Bioclimatic design as the core of Environment Programmes

Abstract

There is a recognised need for an integrated approach to new professional challenges of sustainability, and for coordination of all environment-related subjects within the curriculum of The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Architecture and Planning. The new Environment Programmes developed during 1993 and started in 1994 will offer courses on the theory and practice of sustainable urban and architectural design, with an emphasis on bioclimatic urban and architectural design. In addition, the Programme will engage in research on the development of environment-responsive, regional approaches to urbanism and architecture in different parts of Australia, The Pacific region and throughout the world, implementing research results with practical design work. This paper presents: (i) the curriculum itself; (ii) the basic organisational and educational principles and ideas behind the course; (iii) its parallel programmes based on interdisciplinary and international collaboration, and (iv) describes an attitude to educate architects capable to contribute to the generation of a specific, environmentally generated regionalism in future Australian architecture. The Energy and Environmental Programme's curriculum was fully defined in December 1993, and gradually introduced during 1994. The first full undergraduate cycle started in 1995.