Architectural ethnography is an on-site research method that inquires into the forms, technologies and materials for house construction and also engages with the socio-cultural context of architecture. During long-term fieldwork, architectural ethnography includes surveys of buildings, mapping of sites, participant observation, and interviews with the diverse actors involved in building and inhabiting houses as part of material culture. The immersion of the architect-ethnographer into the everyday local life enables to comprehend and sense architectural cultures, political ecologies, and the socio-technical knowledge characterizing the built environment.

Expanding beyond the numerous studies on vernacular housing in rural regions, this seminar highlights the relevance of architectural ethnography for investigating urban areas and, in particular, urban microclimates. Beyond the natural characteristics, the human-built environment, including houses, streets or green areas, shapes local climates with various ecological, social and political implications. Within the frame of the seminar, students conduct microclimate ethnographies in households and selected urban districts. These practical exercises will be combined with theoretical readings and in-class discussions about the relevance and application of ethnographic findings for architectural design.