Aim and introduction of the seminar:
The aim of the seminar is to develop solutions for the increasingly important topic of energy- and climate efficiency in planning and building tasks of the Global South. In other words: ecologically sustainable development, especially in response to climatic change, is the focus of the seminar.
Over centuries, townscape and local building constructions have been adapted to climate conditions. However, globalization and improvements in technology in the 20th century have generated modern demands to the built environment which cannot be satisfied through traditional design solutions. The prize of the modern approaches, however, is high and implies a high increase in energy consumption and an increased dependence on technology and raw materials. Therefore, over the last few years, attention is turning towards climate-sensitive planning and building which take consideration of current and future lifestyles and higher comfort compared to the traditional solutions. The objective of the seminar is to explore alternative solutions for the climate-sensitive building and urban design through means of energy reduction and maximum use of natural resources including sun, daylight and wind.
Issues to be dealt with in the seminar:
- Review of recent research results and practice in energy- and climate efficiency in the urban and building sector of the South
- Principles behind traditional design solutions corresponding to different climatic regions and patterns (location, material, technology, shading, ventilation, water conservation, recycling, green)
- Critical evaluation of recently proposed 'ecological city' designs in respect to their sustainability in terms of long and medium term climate projections, degree of energy self-sufficiency, transport, water and sanitation management, cultural and religious customs
- Brainstorming and developing of new design and construction tools and methods

Structure:
The seminar participants will meet and discuss for two hours every week. Each group will select and analyse a representative building typology and the corresponding settlement structure from a different climate zone. Participants will examine convincing pilot projects that are relevant for the selected climate zone by evaluating their successes, weaknesses, and possible options for development. Eventually they will propose strategies for improvements.
Suggested cities representing different climate zones to be analysed
1. Belém, Brazil (tropical rainforest climate)
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (sub-tropical monsoon climate)
3. Lagos, Nigeria (wet and dry or savannah climate)
4. Khartoum, Sudan (arid climate)
5. Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (semiarid climate)
6. Beijing, China (continental climate)
7. Sanaa, Yemen (tropical highland)

Assignments:
Each group will analyze and discuss the following criteria of one selected city at the micro scale of the house:
• Climate data and building construction responses, urban and building form, technology, material, etc.
• Social analysis of climatic habits and adjustments, demographics, economy, governance, planning and housing policies, income, rent vs. ownership, environment, health, history, religion, rites
Mandatory reading: Amos Rapoport, House, form and culture. Prentice Hall, 1969
Deliverables:
Participants will document and evaluate their observations gained during the seminar in a term paper. They are encouraged to consider scenarios for the future of the construction development in the selected cities and comment on preferable design and building strategies.

The advanced MSc. course in Urban Planning has begun in 2007. All information about the career can be retrieved from the web page 'www.urban-studies.de'

Individual one-week thematic modules may be attended by a limited number of undergraduate students if space is available. For details see the PAR notive board. Time input for each course is one week full time plus weekend (50 Hrs), for wchich 2 ECTS are being awarded.

The same modules may also bee booked and acknowleged for the continious education credits requested by the German chamber of architects (further information through the secretariat, Tel. 06151 163637.