Sustainability in Architecture Schools?

Sustainability in

Architecture Schools?

Dear Editor,

I am an architecture student in the first year of a Master of Architecture program. The school which I now attend, despite having an excellent program, places little emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental consciousness in design. I am looking for a school with such a program or with professors whose interest in this area would allow me to gain from their knowledge. I would appreciate any information or informed opinions that you could provide.

Thank you,

Richard B. Bledsoe

We forwarded this request to Kelly Vresilovic, Chair of the Subcommittee on Education of the American Institute of Architect’s Committee on the Environment. Her reply follows. We would also appreciate hearing from anyone using EBN in an academic setting.Dear Richard,

As Chair of the AIA’s Committee on the Environment, Task Force on Education, I have been studying this question for the past couple of years. There are several very good programs which have strong energy and environmental design curricula. However, on the whole this is definitely an area in which all schools of architecture could make some improvements! We are currently putting together a list of such programs, including available courses and references. The American Institute of Architecture Schools (AIAS), also has information available. You can reach them by calling (202) 626-7362.

In the meantime, I would suggest going down to look at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Ball State has been a leader in taking a serious look at architecture and the environment. They hosted the

Building to Save the Earth conference last September, and Marvin Rosenman, Chair of the College of Architecture and Planning, is currently leading a study on Architecture curricula and the environment.

Many schools are revising their studies and course work all the time to focus on current issues, so it is difficult to stay on top of it … but you should definitely take a look at Ball State, N.C. State, UCLA, University of Arizona, Rensselaer in Troy, NY, and the University of Virginia, to name just a few. Obviously, each school has certain professors and courses that are stronger than others, so you’ll have to see what looks like the best fit for your needs. Many schools are seeing an increase in student interest in this area, and are responding by bringing interesting visiting professors, lecturers and/or critics. If you are basically happy where you are, you might consider taking an active role and organizing your fellow students to get the architecture program to strengthen its emphasis on energy and environmental issues at all levels.

Good luck! If you would like to talk about this more, you can call me at (215) 222-2420.

Sincerely,

Kelly F. Vresilovic, AIA

AIA Committee on the Environment

Education Task Force