INSTRUCTION
555 Howard Street, San Francisco
(between 1st & 2nd Streets, 2 blocks south of Market)

SFIA INFORMATION OFFICE
Box 2590
Alameda, CA 94501
510-523-5174 • Fax 510-523-5175
SFIA@aol.com

COURSE CATALOG FOR FALL 2003

Open House Week and class previews start Monday, September 15, 2003.
Semester starts Monday, September 22, 2003.
Semester ends Thursday, December 11, 2003.

Also available:
complete architectural and ecological design
degree programs through distance learning.

See Architecture Distance Learning and Eco Design Distance Learning at www.SFIA.net.

CAREERS IN NATURE-BASED ARCHITECTURE

A rapidly growing number of designers and builders make their living in new ways.

Their work enhances human life and health while helping to improve the environment.

They do it through Ecological Design and Nature-Based Architecture.

The need is enormous. Millions of people want nature-sensitive, beautiful, and healthy homes, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and cities.

But these places are still the exception, not the rule.

If you would like to learn how to create such environments and help make the world a better place, you're cordially invited to join us at SFIA.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AT SFIA

Many design schools treat the creative design process as a mystery, as an arcane skill that you either "have or don't have." In fact, anyone can learn how to be a good designer, and with extra work, can become a great designer.

But you have to learn what the finest designers and architects actually do when they design.

You have to be free to explore, experiment, and make mistakes, in order to hone your skills. That requires a liberating and fully- supportive environment such as SFIA.

D-1 STUDIO: CREATIVE DESIGN & NATURE-BASED ARCHITECTURE

Theories and practices of creative design and nature-based architecture. (Semester 1 of 2.)

Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA. Fred Stitt, Architect, is the Founder and Director of SFIA. He is the author of numerous books and manuals on architectural practice. His most recent book is The Ecological Design Handbook, published by McGraw-Hill.

5 units. Mondays, 7:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Preview: 7:45 p.m., Monday, September 15.

This core course shows how to create extraordinary buildings -- buildings that are wholly integrated with the needs of the users, with the site, and within themselves as works of art. The creative design process is extremely well understood, thanks to the testimonies of generations of the world's most creative architects.

The focus of this class is on how to use natural creative skills, experiment with them, and evolve and maximize your inherent and original design abilities.

D-1 is coordinated with other Core Courses: D-4 The Architectural Mind, D-6 History & Theory of Architectural Design, and T-1 Construction Materials & Methods. No prerequisites are required.

D-4 THE ARCHITECTURAL MIND: CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

The world's most advanced creative thinking and problem-solving tools.

Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA. 3 units. Mondays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 15.

This course presents the mental and emotional processes that precede, precipitate, support . . . or hinder the process of design. It teaches today's most advanced methods for inducing inspiration, original thinking, independent thinking, and creative design and problem solving. You'll learn of the latest discoveries on brain function and creative problem-solving techniques, such as Mind Maps, advanced Brainstorming methods, Lateral Thinking, Synectics, Morphological Thinking, and many others. Includes much new information on the brain, consciousness, the design process, methods for enlarging the scope of consciousness, and the most effective methods for solving any type of problem.

D-6 HISTORY & THEORY OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

How architects design using organizing principles from ancient Egypt through Asia and the Western world. (Semester 1 of 2.)

Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA. 3 units. Wednesdays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Preview: 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 17.

You can't understand architecture without understanding the little-known systems used to design buildings and the technologies required to build them. This course shows how architects designed and built the great monuments of Ancient Egypt, Northern Europe (e.g. Stonehenge), Greece, Rome, the Byzantine & Islamic Empires, India, China, and Japan. D-6 is unique among architectural history courses, in that it also focuses on the dominant ideas and methods of thought in each historical period.

D-7 STUDIES IN ECOLOGICAL DESIGN & ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE

Exceptional architects, designers, and consultants show their work in this public lecture series. The lectures are open to all.

3 unit credit option. Thursdays, 8:30 - 9:15 p.m.

Students can earn 3 units by enrolling in D-7 as an independent study course. The credit option will be explained Thursdays, September 18 & 25, 8:00 p.m. Future lecture events will be announced at that time.

First lecture, September 18: Fred Stitt on Everything You Wanted to Know about Education and Careers in Architecture and Ecological Design.

D-14 COMMUNICATING YOUR DESIGNS: PERSPECTIVE DRAWING & MEDIA

Self-study video tape course created by Kirby Lockard, a master of graphic techniques. 3 units. (Credit option only.)

Scheduled at students' convenience.

Excellent introduction to the principles and techniques of manual perspective drawing and rendering. After your enrollment, we'll arrange to deliver video tapes and work materials. Introductory video available upon request from Fred Stitt.

D-21 MATHEMATICS & GEOMETRY FOR CREATIVE DESIGN

The inner geometries of nature that are essential for the creation of integrity and beauty in every aspect of design.

Instructor: Matt Fulvio, M.Arch. SFIA. 3 units. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 17.

The inner workings of the universe around us, from the structures of minerals to the growth patterns of plants, are best understood by recreating the harmonic mathematical patterns that underlie all natural phenomena. These same patterns are also the "secret" behind the world's greatest architecture. Using a visual and hands-on approach to understanding polyhedra, tilings, proportion, gnomons, and magic squares, this course explores the mathematical mind and the evolution of math concepts throughout history. Topics include harmony, proportion, polyhedra, and much more.

ECOLOGICAL DESIGN AT SFIA

Ecological design is the least understood and utilized of all design disciplines. Most architecture schools still only teach it in part, if at all.

SFIA has pioneered in creating a comprehensive Ecological Design course program for architecture students and a Master of Ecological Design degree program for those who want to work professionally in this realm. A Distance Learning alternative is also now available for certificate, undergraduate, and graduate work.

SFIA offers a full array of courses on alternative materials and construction methods, solar and wind resources, bioremediation, plantscaping and landscaping, recycling in construction, healthy environments, alternative lighting, and related topics.

E-3 ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY DESIGN

A community action and planning course on creating ecological/ educational environments in collaboration with neighborhood organizations and city governments.

Instructor: Allen Green. 3 units. Mondays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Preview: 7:45 p.m., Monday, September 15.

Instructor Allen Green is an advocate of public participation to counteract bureaucratic planning. With a focus on proactive involvement, Allen has done extensive work in park planning as a forum for democratic dialogue. Using a variety of media to document what works in public projects led to teaching innovative courses in universities and communities.

E-5 ARCHITECTS OF ECOLOGICAL DESIGN

Presentations by guest architects from the Bay Area.

3 units. Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 16.

A series of guest architects and builders who will describe their work and the nuts and bolts of professional practice specifically in the realm of ecological design. Will include details of client relations, real estate development, building department issues, and problems and solutions in dealing with alternative materials and energy systems.

DE-8 STUDIO: INDIGENOUS DESIGNS IN ECOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

Designing and building with the sun, alternative energy systems, and alternative materials; using planning, structures and forms inspired by indigenous architecture.

5 units. Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:15 p.m. Craig Henritzy, Architect. Preview: 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 16.

The instructor, Craig Henritzy, designs buildings of exceptional beauty and natural harmony. One such project, a home under construction for the owners of Real Goods, is destined to be a showcase of the best in ecological design for many years to come.

DE-10 DESIGN & DOING -- BRINGING ORGANIC & ECOLOGICAL BUILDINGS INTO REALITY

Creative discipline, project analysis, visualization, design, and management, for bringing projects of any size from vision into built reality.

5 Units. Wednesdays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m. Instructors: Matt Taylor, Scott Arenz, and Matt Fulvio.
Preview, 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, September, 17.

Real-world, case-study examples of client relationships, contracting, design-build, and multimedia means of project delivery. Emphasizing organic design in the urban context. (This course may lead to work-study or intern opportunities.)

Includes instruction in "SketchUp," the easiest-to-use, most versatile CADD visualization software yet. The class will also include a couple of Saturday intensive workshops.

DE-15 FIELD STUDIES OF GREEN BUILDINGS

Learn documentation systems for analyzing the effectiveness of ecological design methods, alternative materials, environmental systems, and construction.

Instruction will include digital photo documentation, audio interviewing, on-site surveys of ecological design features manufacturer/equipment research, and LEED rating credits.

Much of this course will be field work at buildings to be studied requiring an average of 1 to 2 hours weekly. Field work to be scheduled with students after the first two meetings at SFIA.

TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT COURSES

Technology and management are both essential to ecological design and nature-based architecture.

Technology provides the tools; management provides the means of implementation. Both are under-represented in most design schools, a source of endless frustration and complaint within the architectural profession.

SFIA offers a large complement of self-study courses in project management and design office management through its A/E University continuing education program. As a registered distance learning provider for the American Institute of Architects, SFIA has provided continuing education course materials to over 4,000 architects nationwide.

T-1 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & METHODS

The nature and best uses of traditional and alternative construction materials, from dirt to high tech. (Semester 1 of 2.)

Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA. 3 units. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 17.

This course shows how creative architectural design is derived from the nature of materials and construction processes. We start with the simplest materials of earth and stone, then brick, tile, concrete, and wood. In the second semester the progression continues through more complex material combinations, with an emphasis on the causes and prevention of building failures. T-1 is coordinated with the D-1 Studio and D-6 History course. Each material is reviewed from the standpoint of its internal nature and how to best utilize that nature in creative architectural design. Each is illustrated in many variations of historic use and studied in terms of potential failure and the most creative applications.

Adobe, tamped earth, straw bale, recycled materials and other alternative materials are given special attention, along with all basic conventional building methods and materials.

TE-3 ECO CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOPS

Help build one of the few authentic ecological architectural complexes -- Dan Liebermann's Ridge project in Inverness, in Marin County.

Instructors: Daniel Liebermann, architect, and construction supervisors. Weekend, one-week, and two-week options: Study nature and the nature of construction, do some drafting, camp in the beautiful Inverness landscape, and put in lots of hands-on labor, while learning how to build with alternative materials and construction methods. Daniel Liebermann is one of the few uncompromising organic/ecological architects of our time. Dan integrates design theory, nature study, and the hands-on, nuts-and-bolts mechanics of construction -- an exceptional learning experience.

Option 1. Weekends. Can be taken repeatedly during the semester. Arrive Friday evening to pitch tent and get oriented. Do supervised work Saturday and Sunday, return late Sunday afternoon.

Option 2. One week: Start with a weekend, as in Option 1, continue through to Friday, or add another 2 days, for an additional weekend.

Option 3. Two-week comprehensive. The advantage of the longer workshop is seeing work start and continue through its many steps. It's like Option 2, only more of it.

Additional technology and management courses are available from SFIA
through distance learning.

See Continuing Edu at the www.SFIA.net Web site.

ALL ARE WELCOME AT SFIA

SFIA is a new kind of school with none of the traditional barriers to education.

There are no entrance exams, no prerequisites, no restrictions on enrollment.

To enroll, choose your classes, fill out the enrollment form, and come to class.

If you're not in the Bay Area, see our Distance Learning programs in Ecological Design and Architecture.

If you would like an evaluation of past work and credit that can be applied to degree work, send your transcripts and work resume for review These are not required for enrollment, however.

SFIA FALL 2003 ENROLLMENT FORM

Please enroll me in the courses listed below:

Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

Daytime Phone:

Evening Phone:

Fax:

__ New student

__ Current/previous student

__ Degree Candidate for:

__ Master of Ecological Design

__ Master of Architecture

__ Not a degree candidate at this time.

Note credit or noncredit options. Some courses shown below don't have a noncredit option. D-7 is free for noncredit.

CR NC

__ __ D-1* STUDIO: CREATIVE DESIGN & NATURE-BASED ARCHITECTURE
5 units. Mondays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.

__ __ D-4* THE ARCHITECTURAL MIND: CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING 3 units. Mondays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.

__ __ D-6* HISTORY & THEORY OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 3 units. Wednesdays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.

__ D-7* STUDIES IN ECO DESIGN & ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE Free lectures w/ 3 unit credit option. Thursdays, 8:00 p.m.

__ D-14 COMMUNICATING YOUR DESIGNS: Perspective Drawing & Media 3 units, credit option only. (Video course.)

__ __ D-21 MATHEMATICS & GEOMETRY FOR CREATIVE DESIGN 3 units. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.

__ __ DE-8 STUDIO: INDIGENOUS DESIGNS IN ECOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE 5 units. Tuesdays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m. 

__ __ DE-10 DESIGN & DOING: BRINGING ORGANIC & ECOLOGICAL BUILDINGS INTO REALITY 5 units. Wednesday., 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.

__ __ DE-15 FIELD STUDIES OF GREEN BUILDINGS 3 units. Introductory meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., with class E-5 field study program schedule to be determined

__ __ E-3 ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY DESIGN 3 units. Mondays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.

__ __ E-5 ARCHITECTS OF ECOLOGICAL DESIGN 3 units. Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.

__ __ T-1* CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & METHODS 3 units. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.

__ TE-3 ECO CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOPS (weekly and weekend workshops will be held throughout the fall of 2003.)

* Courses that comprise the Core Program recommended to all students.

CADD: AutoCad, VectorWorks, & ArchiCad class schedules to be announced.

FEES

3-unit classes are $385 for credit, $265 noncredit.

5-unit studio classes are $680 for credit, $440 noncredit.

TE-3 Workshops: __ weekend, 1 unit, $120 __ 1 week, 2 units, $250 __ 2 weeks, 4 units $350.

Credit option only.

TOTAL TUITION FOR YOUR COURSES: $

Students may withdraw with full refund minus $30 administration fee up to September 26. After that date refunds are made on a prorata basis. Noncredit classes can be upgraded with added payment, but credit classes cannot be changed to noncredit.

__ I am paying by check or money order (pay to SFIA).

__ I am paying by Visa or MasterCard:

Card number:

Expiration date:

Cardholder's full name:

__ I need an installment payment plan. I am paying 50% down, and I will pay the balance in two equal installments to be received at SFIA by October 10 and November 7. (If you are paying installments by credit card, SFIA will charge your account on those dates.)

If paying by check or m.o., please mail your payments at least three days before the due dates.