SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Center for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) In Architecture

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN [ARC 1413]/[BLD 60203]

________________________________________________________________________

Project: Nature & Us

Marks: 40% (Group & Individual)
Duration: 6 weeks
Submission and Poster Exhibition date: 5 June 2015

Introduction
Environmental issues have become a great concern for mankind at present time as these issues are affecting
and will affect earth and us badly. As such, there are quite a number of environmentalists or movement either
government or non-governmental trying and fight the injustice human commit towards earth.
As part of that initiative this project intends to encourage the architecture students to do their part by producing a
journal that reflects these concerns and to part of the change for a better world with their creative thoughts.
Objective of Assignment

To increase awareness of current environmental issues locally and globally

To explore the local and global context of growth and therefore realizing the relationship between growth and
its impact on the environment.

Learning Outcomes

Recognize the effect of growth on the environment (nature and environment)

Explore the concept of environmental and ecological sustainability
Exemplify creativity in attempting to explore the current environmental circumstances
Recognize role and responsibility of an architect towards environment and society

Tasks
Each of you will work closely with your team members to produce outcomes as below based on your site visit
and knowledge.
(1) Reflective & research essay based on an environmental topic selected from your text book and interest
(2) A2 size Environmental Poster
The reflective essay and environmental poster will be a based on your observation and interpretation of specific
environmental concerns from the site visit. The essay CAN or MUST be accompanied by original photographs.
You are also required to include APA referencing at the end of the report.
(1) Reflective and Research Essay:
You will be exploring and writing on current environmental issues relating it to the people and built
environment. As this essay is built upon personal experience, knowledge and research you have the
liberty of being as creative as necessary. At the same time, do not let a focus on creativity take
precedence over the important task of proving to your reader how you have grown to understand the
fine balance between nature and us.
Guideline to write a reflective essay:
Introduction
Does not need to be longer than one paragraph in length. When writing an introduction,
present the purpose of your reflection without giving your reader too much detail about the
body of your essay.
Think of the introduction as a brief preview to the rest of your reflection.
Body
Detail your understanding of global and local environmental issues and appreciation of nature.
Issues researched supported by sufficient recent data (not older than 7 years)
Appropriate visuals
Conclusion
In the conclusion of the essay, you should demonstrate to the reader of the understanding that
you have gained by providing suggestion or recommendation of how the built environment and
designer should or can respond to this issues.
2) Nature and Us Environmental Poster
You are to produce an A2 size colored poster suitable for exhibition on creating environmental
awareness in general public. Ides, images and content for your poster should be able to be
linked to your exploration on the environmental issues and reflection. Poster must have
information, data and graphics. Poster MUST be creative, original and have strong
environmental message.

Submission Requirement
Requirements
Hardcopy submission: A4 copy of the reflective essay 8-10 pages, single spacing, Font: Arial, Size:11 )
Only 1 A2 size environmental colour poster highlighting the issues you have explored. You are highly
encouraged to use digital media to produce your poster.
Digital copy of your environmental poster must be posted on to SABD FB on the same date of
submission. Your poster is expected to communicate the environmental concerns PROFESSIONALLY
to campus community.

Assessment criteria
Quality of work shall be assessed on the following criteria, in no particular order:
creativity
originality
strength of environmental and conservation messages
professionalism
format & completeness
Marking criteria
Criteria
(1) Nature & Us : Poster
Creativity
Originality
Strength of environmental messages
Professionalism
(2)
Essay
Originality
Richness of content: exploring, relating and explaining issues and experiences.
Referencing (proper use of any relevant information and data)
Total

Marks
20%
3%
5%
10%
2%
20%
5%
15%
5
40%

References
1. Enger and Smith. 2000. Environmental Science: A Study on Interrelationships
2. G. Tyler Miller Jr. 2003. Environmental Science: Working with the Earth. Wadsworth Group,
Brooks/Cole
3. W.McDonough.2000.The Hannover Principles Design for Sustainability. William McDonough Architects.
4. Works of David Attenborough: http://www.youtube.com/channel/HCsfakaoZeYms
5. BBC link to short documentary: http://www.davidattenborough.co.uk/