This module introduces sustainable living in urban environments, focusing on reducing environmental impact through strategies like renewable energy, urban farming, and waste repurposing. Students explore sustainability through case studies and propose solutions addressing issues such as climate change, food security, and water management, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learning is supported through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and peer-tutor feedback.
Sustainable Living
Project 1: Sustainable System in a City
This assignment focuses on understanding urban resilience and the definition of sustainable cities, particularly in the context of natural disaster mitigation. Students explore various types of sustainable cities, assess their performance using specific frameworks or theories, and evaluate sustainability from social, economic, and environmental perspectives. The research aims to answer key questions: What makes a city sustainable? Why is urban sustainability important? And how can cities build resilience to natural disasters?
This project aims to
(1) Explain the existing frameworks or planning models of sustainable cities by analyzing economic, social, and environmental aspects, including the four key infrastructures from precedent studies
(2) Demonstrate understanding of sustainable living concepts through a narrated presentation using diagrams, visuals, and well-referenced content
(3) Apply theories and evaluation methods from precedent cities to propose tangible solutions for new contexts
(4) Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines or perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban development.
Infrastructures Comparison between
Curitiba and Rosario
Project 2: Sustainable Future City Ideas: Resilient Future Cities and Reflective Writing
This assignment emphasizes the role of individual and collective actions in shaping the future of cities, highlighting that sustainable urban development depends on how we live, respect the planet, and contribute to positive change. From urban experiments to everyday choices like cycling or gardening, these actions collectively impact city resilience. Resilient cities are those capable of withstanding and recovering from economic, environmental, social, and institutional shocks, while promoting sustainability, well-being, and inclusive growth. Students are expected to understand, illustrate, and transform these ideas into concepts for a sustainable future city, reflecting on the deeper meaning of sustainability beyond its common use.
The objectives of this project are to
(1) illustrate and analyze proposed concepts, principles, and practices for developing a sustainable and disaster-resilient city suitable for future convivial living
(2) reflect on the learning experience gained from the assignments and module, with a focus on how these insights can be applied in future professional practice, particularly in designing cities resilient to natural disasters.
Flood Preparedness Training Module
Conclusion
The Sustainable Living module has expanded my understanding of how architecture can contribute to creating cities that are not only environmentally responsible but also resilient to natural disasters. Through case studies and project work, I explored how sustainable frameworks and strategies, such as renewable energy, urban farming, and disaster preparedness, can be integrated into urban planning to support long-term community well-being. The project challenged me to think critically about the social, economic, and environmental aspects of a city and how they can be strengthened through design. This experience highlighted the importance of small, community-driven actions and thoughtful planning in building future-ready, adaptable cities. It has also helped me see how these concepts are essential for my future professional practice, especially in designing spaces that are both sustainable and disaster-resilient.