Throughout the semester we will be taking field trips to spectacular historic and comtemporary sites throughout the Southwest. These trips are integrated into the learning experience to provide a basis for discussion and to place sustainable design into a broader context.

A three-day field trip to southern Arizona is comprised of tours of co-housing communities and sustainable building projects as well as a full day with permaculture expert and author Brad Lancaster.

Students will spend time at Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti project studying new approaches to urban design, and to contrast, we will stop in at one of the largest new housing developments in Arizona to view a different approach to community.

Depending on the semester, trips may also include outings to archaeological sites in northern and southern Arizona, Native American communities, and local explorations in modern green building.

Other common destinations for excursions are prominent architectural studios, the Richard Meier's Federal Building, the Phoenix Central Library by Will Bruder, the Nelson Fine Arts Center, as well as a number of national parks and landmarks.