SUSTAINABILITY IN COSTA RICA

Prof. Thom Allen Winter 2022

During the winter of 2022, I was part of a study abroad trip to Costa Rica run by Professor Thom Allen. The purpose of this trip was to study how the country uses sustainable building practices in its various microclimates. Costa Rica has some of the most varied climates in the world, some with only several miles between them geographically. These climates are particularly susceptible to climate change, and this has encouraged the local populace to design more with sustainability in mind.

Part of the tasks for the trip were to document our experience through media of our choosing along with daily sketches. I was fascinated by the wide range of biodiversity I found throughout the country, through its various flora and fauna. My goal for the trip was to fully immerse myself within the culture, so I used only a sketchbook and film camera to document my entire experience, rather than a smartphone with internet access. I believe this allowed me to truly experience the country in a way that was unbiased and organic.