Undergraduate Programs
 Bachelor of Architecture The design studio is the center of the B.Arch. curriculum. After four semester-long core studios, students have free choice of studio projects for the next four semesters. The culmination of the student’s study occurs in the fifth year with a yearlong research and design project. Computing, theoretical, technological, and historical issues are progressively integrated into the design projects from the first year on. Projects range in scale and form, but tend to relate to issues in contemporary culture with a focus on globalization and urban contexts.
Bachelor of Science in Building Science The four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Building Sciences prepares students for the broad range of roles and opportunities presented by the building industry. Rensselaer’s areas of excellence in science and technology offer opportunities for specialization within the Building Sciences program. Students enrolled in the B.Arch. program may, anytime after the second year, apply for transfer to the four-year Building Sciences degree program and join those already in the program preparing for careers in the building industry. At Rensselaer, building sciences graduates may choose to concentrate in Information Technology as it relates to the building industry, energy efficiency in buildings, project and construction management, or lighting. In addition, independent studies in special topics areas are available. The Product Design and Innovation program is a dual-degree program between Building Sciences and Science and Technology Studies.
Dual Majors Dual majors are available to students interested in pursuing two simultaneous majors and who can develop an acceptable program of study that meets the requirements set out for dual majors. There are many possibilities. In addition, there is one dual major program that has been especially developed for Building Sciences majors: Product Design and Innovation.
Minors in Architecture This program is directed toward the Rensselaer student who is interested in architecture as a sociocultural phenomenon and/or the student who envisions pursuing a career in some segment of the building industry. The minors program provides an exposure to architecture (what it is, what it includes, its history, how it is accomplished) and to architects (who they are, how they think and work).
A minor consists of an approved 16-credit program. Building and Thinking of Architecture 1 ARCH-2110 is required; the remainder of the courses may be selected to build a concentration in architecture that supports the student’s own disciplinary interest.
Special Opportunities in the School of Architecture The numerous international programs offered by the School of Architecture provide opportunities to study at significant remote sites while gaining credits required for timely degree completion.
Admission
Rensselaer’s School of Architecture is a professional school, designed for those who are ready to begin serious architectural study in their first year. Because of this orientation, the Office of Admissions bases its decisions on three criteria:
- overall academic excellence;
- creativity, as demonstrated by work in the arts and other areas;
- maturity and personal motivation.
A visit to the campus and to the Greene Building, home of the School of Architecture, and a faculty interview are encouraged as part of the application process. A portfolio is required for the Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science applicants.
Students attending other architecture schools, and who have some course work in architecture, may apply for transfer to Rensselaer. They are placed at an appropriate level in the professional program after a review of transcript, course descriptions, and portfolio of work.
Graduate Programs of Study
The School of Architecture offers the Master of Architecture (M.Arch. I) as a first professional degree for students who already have at least a baccalaureate degree in any field of study, as well as post-professional master’s programs (M.S. or M.Arch II) in Informatics and Architecture and Workplace Design, and Master of Science degrees in Building Conservation, Informatics and Architecture, Architectural Acoustics, and Workplace Design.
The design studio is the core of the professional program and consists of six sequential semesters that begin with two summer studios. These are followed by two core studios, and then by two vertical studios. The history/theory and technology sequences run parallel to the studio sequence and are periodically linked to it. The culmination of the program is a yearlong design thesis.
The post-professional programs offer opportunities for advanced, focused, and intellectually rigorous study where the courses of study are closely linked to in-depth research.
The School of Architecture has a strong tradition of scholarship. The faculty actively contributes to the built world through their design work and to the literature of architectural history, theory, criticism, and technology. The Lighting Research Center was established in 1988. It is the world’s largest center for multidisciplinary research and education in lighting. Faculty and students have done collaborative work with colleagues in many disciplines at Rensselaer (civil, mechanical, materials, electrical, and electric power engineering, management, biology, psychology, philosophy, communication, economics, electronic arts, science and technology studies). They enjoy access to an excellent computing environment. New York’s Capital District region is the home of 20 colleges and universities; and the major urban centers of New York, Boston, Montreal, and Philadelphia are but two to four hours away.
M.Arch. I is a program leading to a professional degree. It is intended for students who already have at least a baccalaureate degree in another field of study or who have a nonprofessional (4-year) degree in architectural studies. Though the curricula overlaps with the B.Arch., it develops a distinct individualized pedagogical core through an advanced history and theory sequence.
The Post-Professional M.Arch II and Master of Science are advanced degrees intended for students holding a professional B.Arch. or M.Arch. degree or for those with a bachelor’s degree in a complementary field of study. These degree programs allow students an opportunity to gain expertise in a particular field of study.
Architectural Acoustics A program of advanced study in the optimization of acoustical quality of performance spaces and other aurally sensitive environments. Its research assists in understanding how one designs a space to achieve the best acoustics for a given purpose. The program is geared toward students who have interests in acoustics, music, architecture, and/or engineering, and who have earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, music, physics, mathematics, computer science, acoustics, or other fields.
Building Conservation A program of advanced studies leading to a Master of Science in Building Conservation for architectural or engineering practitioners who wish to build expertise in historic structures and building conservation. The program welcomes graduate students with related degrees and professional experience.
Building Science A program of advanced studies in various areas of building science and architectural technologies, their application and administration relating to architectural practice, building construction, facility management, architectural acoustics, and building research. Special emphasis is given to research on productive environments, emerging technologies, and how these affect the built environment.
Informatics and Architecture A research program exploring the relationship between advanced computing technologies and architecture design. The program integrates technological development, cultural and architecture theory, and design to form a critical foundation for experimental research.
Lighting A post-professional program based in the internationally renowned Lighting Research Center (the standard-setting research institute for the lighting industry). This provides an education that cultivates both a scientific and artistic understanding of the many issues involved in all aspects of the development of lighting and designing with light. It also offers an M.S. in Lighting to individuals without a first professional degree who wish to work in either lighting design or research.
Workplace Design A program of advanced studies related to the design, technologies, and management of the intelligent workplace. Intelligent workplaces are environments that are responsive, attractive, and cost-effective business environments. Research and design studies explore the use of advanced and emerging technologies in architecture including their impact on design, human productivity, and environmental qualities. The central question of this program is: “What must we do to design productive environments?"
Faculty
Departmental faculty listings are accurate as of the date generated for inclusion in this catalog. For the most up-to-date listing of faculty positions, including end-of-year promotions, please refer to the Faculty Roster section of this catalog, which is current as of the May 2002 Board of Trustees meeting.
Professors
Balfour, A.—M.F.A. (Princeton University); architecture history and society.
Boyce, P.—Ph.D. (University of Reading); human factors.
Haviland, D.—M.Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); building industry, management, economics.
Kroner, W.—M.Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); resources and sustainable architecture, advanced building technologies, futurism, architectural design.
Leslie, R.—M.Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); lighting, daylighting, environmental comfort technologies.
Rea, M.—Ph.D. (Ohio State University); vision science; lighting theory and applications.
Associate Dean
Mistur, M.—B.Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); architectural design, practice, technology. (Clinical)
Associate Professors
Bell, D.—M.Arch. (University of Virginia); architectural design, theory, and history.
Bronet, F.—M.S. (Columbia University); architectural design, structures technology, interdisciplinary design. Past President, ACSA.
Krueger, T.—M.Arch. (Columbia University); human-environment interaction, design.
Parsons, P.—B.Arch. (Cornell University); architectural design, theory, and history.
Pertuiset, N.—Hons. Dipl. Arch. and Theory (Architectural Association); architectural design and theory.
Warriner, K.—B.Arch. (University of Florida); architectural and urban design and theory.
Assistant Professors
Dyson, A.—M.Arch. (Yale University); architectural design, structures technology, multidisciplinary design theory and ecology.
Lonsway, B.—M.Arch. (Columbia University); architectural theory and electronic media.
Torres, R.—Ph.D. (Chalmers Tekniska Hoegskola, Gothenburg, Sweden); architectural acoustics, auralization of sound fields, subjective effects of room acoustics.
VanDessel, S.—Ph.D. (University of Florida); emerging materials and material development, sustainable architectural technologies.
Clinical Professors
Oatman, M.—M.F.A. (University of Albany); B.F.A. (Rhode Island School of Design); drawing, design; painter and installation artist.
Riebe, D.—M.S. (Columbia University); architectural design, emerging technologies and practice; practicing licensed architect.
Tanczos, D.—M.Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); architectural design, engineering, and architecture, construction.
Distinguished Visiting Professors
Coxe, W.—(Harvard University); management consultant to architects and design professionals.
Jaffe, C.—B.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); Graduate Studies-Drama/Theatre (Columbia University); innovations in acoustical engineering and design. D.Eng.(Hon.) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Emeritus Faculty
Quinn, P.—M.Arch. (University of Pennsylvania); theory and architectural design, institutional and community facilities.
Williams, G.—M.Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); architectural design and practice.
Adjunct and Visiting Faculty
Abbate-Gardner, C.—M.Arch. (University of Rome); architectural and urban design, practice, and Italian studies.
Andrasek, A.—M.S. (Columbia University); research and design theory, architecture.
Bayard, S.—H.S. (Columbia University); architectural design, social housing studies.
Bedford, S.—Ph.D. (Columbia University); architectural history, regulatory compliance.
Bierman, A.—M.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); mesopic vision, color vision, lighting controls, measurement of lighting efficiency.
Boucher, D.—B. Arch. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); partner, historic preservation, building conservation.
Brandston, H.—B.A. (Brooklyn College); lighting design.
Bullough, J.—M.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); psychological and biological effects of light, lighting for transportation, technology transfer.
Burian, J.—Ph.D. (Cornell University); theatre, literature.
Byszewski, V.—D.Sc., Ph.D., M.S.(Warsaw University), Ph.D. (Polish Academy); lighting technology.
Carpentier, D., Jr.—B.A. Historic Preservation (Empire State College); historic preservation.
Cawley, F.—B.F.A., B. Landscape Architecture (Rhode Island School of Design); historic preservation, landscape architecture and urban design.
Ellinger, J.—M. Arch. (Columbia University); design.
Facca, A.—M.S. (University of Virginia); urban planner
Figueiro, M.—M.S. Lighting, (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); lighting alumna with a background in architectural design and construction management.
Fleisher, S.—B.A. (Northeastern University); furniture design.
Foulks, W.—B.Arch. (University of Michigan), M.A. (Columbia University); restoration and preservation of historic buildings.
Freidman, D.—B.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); historic buildings engineering practice.
Galindo, Y.—M. Arch. (Yale University); architectural design, theory (architecture and feminism), practice.
Hartgen, K.—M.Arts (University of New York, Albany); artifact preservation.
Hoffman, D.—B.F.A. (Carnegie Mellon University); theater, technical theater, stage design, stage lighting, theatrical engineering.
Holmes, O.—B.S. (State University College Oneonta) B.S. (Syracuse University), HVAC, building systems, energy management.
Kolatan, F.—Dipl.Ing., MSAAD (RWTH Aachen, Germany, Columbia University); architecture, design, theory.
Lee, F.—Dipl. Arch. (Architectural Association, London); RIBA part 2, M. S. (Columbia University); architectural design.
Leeser, T.—B.Arch., M.Arch. (Technische Universitaet, Darmstadt, Germany); architecture, design theory, research experimentation.
Levin, R.—Ph.D. (Stanford University); lighting optics, lighting application, nonionizing radiation.
Maniccia, D.—M.S. (Pennsylvania State University); architectural engineering-illumination studies.
Miller, N.—B.S. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); energy-efficient lighting for residential and commercial uses, lighting quality and human factors.
Miner, D.—M.S. (Columbia University); preservation law.
Moyer, J.—B.A. (Michigan State University); architectural, functional, aesthetic, and energy-efficient lighting.
Nelson, B.—B.A., B.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); professional practice, community planning, project management.
Reilly, S.—B.Arch., B.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), architectural design, practice, preservation technology.
Shaver, P.—B.A. (Syracuse University); American history, architectural history.
Schwitter, C.—M.S. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); structural and building services engineering.
Vance, J.—B.Arch. (Auburn University); integration of lighting systems into architecture.
Van Ingen, A.—B.A. (Middlebury College), M.S.H.P. (Columbia University); design, historic preservation and construction grants maker.
Vasconez, S.—M.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); lighting education, retail and residential lighting design.
Research Architecture
Akashi, Y.—Ph.D. (Musashi Institute of Technology); human factors in lighting.
Ebbing, C.—M.S.E.E. (SUNY at Buffalo); industrial acoustics, research special noise control.
Shimizu, Y.—M.S. (Tokyo Institute of Technology); acoustical design, active sound field control technology, psychological acoustics.
Stefaniw, A.—M.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); research development and classroom acoustics.
Research Assistant Professor
Van Derlofske, J.—Ph.D. (University of Alabama in Huntsville); illumination systems, optical design, optical computer modeling, prototype development.
Research Associate Professor
Narendran, N.—Ph.D. (University of Rhode Island); remote source lighting, fiber-optic sensors, geometric and physical optics.
Accreditation
The National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredits the Rensselaer School of Architecture’s Bachelor of Architecture (5-year) program and Master of Architecture (3 1/2-year) program. The following statement is included in the catalog, pursuant to the requirement of the NAAB:
In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board, which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes two types of degrees; the Bachelor of Architecture and the Master of Architecture. A program may be granted a five-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with established educational standards.
Master’s degree programs may consist of preprofessional and undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
Academic Policies
In addition to the Institute-wide academic regulations outlined in this catalog, the following pertain to programs in architecture.
Academic Progress To earn the professional M.Arch. degree, students must maintain a B average in the following courses: Design Explorations (ARCH-6110, ARCH-6120 and ARCH-6130), Design Development (ARCH-4300), and Master’s Thesis (ARCH-6990). Students whose cumulative averages for all course work drop below 3.0 will be reviewed for satisfactory progress. The architecture faculty, as part of its academic review process, will review professional M.Arch. students earning grades of C or below. A student earning a C or below in a subsequent required design course must either repeat the course or take another course specified by the faculty before advancing to the next course in the design sequence. Students who fail to earn a grade of B or better in the repeated or specified course, or who earn a third C or lower in design, may not continue in the design sequence.
Retention of Student Work All drawings and models done by students as part of the instructional program are property of the Institute until they are released by the instructor. The School of Architecture at its option may retain certain works for academic purposes.
Special Opportunities Please refer to Special Opportunities.
Course Descriptions For course descriptions click here.
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