Dr. Xu's research interests focus on integrative and comparative studies of feng-shui, application of systems philosophy, cultural models and spatial design in built environments, integration of architecture and landscape, and prehistoric landscape setting patterns in the US Southwest. Additionally, climate challenges, fire and post-fire debris/mud flow events, and land form patterns of high impact areas from the 2013 historic Colorado floods. Her research articles have been published in the top refereed journals in her field, including 'Journal of Architectural and Planning Research' and 'Landscape Journal.' Her publications are mostly in English with some in Chinese, and others translated into German and Portuguese.
keywords
integrative and comparative studies, feng-shui, cultural models, spatial design, integration of architecture and landscape, prehistoric landscape setting patterns, cultural landscape, landform patterns, debris, mudflow, fire events, postfire-debris-flow sequence, climate challenges
ARCH 3100 - Studio 2: Intermediate Architecture
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2024
Dealing with problems at an intermediate level of complexity this architecture studio emphasizes the interaction of form, programmatic use, human behavior and context in creating structure. Studio options may include a client-based community engaged project, real world applications, and/or result in a physical product. Students work across analog and digital platforms to produce high quality and portfolio-worthy work. Recommended corequisite: ARCH 3114.
ARCH 4100 - Studio 3: Capstone in Architecture
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
The capstone of the studio sequence, this course investigates building technology, structural systems, user experience, and environmental sustainability. Studio options may include a client-based community engaged project, real world applications, and/or result in a physical product. Outcomes include well developed structures designed with a high level of craft, resulting in sophisticated and exhibit-worthy presentations. Recommended corequisite: ARCH 4115.
ENVD 4100 - Advanced Design Lab 1
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Fall 2018
Design lab exploring new and emerging themes in design. May be repeated up to 18 total credit hours.
ENVD 4112 - Architectural Graphics 1
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Spring 2020 / Summer 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Illustrates techniques of graphics communication and presentation for architectural design. Includes advanced delineation and use of color.
ENVD 4300 - Advanced Design Lab 2
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Design lab exploring new and emerging themes in design. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours.
ENVD 4764 - Special Topics: Theory and Criticism in Environmental Design
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Provides an advanced seminar on theory and criticism in environmental design, e.g., architecture now and introduction to design theory and criticism. May be repeated for credit by petition.
