Environmental Building Design [MEBD/MSD-EBD]

MEBD – one-year, 2 semesters

The Master in Environmental Building Design (MEBD) is a professionally oriented, two-semester, post-professional degree focused on the integration of performance analysis and architectural design. 

Students take a year of required courses with students in the 2 year program, and a selection of designated electives from across the University. The program is based on the acquisition of new skills and tools, the discussion of principles of environmental design, and their integration in design. New building design, renovation of existing buildings, and environmental analysis at many scales are critical aspects of comprehensive environmental design. The program culminates in a Bioclimatic Design Studio that explores the limits of architectural design for climate and its integration with innovative mechanical systems.

Please visit the program website for more information.

MSD-EBD – two-year, 4 semesters

The MSD in Environmental Building Design (MSD-EBD) is a research-oriented, four-semester, post-professional degree focused on innovation in the integration of performance analysis and architectural design. 

Students share a structured year of required courses with students in the 2-semester program and then continue for a second year of research and innovation. The program is based on the exploration of techniques for developing and evaluating novel design proposals, including prototyping, monitoring, and modelling. The second year focuses on a design-based research project that combines invention with evidence-based design and performance analysis. The year culminates in a design review and the preparation of an article for publication.

Students can take a reduced to load in the final semester to reduce tuition costs or take additional elective courses in the second year to support the research agenda.

Please visit the program website for more information.

Research

The Department of Architecture has assembled a remarkable team of experts to teach in the program. The MSD-EBD operates in close coordination with the Center for Environmental Building & Design and the Thermal Architecture Lab, drawing on the expertise of faculty engaged in research, providing case studies and research projects for students in the EBD programs.

Curriculum

The MEBD has four required courses, one design studio and a selection of four designated electives. MSD-EBD curriculum has five required courses, two design studios, a selection of four designated electives, two open electives , and four optional electives. The structure of the two curricula are outlined in the chart below.

The sequence of required courses develops from broad principles and simulation skills in the first semester to integration of those skills in a Performance Workshop and Bioclimatic Design Studio in the second semester, and for the MSD-EBD culminates in an year long EBD Research Project. Designated electives support the required sequence with more detailed explorations of environmental technologies and they include courses in Daylighting, Embodied Carbon, Matter and Energy, Climate Policy, The Future of Water, Articulate Building Envelopes, and Sustainable Cities, many of which are offered in other departments and schools. Open electives allow students to explore courses outside of the program that extend or complement their studies.

Director

Dr. William W. Braham, FAIA