Master of Science in Architecture - Sustainable Design

University of Houston

The Master of Science in Architecture with a concentration in sustainable design [MS ARCH in Sustainable Design] is an advanced post-professional degree for students focusing on the research and design of sustainable design at multiple scales, ranging from energy-efficient buildings to better neighborhood design and smart growth. Before air-conditioning became ubiquitous, designing with the local climate in mind was not a virtue but a necessity. Passive design – taking advantage of the cyclical nature of the sun and maximizing natural ventilation – was widely practiced for centuries before the phrase was coined. In the years since the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainability as ''meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,'' we have better understood that technological innovations can present both problems and solutions. Taking advantage of our location in Houston, the world’s energy capital, this program works closely with the UH Energy research group, where academics collaborate with industry partners on multi-disciplinary projects promoting a better built environment.