40 430 Principles of Green Architecture and Design (Spring 2027)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
6
Responsible department:
Institutt for arkitektur
Course Leader:
Peder Anker
Lecture Semester:
Spring
Teaching language:
English
Study level:
Second degree level
Duration:
½ year
Reading list (Leganto)

Admission requirements

Students must have passed foundation level courses (BA-level) at AHO or equivalent, 180 ECTS.

The course is connected to the following study programs

Course description

The course explores how architecture and design have responded to environmental challenges and how they might contribute to a more sustainable future. Beginning with turn-of-the-century ideas about nature, primitivism, and colonialism, and ending with contemporary experiments in ecological architecture and digital environments, the course examines the evolving relationship between buildings, landscapes, and living systems. Particular attention will be given to Norwegian traditions of friluftsliv (outdoor life), deep ecology, vernacular architecture, and the cultural significance and architectural evolution of cabins, from traditional mountain shelters to contemporary eco-cabins. Following the work of architects, artists, philosophers, and designers, we will investigate the history of green architecture and the possibilities of designing with, rather than against, nature. Topics include ecological modernism, Arne Næss's environmental philosophy, countercultural architecture, closed ecological systems, passive climate design, sick building syndrome, biomimetics, green technologies, and multispecies design. The course will also examine tensions between Norway's environmental ideals and its petroleum economy. The overall objective is twofold: to understand the historical and philosophical foundations of green architecture and to explore innovative responses to climate change and biodiversity loss.

Learning Outcome

At the conclusion of the course the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of green architecture, its history, and environmental philosophies.
  • Evaluate ecological design practices and their responses to environmental challenges.
  • Examine Norwegian traditions of deep ecology, friluftsliv, and cabin architecture.
  • Apply ecological principles to contemporary architectural design.
  • Develop original, environmentally responsible design proposals addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Teaching

Students will design an individual environmental project to be submitted by the end of the semester. There will be weekly follow ups and class discussions about the project.

We will have weekly online meetings and an intense workshop week March 15-19. Online lectures will be in the evenings.

Mandatory attendance at all online lectures and class discussions. Students who miss class must watch a recording and submit a review to catch up. Mandatory attendance during our studio week, March 15-19.

Examination

Assessment method: Project

Grouping: Individual

Grading scale: Pass/fail

Students will develop an original ecological design project of professional quality that it is suitable for presentation to a prospective client.

n order to be assessed in this course, the student must have completed the following activities and assignments:

At the end of the semester, students must present a substantial, original project in architecture, landscape architecture, or design that engages with the course’s central themes. The project should be developed to a level of detail and professionalism suitable for presentation to a prospective client. It must be created specifically for this course; overlap with work from other courses or reuse of previously presented material is not permitted.

All aids permitted including the use of AI

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 10, 2026 10:36:26 AM