Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Sciences - Built Ecologies

The School of Architecture offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Architectural Sciences to candidates who are prepared to undertake innovative and substantive research that adds to the body of knowledge drawn on by the design disciplines. The Sciences in this context refer to those disciplines that support and shape our understanding and production of the built environment including its physical, biological, social, cognitive and cultural contexts. The PhD is an inherently interdisciplinary degree in which concentrations can be elected in: Architectural Acoustics, Built Ecologies, Lighting. A distinguished faculty within the school and across the institute provides support for research projects that are informed by both disciplinary depth and trans-disciplinary integration.

The degree is intended for those who desire a career in teaching, research, specialized professional practices or consulting. The program is intended to build knowledge, skills, insight and experiences that will enable these individuals to make an original and lasting contribution to their chosen field beginning with their dissertation and continuing into their professional lives. The program is structured to foster a community of students and scholars, a collaborative environment in which lateral flows of ideas and influences enrich the research agenda of each member of the community.

The Built Ecologies program distinguishes itself through its innovative curriculum, incorporating an Open Studio format for the development of Master's Theses or Ph.D. Proposals. This unique studio provides students with a rigorous and creative educational structure to identify, develop, and demonstrate their research projects. Unlike conventional Master's or Ph.D. thesis seminars, the Research Studio adopts a hands-on approach, seamlessly integrating theory and practice within a cohesive Design/Research educational environment. In the first semester, students define a thesis topic, learn to comprehend it as an inter-scalar and cross-disciplinary ecological system, establish a specific vision, and engage in a series of design experiments to uncover its unique aspects. In the second semester, students develop a rigorous design-research methodology, outline potential research hypotheses, execute their methodology, and identify their academic, professional, or entrepreneurial contributions. Beyond the studio, students participate in foundational seminars and independent research programs to cultivate an advanced understanding of materials, energy, and information as integral components of the built environment. They also acquire advanced knowledge in programming techniques for simulation, advanced building energy modeling, as well as novel materials and fabrication. All courses together, contribute from their point of view to the definition and execution of a successful thesis and/or Ph.D. proposal.

For admission to graduate study, an applicant must have a U.S. bachelor's degree or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
Transcripts and Degrees must be in English (all post-secondary education, including transcript keys).
Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your graduate application. The minimum requirement for admission consideration is the completion and award of a four year U.S. bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, by the time of planned enrollment.
Personal Statement
Resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation
Portfolio, if required by department

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