ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN IN PRACTICE LECTURE SERIES

Architectural Association Technical Studies,TS2

The series of eight lectures titled ‘Environmental Design in Practice’ given as an optional Technical Studies course to 2nd year students concluded for the year. The course aimed to provide students with an intuitive grasp of the underlying principles of environmental design, and the creative opportunities these present in terms of architectural form, materiality, and expression. A key aim of the course was to enthuse and inspire students that environmental concerns can be a generating, rather than a limiting factor in architectural design. Prospectus can be read here. Feed-back from the students was very positive.

ULLSWATER SAILING CLUB

February 16, 2011

A-Zero has submitted a proposal for the proposed Ullswater Sailing Club in the Lake District. This RIBA competition entry, designed to provide a new club house for Ullswater Sailing Club, explores ways in the flood waters could become an architectural opportunity rather than an operational threat. Designed as a partially floating structure, the building is organised around a central timber spine, which stretches out to the water and in to the heart of the site. The differences in form and materiality between the two buildings adjacent to this spine reflect the differing functional and environmental requirements of each in terms of day-lighting, and the potential for integration of solar thermal for hot water generation.

INTEGRATED DESIGN – NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY

February 16, 2011

Giles gave four workshops to in the School of the Built Environment, Nottingham to the 3rd year students focusing on the role of environmental design in studio work. Over the course of four weeks, 160 students were introduced to various methodologies for developing architectural solutions with respect to specific climates in terms of operational performance.