PhD in Architecture & Design Research
Program Overview
The PhD in Architecture & Design Research fosters transdisciplinary inquiry and cultivates innovators who anticipate and shape the future of architectural practice. Through diverse focus areas and collaborations with other disciplines, students conduct original research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in architecture and the built environment.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD in Architecture & Design Research is a program focused on anticipating and shaping the future of architectural practice. It aims to create new avenues of investigation, expand knowledge bases, solve contemporary issues across architectural disciplines, and yield new insights into the past, present, and future of the field.
Objectives:
- To develop new modes of design research.
- To conduct original research on timely, discipline-specific topics.
- To shape a research question and pursue transdisciplinary inquiry.
- To make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in a specific focus area.
Program Description:
The program encourages interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, building on the expertise of faculty within the College of Architecture & the Built Environment and across Jefferson University. Students choose a focus area and conduct original research, drawing upon the broad array of professional expertise available throughout the University. The final dissertation phase is an individualized, self-driven process.
Focus Areas:
Students can choose from a wide array of topics supported by faculty expertise, including:
- Sustainable architecture
- High performance buildings
- Urban design
- Smart cities
- Geospatial technologies
- Historic preservation
- Public interest design
- Design for health
- Sustainable development
- Real estate development
- Innovative construction
Collaboration:
Students collaborate with other disciplines relevant to their topic, including engineering, business, and health sciences, in consultation with an academic advisor.
Tracks:
The program is offered through three different online/hybrid tracks:
- Architecture & Design Research, PhD – in person/hybrid
- Architecture & Design Research, Practice-Based PhD – online/hybrid
- Architecture & Design Research, SMARTlab Practice-Based PhD – online/hybrid (Offers a concentration in Inclusive Design & Creative Technology Innovation with SMARTlab)
National and International Partnerships:
Faculty have formed partnerships with several international institutions, including:
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
- TU Delft
- Politecnico di Milano
- Anhalt University and Hochschule Ostwestfalen Lippe – School of Architecture, Germany The program fosters student and faculty exchange and research with a growing list of top-tier domestic and international partner institutions. CABE also has a network with leading architectural firms around the world, such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Gensler, Stantec, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), and AECOM.
Collaborative, Transdisciplinary Research:
The program benefits from the transdisciplinary nature of Jefferson, fostering the intersection of architecture and design with business, engineering, and the health sciences. It builds upon Jefferson’s institutional strengths to educate the next generation of innovators who understand how to think critically and creatively and collaborate effectively.
Labs and Centers:
- Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities
- Synesthetic Research & Design Lab
- Lab for Urban & Social Innovation
- Center for the Preservation of Modernism
- Fashion & Textiles Futures Center
- IDEA Lab
STEM Designation:
The PhD in Architecture & Design Research is a STEM designated program (04.0902 Architecture and Building Science/Technology).
Careers:
- Specialized practice
- Consulting
- University teaching
- Architectural research
Other:
- The program is designed to prepare students for a career in specialized practice, consulting, university teaching, and architectural research.
- Students benefit from synergies among the wide-ranging portfolio of graduate programs within CABE as well as other disciplines throughout the University.
Thomas Jefferson University
Overview:
Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known for its strong focus on healthcare and its commitment to innovation and research. The university has a long history, celebrating its bicentennial in 2024, and has a reputation for preparing students for successful careers in various fields.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Providing guidance and support to students in choosing courses, majors, and career paths.Career Services:
Assisting students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation.Financial Aid:
Offering scholarships, grants, and loans to help students finance their education.Housing:
Providing on-campus housing options for students at both the Center City and East Falls campuses.Library Services:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, databases, and research support.Student Life:
Organizing various clubs, organizations, and events to enhance the student experience.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Thomas Jefferson University can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Athletics:
Participating in intercollegiate sports as part of the Jefferson Rams.Student Organizations:
Joining clubs and organizations based on interests, such as academic, cultural, or social groups.Campus Events:
Attending various events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.Philadelphia Experience:
Exploring the rich cultural and historical offerings of Philadelphia, a major city with numerous attractions.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in healthcare, science, and technology.Research Opportunities:
Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities to work alongside renowned faculty.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry partners, providing students with internship and job opportunities.Global Focus:
The university emphasizes global perspectives and offers study abroad programs to broaden student horizons.Bicentennial Legacy:
The university's long history and commitment to excellence provide a unique and enriching learning environment.Academic Programs:
Thomas Jefferson University is home to several colleges and schools, including:
Sidney Kimmel Medical College:
A leading medical school known for its research and clinical training.College of Architecture & The Built Environment:
Offering programs in architecture, urban design, and real estate.Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce:
Providing programs in design, engineering, business, and fashion.College of Health Professions:
Offering programs in various health professions, such as nursing, pharmacy, and rehabilitation sciences.College of Humanities & Sciences:
Offering programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.College of Life Sciences:
Offering programs in biology, chemistry, and other life sciences.College of Nursing:
Offering programs in nursing, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.College of Pharmacy:
Offering programs in pharmacy, including PharmD and PhD degrees.College of Population Health:
Offering programs in public health, health policy, and health management.College of Rehabilitation Sciences:
Offering programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.Other:
- The university has two main campuses: Center City and East Falls.
- Thomas Jefferson University is affiliated with Jefferson Health, a large healthcare system in the Philadelphia area.
- The university is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
- The university has a strong alumni network, providing support and connections to graduates.
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