Explore the transformative journey of Native American architecture, where cultural resilience meets innovative design strategies. This course delves into the socio-political challenges Native American communities face and the evolving architectural responses on reservations. We will examine federal policies, like the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), which granted tribes greater control over housing and urban planning. Through case studies, including sustainable housing initiatives by the Navajo Housing Authority and the culturally rooted master planning in Zuni Pueblo, you’ll discover how architecture plays a critical role in cultural preservation and community empowerment.

Key topics covered include:

• The impact of NAHASDA on Native American housing initiatives.
• Strategies in sustainable and culturally responsive design on Native American lands.
• Case studies of iconic projects like Tsigo Bugeh Village and Badger Springs House.
• Balancing traditional values with contemporary architectural practices.

This course is designed for architects, urban planners, and cultural advocates interested in how Native American communities are reshaping their built environments in ways that honour tradition while embracing sustainability.