Architecture is about learning to make physical changes to our surroundings that enhance the quality of the built environment and our experience of life. This broad purpose includes providing shelter and environmental protection with the highest standards for energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable architecture, designing appropriate settings for human activities, and creating forms that are aesthetically pleasing and supportive of social well-being and environmental health.
While basics are taught in Eugene, as an advanced student, students may also study and work in the exciting urban setting of Portland at the UO’s White Stag Block. The Department of Architecture at the UO offers a large number of special topic courses, and a robust program of visiting architects from around the world who come to campus to lecture and teach. The department’s exceptional faculty bring strengths to a wide variety of areas that include:
- healthy built environments
- sustainable, resilient design
- housing and urban design
- design process and theory
- art and science of building
- computational design
- lighting and lighting design
Several 12-credit study abroad programs are open to students—in Vicenza and Rome, Italy, Vancouver, Canada (architecture); and Barcelona, Spain (data-driven urban design). The school also works with the Danish International Study Program in architecture and urban design and furniture design, facilitating student travel to Copenhagen. Students might also choose to participate in an exchange program in Stuttgart, Germany; Tokyo, Japan, Singapore or Hong Kong, China.
To gain admission to the UO’s five-year architecture program, students must complete both the university application for admission (due January 15) and select their interest in the major in Architecture on the application. Portfolio submission is strongly encouraged, but not required.