A new Music and Science complex was added to the Hood River Middle School in 2010, earning LEED Platinum certification. Through a series of interviews with the school faculty and the design team, we explore the creation of a net-zero-energy building that complements the children’s studies of the balance of nature. Learn...

A century ago, everyone could look up and see a spectacular starry night sky. Now, millions of people across the planet will never experience the majestic night sky where they live. The widespread use of artificial light at night is not only impairing our view of the universe, it negatively affects our environment, our s...

Embodied carbon is the hidden impact embedded within construction materials and products and contributes significantly to our carbon footprint. By understanding the implications of your specification decisions, you possess the key to not only reducing embodied carbon, but also creating resilient and environmentally consc...

Is Phoenix on the brink of a desert apocalypse, where relentless heat, dwindling water supplies, and raging wildfires could transform this vibrant city into an uninhabitable wasteland? Explore the critical intersection of climate change, urban design, and sustainability in this course focused on the future of desert metr...

In a world of escalating environmental crises and competing priorities, where does a design professional find the clarity and courage to champion truly sustainable solutions? The answer might be 2,300 years old. This course bridges ancient Stoic philosophy with contemporary sustainable design practice, offering a powerfu...

Our planet is facing significant environmental challenges. There are over 7 billion people on our planet vying for limited resources. Our oceans are overfished, polluted with toxic chemicals, plastic, and sewage. Our forests have been clearcut for timber, mining, and livestock purposes. We are living in the 6th mass exti...

Our planet is facing significant environmental challenges. There are over 7 billion people on our planet vying for limited resources. Our oceans are overfished, polluted with toxic chemicals, plastic, and sewage. Our forests have been clearcut for timber, mining, and livestock purposes. We are living in the 6th mass exti...

Stormwater runoff in urban areas is one of the leading sources of water pollution in the United States. As the runoff flows over the land, paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, it accumulates chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that can adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreate...