Utilizing Lessons from Traditional Japanese Architecture to Inform Contemporary Sustainable Design

By: Courtney Angen '13

Advising Faculty: N/A

Within my thesis I work to establish a concrete definition for “sustainable architecture” based on the needs of people, societies, and the natural environment. I also explore various architectural methods and building techniques from traditional Japan and how these features work to connect the structure to the natural environment. In addition, I also examine aspects of sustainability that exist within this vernacular architecture and how they maintain the potential to inform contemporary design. Using this evaluation and discussion, I develop principles of design based on traditional techniques that can be used in contemporary sustainable architecture.

This honors thesis may be read in its entirety at Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/envirohp/10/

Related Fields: Environment, Environmental Studies, Goodwin-Niering Center