RPI Architecture Breakfast

Thanks to RPI and their CASE (Center for Architecture Science and Ecology) for hosting a counselor breakfast yesterday morning. We got a chance to hear from the Dean of the Architecture school and look at a few of the projects that CASE is working on. The architecture program at RPI is small, but it is clearly doing some really exciting things. They offer all different types of architecture degrees, but the one most applicable to ElRo students is the 5 year Bachelor of Architecture program that will prepare students to work in the world of architecture after graduation without them needing to go on for a Masters degree right away (the other road to working in the world of architecture is to get a bachelors in any degree you want, then complete a Masters of Architecture for three additional years in order to log the studio time you need). Program highlights include some amazing work in the realm of smart and sustainable design (aka - public spaces with a smart canopy that cools people underneath in the summer and heats people underneath in the winter - coming soon to 9th Ave in NYC!) RPI is known for Engineering, but they have other things too - and the intersection between science and art is really embraced in the architecture school. There is a portfolio required for admission, but no one is expecting you to have taken drafting or submit a portfolio of blueprints. What is being looked for is some semblance of artistic ability, a strong creative voice, and potential. The acoustics department is also fabulous -- putting their work into practice with the beautiful EMPAC building on RPI's campus (pictured above). As the world moves greener and greener and jobs in sustainable energy and design continue to grow, the opportunities at RPI are really exciting.

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