Group studies developed to meet specific needs of students.

Green building and urbanism have seen huge advances over the last thirty years, yet the climate is reaching a point where we will all experience catastrophic and irreversible changes to the health of our planet within this decade. Considering the rate of change required to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis and other global socio-environmental challenges, our progress can no longer be incremental. The Living Future framework, created by the International Living Future Institute, radically transforms the paradigm of design from one of doing less harm to one of actively doing good for the world. This solutions-based course will use the seven petals of the Living Building Challenge and the Living Community Challenge as a guide to envision a future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. We will discuss bold methods for going beyond sustainability, looking at topics such as urban agriculture, net-positive design, healthy and happy neighborhoods, universal inclusion, and biophilia. With a climate justice lens, we will also emphasize case studies of regenerative design beyond the Global North. Within this decade, humanity must reshape its relationship with nature and realign its ecological footprint to be within the planet’s carrying capacity. This course is an act of optimism and believes that with the right wisdom and tools in the hands of passionate, sensitive individuals, a revolutionary transformation is possible.

Class dates: January 30 - April 17

Website link: https://shac.studentorg.berkeley.edu/decal/

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