One aspect of the way in which we interact (positively or negatively) with the natural environment is the location and construction of buildings and the modification of landscape. This is a hot topic in architecture right now, and many architects are making an effort to design buildings that are more integrated with their surroundings.
Your assignment is to select one building on campus and tour it, inside and out. Note the construction and condition of the building itself as well as how well or poorly it "fits" into its physical environment (air, water, sound, energy, wildlife, vegetation, etc.). As you walk around the building, keep in mind the following questions; the answer to them will form the basis of your essay. Photograph the building to illustrate the points you are making and include the photos with your essay.
1. When was the building or structure constructed? Do you think that the architects considered the physical environment when they designed the structure? Could they have done a better job? Be as specific as you can, given what you know about the campus' physical environment.
2. What aspects of the structure exploit its physical environment; which ones ignore it?
3. Are there any obvious flaws in the structure's relationship with its surroundings? (Does it flood when it rains? Are there obvious structural defects?)
4. How well does the structure "work" as a human/architectural environment? (Is it dark and dingy or light and airy? Are the classrooms large or small? If you have classes in this building, how would you rate its inside environment relative to other buildings on campus? What kind of views does it offer/change/give?)
When you're done with your investigation. write a short essay (1 page typed in 12 pt font with 1.5 line spacing) on how well the building fits with its surrounding environment, using your answers to the questions above as a guide to writing your report. In your essay, be specific about features, directions (N-S-E-W), distances, slopes, etc. And don't forget to identify the building you're talking about!