Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
Course Format
Synchronous Online: Learning occurs online and in real time. These "Live Sessions" take place weekly from 7 pm to 9 pm (CST). In the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session for the particular week you were unable to attend.
Course Prerequisites
- ARCH 5812: Human Centric Design
- ARCH 5822: Foundations of Building Physics and Analysis
- ARCH 5832: Introduction to Building Performance Analysis
- ARCH 5842: Introduction to Research Methods for Analysis
Course Materials
All required materials can be found linked to the individual weekly modules within Canvas. They are also available on the RESOURCES: Course Materials page in the Start Here Module.
Class Introduction
- Organized with 50% for faculty and guest speakers to present and the other 50% for student time to participate with: Discussion Boards, Break Out Sessions, and Q&A sessions.
- After class time, scheduled meetings can occur to discuss class topics in more detail.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The course ARCH 5912: Sustainable Design Case Studies plays a pivotal role in the MS in Sustainable Architecture program by focusing on critical analysis and evaluation skills essential for evidence-based sustainable design. This course aligns closely with the program's intent to equip architects, designers, and other decision-makers with up-to-date expertise in design and construction, emphasizing the use of analytical tools for informed decision-making. The course learning outcomes (CLOs) support all of the program learning outcomes (PLOs) by developing students' abilities to critically assess evidence, arguments, and research methods in sustainable architecture. These skills are fundamental to conducting research, designing and assessing sustainable projects, evaluating financial strategies, understanding environmental and societal impacts, and implementing integrated design approaches within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. By emphasizing the evaluation of evidence, arguments, and research methods, ARCH 5912 prepares students to engage with the complex, data-driven aspects of modern sustainable architecture and design. This approach directly supports the program's goal of producing architects, designers, and other decision-makers who can make evidence-based design decisions and effectively communicate their rationale to clients, addressing the evolving expectations in the field of sustainable architecture.
- Research - Research and evaluate emerging science and methodologies for optimizing building and human performance through the case study method.
- Design, Build, and Assess - Use analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials, and assess the building systems and performance of code-compliant sustainable projects.
- Fund and Manage - Evaluate financing and life cycle cost accounting strategies used in green building initiatives.
- Account for ESG Impacts - Explain how design decisions impact society, systemic issues, and the environment for all communities today and in the future.
- AIA Framework - Demonstrate integrated project design and sustainability within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| CLO | Description | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| A | Evaluating Evidence. Analyze and evaluate different types of evidence, narratives, and motivations, and distinguish reliable sources from less reliable or unreliable sources. | 1 - 5 |
| B | Evaluating Arguments. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of evidence-based arguments, by analyzing sources, motivations, and research methods. | 1 - 5 |
| C | Analyzing Research. Analyze the correlations between different types of research methods and different types of research questions, evidence, and outcomes. | 1 - 5 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Weekly Quizzes |
Multiple-choice quizzes at the start of Weeks 2-7, covering the previous week's material. Each quiz is worth 10 points. | 60 |
| Final Exam | Comprehensive 20-point exam held at the beginning of Week 8, based on content from the previous six weeks' quizzes. | 20 |
| Class Project | Students choose from six project options or propose their own, focusing on various aspects of sustainable architecture. | 20 |
| Extra Credit (2 pts per activity) | Optional assignments available each week, allowing students to earn up to 10 additional points by submitting topic-specific research or ideas related to sustainable architecture. | **10** |
| Total | 100 |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Live Sessions
Live Sessions are a crucial interactive element of this course, designed to synthesize and deepen your understanding of each module's topic. These sessions combine lecture-style presentations with collaborative discussions, providing a dynamic learning environment.
Structure:
- Lecture Component:
- Synthesis of information from assigned readings, class presentations, and guest speakers
- Further exploration and expansion of each module's topic
- Breakout Discussions:
- Small group interactions
- Opportunity to share personal experiences and perspectives related to the topic
- In-depth exploration of practical applications and real-world scenarios
Attendance and Participation: Active attendance and participation in Live Sessions are essential aspects of the course. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to:
- Clarify complex concepts
- Engage in meaningful discussions with peers and instructors
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
- Develop critical thinking and communication skills
By actively participating in these Live Sessions, students will enhance their understanding of sustainable architecture principles and learn to apply them in diverse contexts.
Case Studies
Each week introduces a new case study, exploring different aspects of sustainable design, construction, and renovation.
- Week 1: Renovating structures effectively to reduce carbon footprint and upgrade with energy-efficient solutions.
- Week 2: Understand the various engineering systems that support energy-efficient solutions.
- Week 3: Exposure to several current affordable housing models across the country with their lessons learned.
- Week 4: Design to minimize damage during a natural disaster (hurricane) from the success story at Babcock Ranch.
- Week 5: Designing with water and creating shade from solutions around the world.
- Week 6: Approximately 40 affordable solutions are discussed based on the faculty's most recent book "Affordable Solutions for Climate Change."
- Week 7: Efficiency + Electrification + Demand Flexibility focus on the design process to get to net zero projects, and ideally regenerative.
- Week 8: Interface sustainable solutions, with an emphasis on health, is in their corporate headquarters and the showroom represents one of the highest LEED-rated buildings in the country.
Through these diverse case studies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of practical applications in sustainable architecture, preparing them to implement these strategies in their future projects.
Guest Speakers
This course component enhances the learning experience by featuring industry professionals and experts who join select Live Sessions throughout the term. These guest speakers contribute valuable insights and unique perspectives related to the module's topic, enriching the course content with real-world expertise.
Structure:
- Guest speakers will participate in some of the weekly Live Sessions.
- Their presentations will align with and complement the module's topic for that week.
Student Preparation:
- To ensure engaging and productive discussions, students should submit 1-2 questions for the guest speaker by Sunday at noon before the Live Session.
- The speaker will review these questions in advance, allowing them to prepare thoughtful responses and facilitate meaningful dialogue during the session.
This component allows students to interact with industry leaders, gain current insights into sustainable architecture practices, and expand their professional network.
Discussion Board Posts
The Discussion Board is a crucial interactive element of this course, designed to promote engagement with course materials and peer-to-peer learning. Each week, students will explore a specific topic related to sustainable architecture and its real-world applications.
Structure and Requirements:
- Weekly Topics: Each week focuses on a different aspect of sustainable architecture.
- Initial Post: Students should respond to the weekly prompt by midnight on Sunday before the Monday evening class.
- Peer Interaction: Each student should respond to at least one other student's post.
- Instructor Engagement: The instructor will respond to at least one prompt by 4pm Monday afternoon.
Weekly Topics and Real-World Relevance:
Week 1: Perkins & Will's Atlanta Office
- Importance of upgrading existing buildings
- Embodied carbon reduction through repurposing
Week 2: Engineering Solutions
- Impact of engineering on building design
- Holistic design for energy efficiency
- Importance of staying current with technological advancements
Week 3: Equitable Communities
- Diversity in design processes
- Affordable housing challenges and solutions
Week 4: Ecosystems/Resilience
- Large-scale planning with nature
- Future-proofing built environments against natural disasters
Week 5: Water and Shade
- Water conservation strategies
- Benefits of shade in architectural design
Week 6: Economy
- Cost-effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gases
- Importance of up-to-date data in decision-making
Week 7: Energy - Design for Solar and EVs
- Global push for electrification
- Integration of EV charging infrastructure
Week 8: Well-Being
- Impact of built environment on health
- Promoting healthier building solutions
Through these discussions, students will develop critical thinking skills, gain insights into current industry challenges, and learn to apply sustainable architecture principles in various contexts.
Class Project
The Class Project is a significant component of this course, designed to allow students to apply their knowledge of sustainable architecture to a specific area of interest. This project encourages in-depth exploration of critical issues in the field and the development of practical solutions.
Project Options: Students may choose one of the following projects or propose their own:
- Ideas for Affordable Housing - Develop strategies for affordable and low-income housing, focusing on phased upgrades to achieve net-zero status by 2050.
- Solutions for Assembly and Disassembly - Research and compile global solutions for constructing buildings that can be easily assembled and disassembled, reducing carbon footprint.
- Building Code and Planning Regulation Improvements - Propose at least ten ideas to enhance building codes and planning regulations, considering factors such as safety, health, operational savings, and initial costs.
- Residential Net-Zero Transition Plan - Create payback charts illustrating the process of transitioning an existing residential home to net-zero status, considering available funds and government incentives.
- Commercial Building Net-Zero Transition Plan - Develop a strategic plan with economic data for transitioning existing commercial buildings to energy-efficient and sustainable structures.
- Custom Project - Students may propose their own project, following the structure of the provided options and focusing on opportunities for improvement in the built environment.
This project allows students to demonstrate their understanding of sustainable architecture principles and their ability to apply these concepts to real-world challenges in the field.
Quizzes
Weekly quizzes are an integral part of this course, designed to assess students' understanding of the material covered in the previous week's session. These quizzes reinforce key concepts and ensure ongoing engagement with course content.
Quiz Structure:
- Format: Multiple choice questions
- Frequency: Weeks 2-7, at the beginning of each class
- Value: 10 points per quiz (60 points total possible)
Quiz Topics by Week:
- Week 2: Perkins & Will Atlanta office renovation and design; assemble and disassemble solutions
- Week 3: Engineering solutions
- Week 4: Affordable housing and designing JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) solutions
- Week 5: Babcock Ranch and its resilience during Hurricane Ian
- Week 6: Water and Shade design strategies
- Week 7: Ideas from "Affordable Solutions for Climate Change"
These quizzes serve as a regular check-in on student comprehension and retention of important sustainable architecture concepts discussed throughout the course. They also help prepare students for more in-depth discussions and applications of these topics in subsequent sessions.
Final Exam
The Final Exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate students' overall understanding of the course material covered throughout the term.
Exam Details:
- Value: 20 points
- Timing: Beginning of Week 8 class session
- Format: Similar to weekly quizzes (multiple choice)
Content: The exam will be based on the material covered in the quizzes from Weeks 2-7, encompassing all major topics discussed in the course, including:
- Sustainable renovation and design
- Engineering solutions for sustainability
- Affordable and equitable housing solutions
- Resilient design strategies
- Water management and shade design
- Affordable climate change solutions
This final assessment serves as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of sustainable architecture principles and practices covered throughout the course.
Extra Credit
Extra credit opportunities are available throughout the course, allowing students to deepen their understanding of sustainable architecture while potentially improving their overall grade. These assignments are designed to add value to both the individual student and the entire class.
Structure:
Course Policies
Communication
If you need to contact me, please e-mail me directly at danwatch@ou.edu. Canvas messaging is unreliable, please only use OU email for communication with me. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours, 48 hours max. Please note that work-life balance is very important to me, and I make an effort to avoid checking e-mail on the weekends if at all possible.
How will we address each other? Dan works just fine for me, or Mr. Watch. If you go by a name other than the one listed in Canvas, please tell me how you prefer to be addressed. Additionally, if I mispronounce your name, do not hesitate to correct me. Respecting another's preferred pronouns, titles, and pronunciations is an easy way to show respect to your colleagues and is something I take very seriously.
Feedback
Assignments will be graded within one week of submission. If you would like a deeper dive into any feedback or grade you receive, I am happy to set up individual Zoom meetings to discuss further. Email or text me your preferred day and time.
Late Policy
Late work will be accepted with a grade penalty as specified in the assignment rubrics. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Extensions must be arranged prior to the deadline. Late submissions will incur a 10% grade reduction per day, and assignments submitted 3 or more days late will receive zero points. Any extensions of assignment due dates due to university-excused absences or for personal reasons (sickness, family emergency, etc.) must be arranged prior to the assigned due date.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Errata and Changes
Errors and omissions to this syllabus or class presentations will be revised as observed and do not constitute incomplete or late work from students. Students are responsible for bringing the professor’s attention to any and all possible errata they encounter. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and content based on course pacing and current events that may be relevant to the material.
Additional Resources
If you need additional support or guidance in navigating Canvas, please visit the Sustainable Architecture Student Orientation Course for helpful tutorials, tips, and resources to enhance your experience with our learning management system.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|