Areas of Specialization

Design and Fabrication Processes
These investigations recognize that architecture as artifact is the result of a process and that process impacts the final form and performance of that artifact. We take the ethical position that architecture should pursue the most efficacious process to achieve the end goals of any particular project. To that end we have inquiry occurring such as:

• studies of progressive models of practice embracing evidence-based design and design-build practices;
• material investigations to create more affordable and sustainable building practices;
• rigorous evaluations of built artifacts to inform better design practice;
• analyses of emergent technologies to inform enhanced design processes.

Healthy and Sustainable Environments
Studies of healthy and sustainable environments stem from the premise that the profession of architecture has a social responsibility to ensure that the environments we design promote the health and performance of all members of our society and to do so in a sustainable manner. Types of research projects that further this mission include:

• post-occupancy evaluations of buildings to inform better design practice;
• translations of empirical findings of person-place interaction research into design guidelines;
• expert assessments of therapeutic gardens for people with dementia;
• development of resources that facilitate the use of sustainable materials in the building industry.

Dwelling and Community
We use the term dwelling in the spirit of Christian Norberg-Schulz which suggests that the essential relationship between humanity and environment resides in meaning. Community highlights the socially-shared aspects of dwelling. There are four scales of dwelling: settlement, urban space, institution and home. We support inquiry occurring at all four scales, covering such topics as:

• sustainability, Environmental Planning and New Urbanism;
• cultural histories of country clubs and grocery stores;
• cultural landscapes of Eastern Europe;
• baby boomer retirement housing.

Curriculum

Ph.D. Handbook

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