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Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
and
Catherine Murphy
This course takes a wide-lens view of the role of materials decisions in circular design and the promotion of a healthier world. You find out how to execute a healthier project. You learn why healthier materials matter to the entire project team and the importance of communication between teams. You look at circularity, embodied carbon reduction, and the evolution of the built environment. You examine the role designers play in executing a healthier project, from construction to installation to use, and its significance in the context of cities. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
Read more
This course takes a wide-lens view of the role of materials decisions in circular design and the promotion of a healthier world. You find out how to execute a healthier project. You learn why healthier materials matter to the entire project team and the importance of communication between teams. You look at circularity, embodied carbon reduction, and the evolution of the built environment. You examine the role designers play in executing a healthier project, from construction to installation to use, and its significance in the context of cities. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
Read more
This course takes a wide-lens view of the role of materials decisions in circular design and the promotion of a healthier world. You find out how to execute a healthier project. You learn why healthier materials matter to the entire project team and the importance of communication between teams. You look at circularity, embodied carbon reduction, and the evolution of the built environment. You examine the role designers play in executing a healthier project, from construction to installation to use, and its significance in the context of cities. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
• Analyze the role of contractors, subcontractors, and material procurement in the execution of a healthier project
• Discuss the relationship between circular design and design innovation
• Examine the capacity of material systems to contribute to a circular, low-carbon, regenerative, and equitable world
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/4hev0o/sustainable
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What's inside
Syllabus
From Blueprint to Building
Welcome to From Blueprint to Building. This week, we'll examine how to take a project from the blueprint (or design plan, often refered to as a 'construction document' in this course) to the completed project. We'll learn how specific materials impact the overall health of the project and what that means for the construction team. We will explore the material specification, procurement, and handling processes. By the end of this week, you will know how to implement protective measures throughout the lifecycle of a project. Let's get started!
Read more
Syllabus
From Blueprint to Building
Welcome to From Blueprint to Building. This week, we'll examine how to take a project from the blueprint (or design plan, often refered to as a 'construction document' in this course) to the completed project. We'll learn how specific materials impact the overall health of the project and what that means for the construction team. We will explore the material specification, procurement, and handling processes. By the end of this week, you will know how to implement protective measures throughout the lifecycle of a project. Let's get started!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Targeted for industry specialists and professionals in design, architecture, contracting, and related fields seeking to enhance their understanding of healthier project execution
Instructed by Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP, and Catherine Murphy, recognized building design specialists and educators
Provides a comprehensive examination of the role of material decisions in circular design
Places an emphasis on the importance of communication and collaboration between project stakeholders
Emphasizes the importance of minimizing embodied carbon footprint during project execution
Course may require industry-specific background knowledge for optimal comprehension
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Reviews summary
Sustainable construction for circular economy professionals
According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and comprehensive overview of sustainable construction in a circular economy. Students particularly value its focus on practical application of materials decisions and strategies for reducing embodied carbon. The content is praised for providing actionable insights into material specification, procurement, and fostering client buy-in for healthier projects. While it offers a strong understanding of circularity and regenerative cities, it is specifically designed for leadership-level professionals, and absolute beginners might find its fast pace and assumed prior knowledge a potential challenge.
Best suited for experienced industry professionals.
"As a seasoned professional, I found the pace and content appropriate for my existing knowledge base."
"I think it's important to have prior industry experience to fully grasp the nuances and implications discussed."
"Newcomers to the field might find some topics less foundational and might struggle without context."
Well-structured content and engaging delivery.
"The modules were well-organized, making complex topics digestible and easy to follow."
"I appreciated the clear explanations and relevant examples provided throughout the lectures."
"The course felt up-to-date with current industry thinking on sustainability and circularity."
Equips learners with actionable strategies for implementation.
"I learned practical strategies for client buy-in and knowledge sharing, which are crucial for real projects."
"The course provided valuable insights on material procurement and handling processes I can apply directly."
"I can immediately apply the concepts on reducing embodied carbon in my projects, which is a major goal."
Provides a broad yet insightful look into circular design.
"I appreciated the wide-lens view of materials and circularity in the built environment, connecting many dots."
"The course covers key concepts from 'blueprint to building' with practical considerations."
"I gained a strong understanding of how to implement healthier projects throughout their lifecycle."
Highly pertinent for design and construction professionals.
"This course offered a vital perspective on sustainable practices relevant to my architecture career."
"I found the focus on material decisions in a circular economy incredibly useful for my work."
"It's truly for leadership-level professionals looking to update their skills and strategic thinking."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy with these
activities:
Review basic principles of sustainable design
Show steps
Strengthen understanding of fundamental sustainability concepts, enhancing comprehension of course material.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Review textbooks and articles on sustainable design.
-
Attend online lectures or workshops on the topic.
Complete class exercises for a refresher of health practices
Show steps
This course is heavily based on previous knowledge of health practices, so coming in to the course with a good grasp on the core principles will make for a more productive and engaging learning process.
Show steps
-
Gather materials for the exercises.
-
Read through the instructions for each exercise.
-
Complete at least two exercises in their entirety.
Explore online tutorials for eco-friendly design
Show steps
You may want to get a jump-start on learning more about eco-friendly design to help you gain a deeper understanding of this course's core principles.
Show steps
-
Identify an online tutorial on eco-friendly design.
-
Follow the instructions in the tutorial, taking notes as you go.
-
Practice the techniques you learned in the tutorial.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Organize and review course notes, assignments, and resources
Show steps
Establish a structured approach to studying and facilitate effective knowledge retention.
Show steps
-
Consolidate notes, assignments, and other materials into a central repository.
-
Review and summarize key concepts covered in the course.
Complete online quizzes on material selection
Show steps
Try completing online quizzes on material selection to refresh your memory and strengthen your understanding of the topic.
Show steps
-
Find an online quiz on material selection.
-
Take the quiz.
-
Review your results.
Learn about the principles of circular design
Show steps
Solidify understanding of circular design and its importance in healthier projects.
Browse courses on
Circular Design
Show steps
-
Watch online tutorials and videos that explain the concepts of circular design.
-
Read articles and case studies on how circular design principles have been applied in real-world projects.
Discuss and critique design solutions from a circularity perspective
Show steps
Foster critical thinking and enhance understanding of how circularity can be incorporated into design.
Browse courses on
Circular Design
Show steps
-
Form a peer group with other students in the course.
-
Select a design solution from the course materials.
-
Analyze the solution using the principles of circular design.
-
Share your critique and engage in discussions with your peer group.
Develop a marketing campaign for a product that promotes healthier materials
Show steps
Enhance practical skills in promoting sustainable products and contribute to the adoption of healthier materials.
Browse courses on
Marketing
Show steps
-
Identify the target audience for the campaign.
-
Research and develop a marketing strategy.
-
Create compelling marketing materials.
-
Implement the marketing campaign across multiple channels.
-
Monitor and evaluate the results of the campaign.
Contribute to an open-source platform focused on sustainable building materials
Show steps
Gain practical experience in contributing to a community dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in the industry.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source platform focused on sustainable building materials.
-
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the platform.
-
Engage with the community and provide feedback on the platform's development.
Design and construct a small-scale structure using circular design principles
Show steps
Apply theoretical knowledge into a tangible project, reinforcing principles of circularity and sustainable design.
Browse courses on
Circular Design
Show steps
-
Develop a design concept based on circular design principles.
-
Source and select materials that align with circularity goals.
-
Construct the structure using sustainable building practices.
-
Monitor and evaluate the performance of the structure.
Review basic principles of sustainable design
Show steps
Strengthen understanding of fundamental sustainability concepts, enhancing comprehension of course material.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review textbooks and articles on sustainable design.
- Attend online lectures or workshops on the topic.
Complete class exercises for a refresher of health practices
Show steps
This course is heavily based on previous knowledge of health practices, so coming in to the course with a good grasp on the core principles will make for a more productive and engaging learning process.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather materials for the exercises.
- Read through the instructions for each exercise.
- Complete at least two exercises in their entirety.
Explore online tutorials for eco-friendly design
Show steps
You may want to get a jump-start on learning more about eco-friendly design to help you gain a deeper understanding of this course's core principles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an online tutorial on eco-friendly design.
- Follow the instructions in the tutorial, taking notes as you go.
- Practice the techniques you learned in the tutorial.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Organize and review course notes, assignments, and resources
Show steps
Establish a structured approach to studying and facilitate effective knowledge retention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Consolidate notes, assignments, and other materials into a central repository.
- Review and summarize key concepts covered in the course.
Complete online quizzes on material selection
Show steps
Try completing online quizzes on material selection to refresh your memory and strengthen your understanding of the topic.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an online quiz on material selection.
- Take the quiz.
- Review your results.
Learn about the principles of circular design
Show steps
Solidify understanding of circular design and its importance in healthier projects.
Browse courses on
Circular Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch online tutorials and videos that explain the concepts of circular design.
- Read articles and case studies on how circular design principles have been applied in real-world projects.
Discuss and critique design solutions from a circularity perspective
Show steps
Foster critical thinking and enhance understanding of how circularity can be incorporated into design.
Browse courses on
Circular Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a peer group with other students in the course.
- Select a design solution from the course materials.
- Analyze the solution using the principles of circular design.
- Share your critique and engage in discussions with your peer group.
Develop a marketing campaign for a product that promotes healthier materials
Show steps
Enhance practical skills in promoting sustainable products and contribute to the adoption of healthier materials.
Browse courses on
Marketing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the target audience for the campaign.
- Research and develop a marketing strategy.
- Create compelling marketing materials.
- Implement the marketing campaign across multiple channels.
- Monitor and evaluate the results of the campaign.
Contribute to an open-source platform focused on sustainable building materials
Show steps
Gain practical experience in contributing to a community dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in the industry.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source platform focused on sustainable building materials.
- Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the platform.
- Engage with the community and provide feedback on the platform's development.
Design and construct a small-scale structure using circular design principles
Show steps
Apply theoretical knowledge into a tangible project, reinforcing principles of circularity and sustainable design.
Browse courses on
Circular Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Develop a design concept based on circular design principles.
- Source and select materials that align with circularity goals.
- Construct the structure using sustainable building practices.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of the structure.
Career center
Learners who complete Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable. This course may be useful for Sustainability Consultants who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Sustainability Consultants understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to advise their clients on these principles.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts analyze the environmental and social performance of organizations and businesses. This course may be useful for Sustainability Analysts who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Sustainability Analysts understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their work.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials and technologies. This course may be useful for Materials Scientists who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Materials Scientists understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to develop new materials that are more sustainable.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee the social and environmental performance of businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Corporate Social Responsibility Managers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their work.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners plan and design cities and other urban areas. This course may be useful for Urban Planners who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Urban Planners understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their plans.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. This course may be useful for Construction Managers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Construction Managers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their projects.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activity. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Environmental Scientists understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to apply these principles to their work.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Environmental Engineers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Civil Engineers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Product Designer
Product Designer
Product Designers design and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be useful for Product Designers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Product Designers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Architect
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for Architects who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Architects understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design and improve industrial processes. This course may be useful for Industrial Engineers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Industrial Engineers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and build chemical plants and other chemical processing facilities. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Chemical Engineers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems. This course may be useful for Electrical Engineers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Electrical Engineers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers who want to learn more about sustainable construction and circular economy principles. The course will help Mechanical Engineers understand the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable materials and practices, and how to incorporate these principles into their designs.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4hev0o/sustainable
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the circular economy, including its principles, benefits, and challenges. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.
Presents a compelling case for the adoption of a circular economy. It must-read for anyone interested in sustainable design and innovation.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of biophilic design, which design approach that seeks to connect people with nature.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable construction green building design and delivery. It valuable resource for architects, engineers, and other professionals involved in the design and construction of sustainable buildings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the WELL Building Standard, a framework for health and well-being in buildings. It valuable resource for architects, engineers, and other professionals involved in the design and construction of sustainable buildings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Circular Economy for the Built Environment, an approach to building design and construction that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. It valuable resource for architects, engineers, and other professionals involved in the design and construction of sustainable buildings.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4hev0o/sustainable
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Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Instructors
Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Catherine Murphy
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building. It's comprised of four courses:
- Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building
- Building Materials and Human Health
- Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy (viewing)
- Sustainable Building: Design and Specification
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