The COVID-19 pandemic re-centred our focus on how important it is to have access to the life-giving force of fresh air, sunshine and green spaces. On top of this sits the even bigger issue of climate change, how we can live with climate extremes, reduce our carbon footprint and design climate resilient urban space? The studio asked students to design microclimatic environments for inside and out that addressed and perhaps even harnessed this new global paradigm.

With a focus on the principles of natural and passive systems that offer climatic control, the students worked with global experts to explore the design of immersive spaces. They learnt how to analyse and design microclimates, developing design spaces that catered for fresh air, cool breezes, moisture, shade, radiant warmth, natural light and pleasant scents.