Architectural Sciences (Concentration in Built Ecologies) Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Architectural Sciences is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary degree supporting research and scholarship across the many topics arising from the theory and practice of architecture and the built environment. The purpose of the degree is to support research and scholarship across the many topics arising from the theory and practice of architecture and the built environment. The objective of the built ecologies concentration is to advance knowledge in the area and applications of integrated technologies that enable a more ecologically based and progressive design of the built environment, increase its performance, and enhance quality of life.

Built ecologies research focuses on three major areas of inquiry: (1) measuring the impact of architectural design on human performance particularly creativity and productivity; (2) the design and testing of architectural innovations that improve the microclimate of buildings; and (3) research and design related to building ecology and engineering. In the case of microclimate the program focuses its expertise on the luminous, thermal, and acoustical aspects of the microclimate. In the case of building system we are particularly interest in the potentiality of dynamic design and its impact on the building’s microclimate, energy efficiency, and spatial qualities.

Examples of research topics:

• To perform in-situ or laboratory tests on innovative building systems and its impact on human performance
• To identify user preferences for individual control of microclimate system technologies
• To determine the economic benefit/liabilities of innovative building systems and technologies
• To research, design and develop integrated systems that utilize emerging materials and technologies to achieve increased levels of building performance
• To test the impact of integrated control systems that share control by central management systems and individual local control

Students may enter the Master’s program with the intent to continue into the Ph.D. in Architectural Sciences. Upon successfully completing the M.S. requirements with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average, and passing the candidacy exam at the end of the summer of the first year, students may enter doctoral studies in the second year. The doctorate shall require a minimum of two additional years.

In addition to the 30-credit M.S. in Architectural Sciences, Ph.D. students must develop and complete a Plan of Study with 60 additional credits including the required disciplinary and interdisciplinary doctoral seminars, additional concentration coursework, interdisciplinary design research project(s) and a thesis or dissertation. Each student must develop a plan of study and dissertation topic with an adviser for approval by the Ph.D. committee. The thesis or dissertation must consist of a minimum of 30 and maximum of 52 credits as approved by the thesis and program committee.