It appears that there is a new ideal for ecological architecture being established among architects who believe that a more natural and holistic approach to design is required. This dissertation addresses issues of ecological architecture and establishes a definition of ecology within buildings. It suggests that this new emphasis on working with the environment may have instigated a new methodology for a truly natural, ecological architecture.
Bibliography
Gray, V. & Macrae, A. (1976), Mud, Space and Spirit, Capra Press, Santa Barbara.
Lloyd Wright, F. (1963), The Natural House, Mentor Books, New York
Vale, B. & R. (1991), Green Architecture: Design For A Sustainable Future. Thames and Hudson Ltd, London
D. O. E. (1996), Sustainable Settlements and Shelter, HMSO


Emma Cain's dissertation, entitled Is There a New Style of Ecological Architecture Emerging?, has been nominated because of its serious attempt to explore and discuss an important contemporary development in architecture, to relate this development to a wide range of traditional and recent building examples, and to draw conclusions which are of value to the student and her colleagues in the Sustainability Design Studio of which she is a Fourth Year member.
The dissertation reviews a wide range from vernacular, organic, hi-tech, bioclimatic and low-technology architecture. Many of these examples have been associated with claims of ecological character of relevance. These claims are explored and discussed, and the dissertation indicates the difficulties where the operation of many of these examples is compared to scientific definitions drawn from the discipline of Ecology itself. The student has made a good attempt at understanding and setting out in a clear framework the key principles from the discipline of Ecology which she considers relevant to the development of architecture. She has tried to utilise these in the analysis and comparison of the differing approaches within current architectural practice, and to draw from this some problems and opportunities which exist within alternative thematic movements in the field of 'green architecture', indicating a very thorough understanding of the scope of developments within this field.

The student has made reference to a wide range of relevant sources in the development of her substantial study, and is meticulous in referencing these sources throughout.

However, the dissertation has also a clear 'voice' which relates these wider debates to the student's own experience and values, and strives to find a resolution which will have a relevance to her own progression as a designer.
The conclusions, though brief, draw distinctions between what she regards as the key classifications within which strategies for decision making in design may be drawn.
The dissertation is very well written, clearly structured and thoroughly referenced. The illustrations are appropriate and well integrated with the text, and, in common with all Ms Cain's work, the dissertation is beautifully presented.