About this course
Understanding Whole Systems Solutions in an Interconnected World
Designing with natural patterns and principles in mind can help us to make better, healthier choices for ourselves and the world around us. Within an ecological design framework, we ask ourselves, “what could it truly mean to build a world that is more harmonious with nature? How could all life be improved when decisions look at whole systems as opposed to acting as though everything is disconnected and independent of each other?"
This introductory course is a high-level overview to the practices and tools of ecological design.
Students will learn about some of the important terminology and pathways to integrating this powerful approach into their life and work. It is important to note that this framework can be applied to everything that we do, and you don't need to consider yourself an ecologist nor a designer to engage in this approach.
Follow-up resources and a discussion board offer ways to continue engaging with the ideas and chart a course to further mastery.
Course outline
3 modules
1 hour to complete
33 minutes
of video lectures
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Ecological Design Concepts and Principles
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Ecological Design Concepts and Principles
Overview and introduction to ecological design concepts.
- Video Presentation (33:08 minutes)
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Next Steps and Resources
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Next Steps and Resources
- Presentation Slides (.pdf)
- Follow-Up Reading (.pdf)
- Questions and Areas of Inquiry
Author
Creighton grew up in the foothills outside of Denver and studied theater in college before later switching paths with a course at the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute in 2011. Since then he has designed and implemented home landscapes, public projects, four-season greenhouses, two school curriculums, and is a contributing author on the book The Forest...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.
