Thursday, 3 May 2012

Online Sustainable Design Degrees: Program Overviews


Sustainable design is an environmentally conscious branch of architectural design that is concerned with the comfort & health of building occupants as well as a building's relationship to its natural & human environments. It is a relatively young discipline, but several schools offer online certificates in sustainable design & Master of Architecture degrees with a concentration in the field.

Online Certificate Program in Sustainable Design Overview

Online certificate programs in sustainable design are widely available & offered by several schools. These programs incorporate a curriculum that emphasizes the design & construction of buildings that conserve resources & interact with public spaces in an environmentally sound way. Most schools design these programs for students who already have an undergraduate degree in architecture & for professional architects looking to broaden their outlook on design & planning.

Program Details & Requirements

Typically, online sustainable design certificate programs can be completed within one year, & most schools allow students to complete coursework at their own pace. Although many of these certificate programs can be completed entirely online, some programs also require students to complete an internship at a professional architectural firm & submit final reports to their instructors.
In order to access & work on online course materials, students need to be running an updated browser & operating system. They also need a reliable broadband Internet connection. Some programs require that students use software like Adobe Reader & Adobe Acrobat, in addition to media programs like Windows Media Player or RealPlayer. Some schools may also require students to have an updated copy of architectural design software like AutoCAD.

List of Common Sustainable Design Certificate Courses

Design For Community Course

Students in this course study how design must adapt to accommodate environmental changes in local & global communities. Students critique public spaces from the view of environmentally conscious architects as well as concerned citizens.

Innovation & Sustainability Course

This class investigates different avenues for architectural innovation that can lead to naturally healthy & effectively sustainable designs. As part of the course, students submit creative plans to alter pre-existing structures or construct entirely new buildings that are environmentally sound & promote sustainability.

Sustainability & Business Course

Students learn how to pitch & sell sustainable designs to prospective clients during this course. The curriculum covers the complex relationships between architects & clients, between companies & consumers, & between buildings & the environment.

Opportunities for Continuing Education

Some schools offer master's degree programs in architecture with a focus on sustainable design. A handful of these advanced degree programs are offered as hybrid programs, with coursework that can be completed both online & in a traditional classroom.

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