The course introduces to the students the earth science and physics related to buildings, such as the solar radiation, wind, sound wave, gravity, earthquake, and earth pressures. Through providing an overview of issues that have to be addressed to offer the occupants a functionally, physically and psychologically pleasurable living environment, students will be guided to learn the basic scientific principles underlying the natural phenomena, the constraints imposed by the natural forces, different building envelope and structural systems which can mitigate the undesirable effects of those forces, as well as how the forces and systems affect one another. Design alternatives will be presented from various standpoints, including strategies to climate, thermal comfort, lighting, topography, and structural systems. Without engaging in complex calculation, the course serves as an introduction to the physical processes lying behind the design of a building and as an initiation for a proper integration of technology in architecture.