土木四 Man Yeol Lee
Human Environment Relations is one of the elective courses available for students in the Architectural Engineering Group within the Civil Engineering Department. This course takes a distinctive liberal arts approach, focusing on the relationships between human behavior, cultural norms, and the built environment. Unlike technical engineering courses that delve into structural mechanics or material properties, Human Environment Relations offers students a chance to reflect on the conceptual and societal dimensions of architectural design. For those seeking to develop technical skills or expertise in engineering calculations, this course may not align with their goals. However, for students interested in exploring the reflective side of architectural engineering, it serves as an interesting opportunity to engage with the cultural and humanistic aspects of the field.
The course curriculum is both diverse and thought-provoking, covering topics that range from sensory experiences such as smellscapes to broader societal issues like globalization and environmental safety. Each topic is chosen to encourage students to think critically about how physical spaces influence human behavior and vice versa.
A notable topic explored in the course was the design and significance of bathrooms as cultural spaces. While often overlooked, bathrooms reflect societal attitudes toward privacy, hygiene, and accessibility. This topic prompted students to think deeply about how even the smallest design decisions can carry cultural implications. The course also tackled complex issues such as social pressures around family and economic challenges faced by students in Taiwan, emphasizing how these societal factors intersect with the environments people inhabit daily.
One of the most engaging aspects of the course was the inclusion of guest speakers and performers. This semester, a series of guest lectures brought real-world expertise and fresh perspectives into the classroom. These speakers included professionals from diverse fields who shared their experiences working at the intersection of human behavior and environmental design.
The performances by children added a very unique element to the course. As part of a lesson on vulnerability and safety in designed spaces, the presence of children highlighted the importance of creating environments that are inclusive and protective for the most vulnerable members of society. Their performances were a poignant reminder of the ethical responsibility engineers and designers have in shaping spaces that accommodate a wide range of needs.
The course’s reflective nature encouraged students to draw connections between the topics discussed in class and their personal experiences. For instance, a lecture on dormitory public spaces sparked discussions about the unspoken social rules governing shared environments and how design can foster either community interaction or individual privacy. Similarly, the topic of radiation safety tied into larger concerns about environmental hazards and the role of public trust in addressing such issues. These discussions were not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply relevant to the students’ everyday lives and future careers as engineers.
Field trips or other practical experiences, if included, would further enhance the course by allowing students to observe and analyze real-world examples of human-environment interactions. However, even without these elements, the course succeeds in providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the humanistic side of environmental and architectural design.
Overall, Human Environment Relations is a thoughtfully designed course that encourages students to explore the broader implications of their work as future engineers and designers. It offers a blend of academic theory, professional insights, and personal reflection, making it an ideal choice for those interested in the intersection of architecture, culture, and human behavior. While it may not appeal to those looking for a technical engineering course, it provides a unique and enriching perspective for those willing to step outside the boundaries of traditional engineering education.