Master of Science in Architecture & Environmental Design

This applied science program provides expertise in cutting-edge topics by working closely with creative and forward-thinking faculty who are pursuing complex problems facing the built environment. 

As a STEM based master’s degree program, students explore applied research and innovative technology creation to become global leaders in the science and technology of the built environment. Each student works in funded research projects or intellectual property creation efforts seeking patent approval to gain real-world research and innovation experience. By working closely with faculty, students study in Cross Cutting Themes and develop into experts through one of the program’s specific research concentrations.

CROSS-CUTTING THEMES

• Sustainable Buildings
• Smart Systems
• Healthy Settings

RESEARCH AREAS

1. Living Architecture: Investigates vegetative integration upon and within buildings and structures in order to make cities more ecologically productive. Students master the conceptualization, assessment and examination of vegetative roofs, walls and related phytostructures for ecological service delivery through modeling and in-lab or field testing settings. | Led by Dr. Coffman
   
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2. Bioclimatic Architecture: Explores thermal comfort, energy conservation, and building systems integration for sustainable design and human experience. Research in this area emphasizes computational simulation, physical modeling of natural phenomena, field/lab experiments and building information management. | Co-led by Dr. Sharag-Eldin and Dr. Luis Santos
   
   ResearchGate - Dr. Sharag Eldin Google Scholar - Dr. Luis Santos ResearchGate - Dr. Luis Santos

3. Structural Resilience: Investigates metaheuristic design principles for naturally efficient, durable, aesthetic and adaptable structural systems, performances of sustainable construction materials, and resilience of synergistically responding infrastructures. | Led by Dr. Liu 
   
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4. Creative Robotics: Re-visits and explores the potential of cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, physical and digital computation, interaction and game design, X-R (augmented, virtual and mixed realities), app development and UI-UX design as possible design mediums. Students will work at the intersection of architecture, industrial design, robotics, computer since and media-arts, developing applied design-research skills in response to contemporary design issues and through the lens of technology. | Led by Professor Poustinchi
   
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5. Kinetic Systems: Investigates temporary (interactive) structures, specifically their typological, programmatic and material effects. Research includes the study of dynamic structural patterns and the role they play in the configuration of variable and/or flexible surfaces and enclosures. | Led Professor Davis-Sikora