Using architecture in the fight against global warming: Presenting viable energy-saving renovation design strategies to homeowners via an interactive web learning tool

Architecture plays an important role in the challenges associated with global warming in that buildings are responsible for half of all greenhouse gas emissions due to energy usage. In order for greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced quickly and effectively, clients as well as designers should understand the basic principles of sustainably designed buildings. This thesis attempted to find correlations between precedents in primitive, vernacular, and contemporary housing in order to establish a set of viable renovation design strategies for homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption. This information was presented to homeowners and clients in the form of a learning tool meant to simplify basic architectural principles and communicate them effectively (Figure A). The result is an interactive web site, which yields design strategies based on regional precedents specific to climate zones. This tool established a framework for a new way of disseminating information about building efficiency to the end user.*;*Please refer to dissertation for diagram.