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.

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.

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.
Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA.
Preview: 7:45 p.m., Monday, September 20.
Class starts Monday, September 27.

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.

3 units. Mondays, 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.
Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 20.
Class starts Monday, September 27.

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.)

3 units. Wednesdays, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA.
Preview: 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 22.
Class starts Wednesday, September 29.

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, 8:00 - 9:15 p.m.
Series starts Thursday, September 23.

Students can earn 3 units by enrolling in D-7 as an independent study course. The credit option will be explained Thursday, September 23 at 8:00 p.m. Future lecture events will be announced at that time.

D-13 ARCHITECTURAL FREEHAND DRAWING

3 units. Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructors: Fred Stitt and guests.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 23.
Class starts Thursday, September 30.

Fundamentals of seeing, visualizing, and drawing. How to use drawing to solve problems and communicate your designs. Four parts: Freehand Environmental Drawing, 2-D Freehand Drawing, 3-D Drawing, Media, & Presentation Techniques.

D-14 COMMUNICATING YOUR DESIGNS: PERSPECTIVE DRAWING & MEDIA

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

Cad 10 SKETCHUP 3-D MODELING & DESIGN PROCESS

3 units Wednesdays, 7:45 - 9:15.
Instructor: Scott Arenz.
Preview: 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 22.
Class starts Wednesday, September 29.

SKETCHUP is the easiest to use and most versatile 3-D software for Mac and PC. SketchUp can produce terrific drawings quickly for beginners and experts alike. This course will teach not only the best technique for using the software, but also how to integrate it into your design process, from concept sketch to rendering to construction detailing. You may bring your own computer or use an SFIA workstation. Students will be required to purchase a one-year academic license of the software ($99 in addition to the course fee). For information on the software, see www.SketchUp.com.

D-21 MATHEMATICS & GEOMETRY FOR CREATIVE DESIGN

3 units. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructor: Matt Fulvio, M.Arch. SFIA.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 22.
Class starts Wednesday, September 29.

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.

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, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructor: Craig Henritzy, Architect.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 21.
Class starts Tuesday, September 28.

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.

E-45 DESIGNING ECO CITIES, COMMUNITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS

3 units. Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructor: Richard Register, author of Eco Cities, and guest speakers.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 23.
Class starts Thursday, September 30.

How cities and communities can be designed according to the same principles used in the finest examples of ecological architecture. Numerous case studies (past, present, and newly planned) will show the theory, practical problems and solutions of ecological design and planing on a large scale.

E-4 ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS OF ECOLOGICAL DESIGN

Presentations by guest architects from the Bay Area.

3 units. Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Preview: 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21.
Class starts Tuesday, September 28.

A series of guest architects and builders 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.

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 5,000 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.)

3 units. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructor: Fred Stitt, Director, SFIA.
Preview: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 22.
Class starts Wednesday, September 29.

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.

Weekend workshop meetings will be announced after the semester begins.

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

See Continuing Education at www.SFIA.net.

To enroll: Use form below, E-mail, or enroll by phone (510-523-5174), or mail the form below with your payment to address at bottom of form.

SFIA FALL 2004 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.

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

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

FEES

3-unit classes are $390 credit, $290 noncredit.

5-unit studio classes are $690 credit, $450 noncredit.

TOTAL TUITION FOR YOUR COURSES: $

Students may withdraw with full refund minus $30 administration fee to October 8, 2004. 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 (payable 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 15 and November 12. (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.