This paper examines strategies evolved to support architecture students in developing sustainable thesis proposals.
While in recent years we have had considerable success in establishing an integrated approach to support sustainable thinking within the undergraduate architecture programme, it has proved much more difficult to replicate the same outcome at graduate level.

Although offering a degree of freedom not present in earlier years, students must undertake and sustain as a self-directed design project, the design of a thoroughly researched building of reasonable complexity and ambitious architectural intention, encapsulating a critical architectural position and maturity of judgment, and marking the development of a personal approach to practice.

This paper explores strategies developed within the current fifth year studio, locating students within a series of European cities with differing environmental social and cultural conditions, demanding the development of an understanding of appropriate sustainable responses while producing proposals which integrate context, programme and technology.

The developing methodology also aims to encourage students to develop their powers of observation, awareness of the local, and although moving from familiar territory to develop an approach allowing them to operate as insiders rather than mere tourists, recognizing the likely peripatetic nature of future practice.