Climate, Health and Architecture

online course

This future-oriented introduction to climate change and its relationship to human activities, built environment and health will give you the tools you need to take action on climate change in your own surroundings.

This online course is offered in two different versions: 3 ECTS and 6 ECTS. The 3 ECTS version is well-suited for anyone who is interested in learning more about the relations between health, construction and climate change and benefits from a flexible and partly asynchronous course that can be completed on a busy schedule or while working. The 6 ECTS version allows you to deep-dive into a personal project based on your own interests and includes mentoring in one-on-one sessions and small groups.

Assignments and student work focus on actions towards achieving carbon neutrality, and vulnerability-based adaptation and mitigation plans for health.

Course leader

Professor of Practice Laura Arpiainen
Adjunct Professor Matti Kuittinen

Target group

Master's students and lifelong learners interested in understanding and mitigating in the impacts of climate change on health and architecture. Students of all disciplines are welcome!

Course aim

1. The basics of climate change and health

Causes of climate change
Planetary boundaries
Impacts on the built environment
Impacts on human health
Carbon neutrality and beyond
Anthropocene and future scenarios
2. Health

Climate change factors affecting health
Weather, air quality, fires, water
Vector-borne illnesses and zoonosis
Occupational, public and mental health
Vulnerability indices
Levels of prevention
Climate change and health adaptation
3. Climate, construction and architecture

Mitigation: What is the role of construction as a driver of climate change?
Adaptation: What are the impacts of changing climate on construction?
Policies: What are the key policy development paths?
Design: How do mitigation and adaptation affect architecture?
How to estimate the climate impacts of construction?
4. Synthesis

The connections between carbon efficient construction and well-being architecture
How to design and build for a better future?
Understanding co-benefits of mitigation/adaptation
How to become an agent of good and contribute to positive change?

Credits info

3 EC
This online course is offered in two different versions: 3 ECTS and 6 ECTS.

Fee info

EUR 1200: Tuition fee, including VAT 24%
1200€ for 6 ECTS or 600€ for 3 ECTS
Reduced tuition fee 960€ (including VAT 24%) for students from partner institutions of Aalto University (20% discount).
EUR 600: Tuition fee, including VAT 24%
1200€ for 6 ECTS or 600€ for 3 ECTS
Reduced tuition fee 480€ (including VAT 24%) for students from partner institutions of Aalto University (20% discount).