Ecology for Architects

MSCI-271 Ecology for Architects

A required, three-credit course in the curriculum of the Undergraduate Architecture program at Pratt Institute.

The syllabi of other instructors may differ from what appears on this site.

An ecological context for the built environment

Architects build structures that serve as environments for organisms: human beings. Therefore, it is crucial that architects understand the ways in which organisms interact with the environment and other organisms. This course will investigate topics in Ecology that will enable students to think more broadly about what it means to design living and working spaces.

Course goals

By taking this course, students will...

acquire an "ecological literacy" about how the natural world works
develop an understanding of how scientific methods are used to construct ecological knowledge
become familiar with some of the major ecological challenges facing the Earth today, and the important research which needs to be done to address these concerns
develop a deeper understanding of how human development impacts ecological communities and systems
become familiar with the ecological justification for sustainable practice in building and design

Student learning objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to...

understand and describe the major ideas of natural selection, population and community ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability
describe and debate some of the major ecological issues relating to the current and future human condition, e.g. ecosystem services, agricultural systems, water resources, the management of reserves, and the growth of cities
identify and describe specific ways in which natural or anthropogenic activity might influence terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
describe and assess the ecological impact of the use and development of alternative energy technologies
describe how environmental health may be impacted by toxic materials, and describe what factors contribute to toxicity
address issues of ecological concern using qualitative and quantitative arguments
describe the ecological basis of "green" movements in design and architecture

Course calendar

The calendar below is an example of how the course has been structured in the past. Like most non-studio three-credit classes at Pratt, the course meets for a total of 45 in-class hours— one weekly session of 3 hours for each of 15 weeks.