This programme provides candidates an opportunity to develop an architectural thesis using design as a key component of the methodology exploring an approved topic of their own selection and definition. Whilst the design-based component of the project may be drawn, modelled, filmed, built, etc, candidates will be required to incorporate this research as an integral component of an accompanying written thesis. Good architecture embraces a holistic approach to design and as a consequence the environmental strategies embodied within buildings present considerable challenges. They need to reconcile the often conflicting considerations of climate, building function and user expectation, while at the same time being mindful of energy related carbon emissions. Projects in environmental design typically reflect the integrated nature of these strategies and explore areas such as natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, solar protection, fabric thermal storage, daylight and solar strategies and architectural acoustics. These are intrinsically linked to the tectonics of architecture and considerable potential exists to explore the opportunities offered where these overlaps occur, eg the environmental performance of facades, natural ventilation of high rise buildings, etc.