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The undergraduate program in architecture offers an opportunity for in-depth study of the discipline of architecture within the context of a liberal arts education. The program of study emphasizes the complex relationship between architectural form, culture and society considered through an in-depth exploration of architectural design, history and theory of architecture, building technology, urbanism, and landscape architecture. Particular attention is paid to the social and political aspects of architecture’s urban setting, and its impact on the natural environment. Princeton’s undergraduate program is known for its rigorous interdisciplinary approach. The course of study includes a sequence of design studios and complementary courses in the history and theory of architecture, drawing and representation, computation, environmental and building technology. The broad academic program prepares students for graduate study in architecture and related disciplines such as landscape architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, art history, and the visual arts. In addition, the B.S.E. program in architecture and engineering is offered through the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The School also directs the university-wide Program in Urban Studies which offers additional opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Each student completes a senior thesis, a rite of passage for all Princeton students. The thesis gives seniors the opportunity to pursue original research and scholarship on topics of their own choice under the guidance of faculty advisers. The senior thesis is a detailed project, presenting a well-argued piece of research on a precise architectural theme, and may include architectural drawings, models, video, photographs, and computergenerated images. The thesis is a yearlong project that begins in the fall semester. Faculty thesis advisers are assigned at the beginning of the fall term of the senior year, and students work closely with the adviser in the formulation of the topic, research methods, organization of the thesis material, and presentation of the work.
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Undergraduate Program in Architecture