Architecture · ARCH 342
Introduction to Green Buildings
An introduction to the theory and application of climate, energy use and comfort in shaping architectural form for small-scale buildings. The first eight weeks focus on sustainable design principles, including basic physics, human comfort, climate-specific strategies, solar geometry, and passive and active solar design. The second eight weeks cover sun shading, site design, lighting, envelope design, heat transfer, mechanical systems and acoustics. The course builds knowledge for design classes such as ARCH 332 and ARCH 334, and applies to Cal Poly’s ARCH 207 Environmental Controls I.
What you’ll learn
Learning outcomes
- SLO 01
Express the ethical, social and environmental value of energy-conscious design.
- SLO 02
Identify and articulate issues related to the choice of various building systems, ideate responsive solutions, and compare alternatives to make effective, sustainable selections.
- SLO 03
Demonstrate independent learning, knowledge of teamwork principles and continuing-education habits that encourage a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Course content
What we’ll cover
+ 4 more topics covered in class.
“Building sustainably is not a choice; it is a responsibility. We must create architecture that serves the people and the planet.”Francis Kéré, Professor of Architectural Design and Participation, Technical University of Munich
Together
Student expectations
- Don’t fall behind: a new topic is covered every week.
- Post every week in the discussions and thoughtfully engage with your classmates’ posts; posts earn credit within one week.
- Keep posts courteous and college-level: if you wouldn’t say it in class, don’t say it online.
- Late assignments lose 10% without a documented excuse, but they will be accepted.
- If you have a medical, family or other emergency, contact Professor Abdullateef in a timely manner.
- Your work must be entirely your own, not generated by others or by ChatGPT or any other AI tool.
- Professor Abdullateef checks email daily; on weekends a reply may take a day or two.
The studio list
News, openings & first access
For students, alumni and anyone who loves architecture: news from Ali’s classes, events, job and internship openings, and first access to the shop and tutorials.