than five stars, but then this stay is not about lying in bed. Packed with activities, it’s a much more educational getaway than your favorite cartoon character-themed amusement park, which often ends up as a fairy tale rip-off.

5. Dog Bark Park - Idaho, USA

That’s right, no need to rub your eyes in disbelief - this is a Trojan Dog. It may look like a surrender gift from your enemies but really it houses people who have paid to stay inside a dog. Not your usual kennel, this charming little B+B in Cottonwood has only two connected rooms available for overnight guests. For the owners, it’s more about the artwork – they use chainsaws to create canine and other animal carvings which they display and sell in Dog Bark Park. If you were to say they are barking mad, you’d be right. The toilet is housed inside a giant fire hydrant. However, it’s safe to say that for once you will be able to enjoy your stay in the dog house.

 4. Kokopelli’s Cave - New Mexico, USA

Let your primitive caveman and woman instincts out in this remarkable, rocky reservoir. Embedded in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico, USA you’ll find spacious rooms within. Under the hot south-western sun this cool, carved out cave will provide a welcome chill for visitors. The rooms are worked into the 65 million year old sandstone and offer you an amazing view over the Four Corners area.

3. Hôtel de Glace - Quebec, Canada

From sunny New Mexico to the bitter cold icy palace of the Hôtel de Glace - this is not your usual icebox hotel. This one is rebuilt every year with fresh ice and snow which takes about 5 weeks to complete. It is renowned for its artistic and stunning display of frozen water, and certainly not to be mistaken for a series of extravagant conservatories.

2. Jules Undersea Lodge – Florida, USA

This most unusual hotel is probably one of the many discarded business ideas of Jules Verne but it has since become reality under the name Jules Undersea Lodge. Originally built as a research facility in the 1970s it now offers nautical accommodation for people who want to sleep with the fishes. This unusual lodge is situated just off the coast of Florida in Key Largo and is definitely not for the claustrophobic.



1. Kasbah du Toubkal – Imil, Morocco

This breath taking hotel is placed on top of the highest mountain in North Africa - Morocco to be exact, and is not too far away from the markets of Marrakesh. This retreat is not Vertigo friendly but does offer you an outstanding view of the tranquil surroundings. For visitors who want to enjoy the sight but don’t want to stay overnight, this resort can be booked to visit from mere hours to a week.

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So there we have it, the 10 quirkiest accommodations from across the globe. But will it be enough to make you ditch that bucket and spade?

All Photos courtesy of Unusual Hotels of the World

Everything You Need to Know About LEED

Just a couple weeks ago I took and passed the LEED Green Associate exam. In honor of that, here is an info graphic highlighting some of the facts, figures, and accomplishments of the LEED system. 

We want to thank our friends at http://www.turtlemat.co.uk/ who provided this great graphic.