A Comparative Study on Sustainability in Architectural Education in Asia—With a Focus on Professional Degree Curricula

Santiago Porras Álvarez,Jiyoung Park,Sun-Young Rieh,Kyungsun Lee

doi:10.3390/su8030290

Santiago Porras Álvarez, Jiyoung Park + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su8030290

Copy DOI

Abstract

Architectural education is a key factor in the re-thinking of the whole industry toward a system of more sustainable buildings and cities. Asia is the continent with the highest population growth and the fastest urbanization rate on earth. It is necessary to educate professionals with a well-balanced and integrated knowledge of local issues and global standards. This paper focuses on education for sustainable architecture in Asian countries. This is an exploratory study, analyzing the curricula of 20 selected influential schools in 11 countries. Sustainability-related courses are identified, classified and summarized in qualitative tables (course matrix) and in quantitative graphs. The analysis helps to identify trends and regional or individual uniqueness. The results show that sustainability education is organized in very diverse ways, according to contents, intensity and sequence. The percentages of sustainable courses range from less than 5% to 25%. Technology-related courses are the most numerous and homogeneous. Sustainability design studios show the greatest variation, from zero to almost 100%. General theory courses help in dealing with sustainability issues through traditional and vernacular philosophies, technologies and strategies that are very adequate to their geographical and cultural settings.

Highlights

Altomonte et al in the publication EDUCATE, State of the Art Academic Curricula and Conditions for Registration, carried out the most extensive survey we have found, centered on the implementation of sustainable education in the European schools after the Bologna unification process [17]
Once the schools are selected, their curricula are studied from two perspectives, qualitative and quantitative
RRaattiioo ooff rreeqquuiirreedd ssuussttaaiinnaabbiilliittyy ccrreeddiittss ttoo ttoottaall ggrraadduuaattiioonn ccrreeddiittss. From this perspective we find Chulalongkorn University (CU) is the clear champion in sustainability related courses, with nearlFyro2m5%thoifstpheertsopteacl,ticvleosweleyfifnodlloCwUedisbtyheCcHleUarKcahnadmUpi‐oTnokinyosuwstiathin2a0b%ili,taynrdelSaKteKdUcoaunrdseUs,OwSitihn nKeoarrelay s2l5ig%htolfytbheehtiontda.l,TchloesesmlyaflolellsotwperodpboyrtCioHnUapKpaenadrsUin-Ttohkryeeo owfitthhe20C%hi,naensde SscKhKooUlsa,nbdotUhOTSHiUn KanodreSaEsUligbhetliyngbeuhnindder

Summary

Introduction

Asia is the largest and most populated continent on Earth, showing the highest growth rates in terms of population and urbanization. After World War II the independence of the old colonies marked the start of a rapid economic development and urbanization movement. This continued process of rapid development threatens the continent’s resources, habitats, and ecological–biological variety [2]. Rapid urban growth, traffic and infrastructure network inconsistency, and pollution have caused health and social cohesion problems [3]. Asia is a diverse continent in terms of geographic characteristics and natural resources, and its development and urbanization trends are changing, depending on country and region [1]. Tech.) Acoustic & Lighting Acoustic Air & Water Building Services Climate Disaster Resistant Energy Efficient BT_E (HS)

Objectives

Methods

Results