Carnegie Mellon University
School of Architecture
Carnegie Mellon Architecture educates students in the discipline of architecture, with an emphasis on:
- the role of creativity in architectural design
- architecture’s historical, social and environmental contexts
- critical engagement with technology in architectural innovation
- working ethically to achieve social progress and justice in the built environment
We aim to produce discipline-defining designers and thinkers in diverse global contexts.
Setting
This world-class architecture education is enhanced by our position within one of the world’s leading research and entrepreneurship institutions, and by the fundamental premise that architectural excellence demands both rigorous training in fundamentals and the development of unique specializations.
School Philosophy
We situate our pedagogy to address three imminent challenges facing society:
Climate change and its impending environmental and social problems and how architecture can support living in the Anthropocene;
Artificial intelligence and the development of smart buildings and cities and how architecture can support human agency and living in a posthuman society;
Social justice and the need for greater equity and inclusion of intersectionality in our politics and communities and how architecture can support cultural and social diversity.
Programs
To prepare our students to address these three challenges, the school has developed three separate but interrelated pedagogies in Design Fundamentals, Design Research and Design Ethics. Our goal is to continue to develop these pedagogies informed by the global context and to foster an ongoing dialogue within the school across our public programs, coursework and collective thinking.
Design Fundamentals
This pedagogy articulates an expansive approach to teaching core architectural competencies. It builds on learning through drawing and making (hand and digital), supported by computational, building science and ecological thinking. It embraces Indigenous and global historical models that demonstrate care and responsibility for the environment.
Design Research
This pedagogy focuses on developing new knowledge and innovation in architectural design. It embraces interdisciplinary, industry and community engaged approaches to develop better design practices and new technologies.
Design Ethics
This pedagogy addresses the role architecture can play in creating more equitable, inclusive and just communities at every scale. It promotes democratic approaches to design and recognizes the agency of humans and nonhumans in the sustainability of our built environment. It also takes a critical approach to design education that has been exclusionary.
of Focus
1. Digital Fabrication & Technology
2. Materials and Construction
3. Building Technologies
4. Resilience
5. Urbanism
6. Design/Build
7. Digital Design & Visualization
8. Sustainability & High-Performance Built Environments
Digital Fabrication & Technology
Materials and Construction
Building Technologies
Resilience
Urbanism
Design/Build
Digital Design & Visualization
Sustainability & High-Performance Built Environments
Opportunities
Cross-disciplinary experience
Teaching / Research assistantships
Summer Program
Study Abroad
Facilities
24 Hour Workshop
Large-format Printer
Laser Cutter
Woodshop
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Fabrication Lab
Robotics Lab
Policies
Transfer Policies
Carnegie Mellon Architecture will consider both external and internal (current CMU students) transfer candidates for undergraduate admission. Undergraduate students who transfer into the School of Architecture are classified as first-year students and will begin in the fall semester of the first year of the undergraduate program. At the end of the second year, they will choose to pursue either of the following degrees:
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): five-year, NAAB-accredited undergraduate professional architecture degree.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.A.): four-year, pre-professional undergraduate architecture degree.
