How can architects integrate the topic of cohabitation and biodiversity into the design process? As an interdisciplinary discipline, architecture plays a key role in promoting biodiversity in urban areas. In this seminar, promising leverages and fields of action will be explored and discussed in order to create ecologically rich and networked living spaces of high-quality.
Learning objective
– Knowledge of relevant topics and discourses in the growing transdisciplinary field of architecture and biodiversity – Definition of personal leverages and fields of action to promote cohabitation and biodiversity as an architect – Critical and reflective analysis of various existing examples – Analysing and developing relevant parameters based on a case study
Content
Biodiversity forms the indispensable basis of our lives. However, in Switzerland, its quality, quantity and connectivity are rapidly declining. The country is particularly hard hit by climate change. Almost half of all habitats and more than a third of all species are threatened (Biodiversity in Switzerland analysis report, FOEN 2023). Urban areas play a central role in this context. The built environment in Switzerland has almost doubled since the 1970s, putting enormous pressure on ecosystems.
In this context: how can integrative construction projects of the future be designed with a high ecological quality and a high quality of life - both for humans and other living beings? In this seminar, we will look at the notions, issues and actors involved in questions of biodiversity in the urban area of the city of Zurich from an architectural perspective. Theory and practice in the field of architecture and biodiversity will be linked through a variety of guest contributions from experts and on the basis of a case study and several field trips. The individual research and findings are summarized in the form of a visual project documentation and will be presented at a final event.
Prerequisites / Notice
The number of places is limited. Interested students are requested to send a short motivation letter by e-mail by September 17.
The primary language of the course is German. However english language skills are required as some texts and content will be available in english.
Classroom teaching takes place on a total of seven dates, including 2x2 and 5x4 lessons each. Individual events are organised as excursions in the city of Zurich and will not take place at ETH. The costs incurred (public transport tickets) will not be covered.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
fostered
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
fostered
Decision-making
fostered
Social Competencies
Communication
fostered
Cooperation and Teamwork
fostered
Personal Competencies
Creative Thinking
fostered
Critical Thinking
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course