Name: John Gabriel R.

Samson
4ar-2

SP-EM Reaction Paper

Environmental Management is a subject that gave a deeper perspective on the
different agendas are happening around us. The subject is not only taught as technical
knowledge but as knowledge that you will truly ponder upon. There have been numerous
instances that what was taught in the subject especially in terms of design solutions has
already been taught in our previous years. But what I appreciated from the subject is not
only does it teach on how to use these strategies but also the essence and importance in
using them. The subject gave way for me as an architecture student to aim a greener
design not out of marketability but one of necessity.
I thoroughly enjoyed the subject overall. I learned a great deal during the tenure of the
course. The aim of biomimicry has peaked my interest on paper it makes a whole lot of
sense but the difficult part is applying the human part of the concept. The building I was
so mesmerized by was the Green building at Zimbabwe. In a glance one would not think
to be taken upon a farm of termites. But in terms of its function it is all the same. This has
showcased for me another side of nature. Not only does nature contain aesthetic beauty
but also the functionality that we could reach by studying them
I learned numerous things from the subject including the different software programs
that may help me in my undergrad thesis. The subject did not rely only on a fixed medium
of learning but utilized different ways to make us absorb the material. I still find myself
watching videos of ted talks relating to green architecture from time to time. Another
lesson that strengthen my belief of green design as necessity is the alarming production
of waste by the construction industry. This has taught me the value of other architectural
subjects other than design such as estimates as each wrong estimate of a material is
another waste of resources.
EM has also taught me to sharpen my analysis on each building design. It has become
a habit in doing case studies that I study the material used, the initial carbon footprint,
sustainable features and so much more. Another lesson that intrigued me are the different
organizations and summits regarding environmental conservation in the world. It has
enabled me to be up to date with the current events surrounding the environment and
how it will affect the construction industry overall.
EM overall has taught me both the essentials of sustainable design as well as its
essence. It opened to me numerous resources in achieving design and because of this
subject I started reading LEED rating system and learning on how I could I apply it on my
design. The subject served sort of a refresher on the past lessons in design as well as
elaborated any misconceptions that comes with it (ex. Difference of sustainable and green
design). EM has not only taught me what I need to become an architect but also taught
me the importance of an architect. It has taught me that we are pioneers that affect not
only its inhabitants but also affect where we are situated.
Name: John Gabriel R. Samson
4ar-2
Ar. Leah Martin
SP-EM