Teaching architects low energy and climate concious design

Two new courses presented in this paper aim to improve the architects capacity to design low energy buildings using a project based approach, as the principles of bioclimatic design are best incorporated during project development. The first is an intensive regional course programmed by professors from 6 faculties which form the Energy & Habitat International Working Group. This course aims to promote bioclimatic design and energy concious architecture within the Mercosur Region. The second, a one-year postgraduate course of the architectural faculty, is aimed primarily at architects and planners applying climate sensitive design in practice, though the course is also planned for training researchers, specialists and teachers.