Teaching Philosophy and Courses | Dr. Zalina Shari

Teaching Philosophy & Sustainable Design Education

Empowering future architects and sustainability leaders through research-driven, real-world education in sustainable design and the built environment.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that education is the foundation for sustainable change. As an educator in architecture and sustainability, my teaching philosophy centres around empowering students to think critically, act ethically, and design responsibly. I emphasise the importance of studio-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-informed practice. Through integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and real-world challenges into the curriculum, I aim to cultivate not only competent architects but also conscious global citizens who contribute meaningfully to the built environment.

Jump to:

Why Education for Sustainability Matters
Area of Expertise
Courses Taught
Teaching Approach
Student Memories

Why Education for Sustainability Matters

Humanity is at an unprecedented crossroads. Despite decades of environmental efforts, living systems are declining, the climate is destabilising, and global inequalities persist. A world heading toward nine billion people and increased economic output demands new solutions — urgently.

The built environment plays a crucial role. Buildings consume massive natural resources and generate nearly half of all global greenhouse gas emissions. They shape transportation patterns, community health, and watershed integrity. The magnitude of their environmental impact cannot be overstated.

Buildings and Climate: The Challenge We Face

Buildings account for:

1/6 of the world's freshwater withdrawals
1/4 of the world's wood harvest
2/5 of material and energy flows

The built environment accounts for 48% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with transportation-related impacts contributing an additional 25%.

We are tasked with renovating 75% of the existing infrastructure and doubling its size in the next 40 years. The urgency to design better is real.

My Commitment to Students

I believe that achieving net-zero impact buildings is doable and essential.
I want every student I teach to leave my classroom knowing that they can make a meaningful contribution to reversing these trends.

Through sustainability-focused education, critical thinking, and practical studio experiences, I aim to equip the next generation of architects to meet these challenges head-on, with creativity, ethics, and a sense of hope.

Area of Expertise

Sustainable architecture and design
Green building rating systems
Environmental planning and urbanism
Studio-based architectural education
Research methods in sustainable design

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Courses (BSc. in Architecture)

Course Title: Environmental Physics 1
Year(s) Taught: 2020 - present

Course Title: Architectural Design Studios
Years Taught: 2002-2016

Course Title: History and Theory of Architecture - From Ancient to Modern
Years Taught: 2003-2013

Postgraduate Courses (Master of Architecture, Master of Tropical Urban Design)

Course Title: Sustainable Development Issues
Years Taught: 2011-present

Course Title: Energy and Architecture
Years Taught: 2014-2016

Course Title: Sustainable & Tropical Development Principles
Years Taught: 2019-2020

Course Title: Architectural Design Studios
Years Taught: 2017-2019

Teaching Approach

My teaching approach is rooted in a learner-centred and constructivist philosophy, where students actively construct their knowledge through critical engagement, collaboration, and reflective practice.

I employ a combination of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Project-Based Learning (PoBL) methods to link theory with real-world environmental and architectural challenges.

My classes incorporate a range of techniques — including interactive lectures, group discussions, debates, case studies, mind mapping, and peer teaching — to promote active learning, motivation, and in-depth understanding.

Central to my methodology is the Theory of Change, where I emphasise not only the cognitive aspects of sustainability education but also cultivate students’ positive attitudes and ethical responsibility toward environmental stewardship.

I strive to ignite passion for sustainable design by connecting the “how” and “why” of sustainable practices. I empower students to become proactive, environmentally literate professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to the built environment.