The pandemic has been a game-changer in more than one way. It has transformed mindsets by increasing consciousness about diminishing natural resources and rising temperatures. Sustainability is no longer a trend but a way of life for people. It reflects in architecture and urban planning as global governments seek ways to design sustainable cities for a better future.
Modern architecture seeks innovative, people-focused design to create green and sustainable buildings. As the world needs professionals who can create such designs, forward-thinking architecture schools are coming up with new curriculum that prioritize sustainable design and development. Here are the best ones offering architecture degrees with sustainability at their core.
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (BOSTON, USA)
The School of Architecture at Northeastern University provides training in architecture and landscape design. A sustainable approach makes its academic programmes stand apart. Here are the degree options you can pursue here.
- Master of Architecture– The M.Arch degree at the school is accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). It prioritises sustainable design and development projects as a part of the study curriculum.
- Master in Urban Planning and Policy– The course trains leaders in building sustainable solutions amid the current urban challenges such as affordable housing provision, climate change mitigation, and sustainable transportation.
Students here have plenty of opportunities to engage in topics such as urban density, cultural preservation, and social and economic diversity.
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TJU (PHILADELPHIA, USA)
Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment brings a range of specialised programmes as a part of its mission to create a sustainable future. These programmes are designed with inputs from sustainability experts and practitioners. The courses of interest include:
- Master of Architecture-TheNAAB accredited programme includes subjects like sustainable design, design excellence, social equity, project management skills, tech and computational know-how, and collaborative experiences.
- Master of Sustainable Design– This trans-disciplinary degree teaches problem-solving skills that enable students to create market-driven solutions for addressing the climate crisis.
The college also has a new Master of Urban Design degree on the cards. The course addresses contemporary issues and focuses on future cities. It aims to respond to rapid urbanisation and climate change with measures like smart technologies, environmental wellness, and carbon-neutral communities.
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY– (ATLANTA, USA)
Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, is a leading name in the urban design education space since 1969. The trending sustainability-focused programmes you can pursue here include:
- Master of Science in Urban Design– This programme provideds an interdisciplinary experience with broad academic coverage, including architecture and city planning, urban design, civil and environmental engineering, heritage preservation, real estate development, and more.
- Master of Science in Architecture– This STEM-designated programme covers skills and knowledge related to contemporary technologies in the fields of architectural design, practice, and theory. You can major in High Performance Buildings to get an opportunity to work with in-house building technology experts.
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE – (GLASGOW, SCOTLAND, UK)
School of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde educates students to tackle pressing sustainability challenges through its postgraduate programmes. The courses you can pick here are:
- M.SC Urban Design– The programme offers knowledge in building safe and sustainable cityscapes for the future.
- MSc/PGDip Sustainable Engineering: Architecture and Ecology– The degree brings together theoretical and practical education on architecture, ecology, and sustainability. It serves as a combination of instructional modules and hands-on projects and placements. While the instructional modules are taught in the university for the first three months, students have to take a three-month placement in Arizona. Graduates get Chartered Engineer status at the completion of the degree.
IE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, IE UNIVERSITY – (SEGOVIA, SPAIN)
This institution redefines architecture and design education. It attracts international students as an academic and creative hub featuring borderless learning spaces. The school has students with almost one hundred nationalities on its campus. It commits to imbibe entrepreneurial thinking in graduates that takes them a step closer to changing the world. Degree options are as follows:
- Master in Strategic Design of Spaces– The degree focuses on educating students about creating innovative designs that align with the organisational goals of clients.
- Global Master in Real Estate Development– The course covers financial concepts such as real estate management and investment with a focus on sustainability
IE School of Architecture and Design does not confine its students to projects exclusive to any programme. They can participate in meaningful and career-enhancing projects regardless of their degree level.
If you want to pursue a career in architecture while doing your bit for the environment, these schools and degrees make the best options. Know more about them and pick the right one according to your preference.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
