Any advice on choosing between these schools regardless of cost. I’m interested to better understand the culture of each program.
Univ of Oregon also in the mix too.
GT would require a Master’s to practice.
My son is interested in sustainability.
Appreciate any advice or shared experiences!
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Can’t speak to GT since S23 didn’t look there since he was looking for 5 year programs (mostly). He did look at/apply to VT and Auburn. Painting with a broad brush, tech schools are going to be more engineering focused. If you look at the 5 year curriculum at the tech schools you’re likely to see slightly more math and engineering type classes in the curriculum. Auburn is going to be slightly more design focused. Auburn has their Urban studio (selective program for 5th year) which is pretty well regarded.
VT is a direct admit program (and quite selective based on their stats). Auburn you sort of get selected for the pre-program and insertion into the BArch program happens after you meet certain courses/grades. Both programs have a dedicated buildings/space and I seem to recall they’re roughly the same size student body.
During a presentation from Syracuse Arch last year I think they summed up the sustainability aspect of the occupation pretty well by saying that Architecture as a field has been on the forefront of sustainability before it was a “thing” since it’s central to the field.
We visited both campuses and, parents opinion, it would have been difficult to go wrong with either school. The kids seemed more happy/friendly at Auburn and the buildings/spaces seemed more up to date at VT but that’s based on a couple of hours observation at each school. Around each school there’s a block or two of “college town” and go beyond that and there’s not much that isn’t a 30-40 minute drive.
Calling @momrath for any corrections or additional input.
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I don’t have any insider information on Auburn, VT or GT. The difference between a BArch and a BS — with an eventual MArch — would be a consideration. Bear in mind that with a GT BS your son could continue on for a GT MArch or could get his Masters at another school of architecture. You do have to factor in the cost of additional years, though.
I would agree whole heartedly with @mashinations that EVERY architecture program will have a serious, well supported sustainable focus. Architecture firms have been dealing with LEED certification, building codes and regulations, and approvals from environmental boards for decades. Building green is not only an ethical decision but also a very real business imperative
I’m more familiar with U of Oregon as my son did a summer internship with a Portland firm. U of O’s school of architecture is a longtime proponent of the development of the Pacific Northwest design aesthetic (lots of wood, stone and glass, all sustainable of course). U of Washington — also a BS+MArch — is similar.
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