Sustainability 2016, 8(3), 290; doi:10.3390/su8030290
A Comparative Study on Sustainability in Architectural Education in Asia—With a Focus on Professional Degree Curricula
1
Department of Architecture, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02481, Korea
2
School of Architecture, Hongik University, 94 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04066, Korea
3
Department of Architecture, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon 22212, Korea
4
Department of Architecture, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Korea
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editor: Thorsten Schuetze
Received: 30 November 2015 / Revised: 9 March 2016 / Accepted: 15 March 2016 / Published: 22 March 2016
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards True Smart and Green Cities?)
Abstract
Architectural education is a key factor in the re-thinking of the whole industry toward a system of more sustainable buildings and cities. Asia is the continent with the highest population growth and the fastest urbanization rate on earth. It is necessary to educate professionals with a well-balanced and integrated knowledge of local issues and global standards. This paper focuses on education for sustainable architecture in Asian countries. This is an exploratory study, analyzing the curricula of 20 selected influential schools in 11 countries. Sustainability-related courses are identified, classified and summarized in qualitative tables (course matrix) and in quantitative graphs. The analysis helps to identify trends and regional or individual uniqueness. The results show that sustainability education is organized in very diverse ways, according to contents, intensity and sequence. The percentages of sustainable courses range from less than 5% to 25%. Technology-related courses are the most numerous and homogeneous. Sustainability design studios show the greatest variation, from zero to almost 100%. General theory courses help in dealing with sustainability issues through traditional and vernacular philosophies, technologies and strategies that are very adequate to their geographical and cultural settings. View Full-TextKeywords:
architectural sustainable curriculum; professional degree in architecture; locality; local urban cultures; Asian countries
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Porras Álvarez, S.; Lee, K.; Park, J.; Rieh, S.-Y. A Comparative Study on Sustainability in Architectural Education in Asia—With a Focus on Professional Degree Curricula. Sustainability 2016, 8, 290.
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