Master of Architecture in Urban Design: MAUD
Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design: MLAUD
Andrea Leers
, Director of the Urban Design Degree Programs
The program leading to the Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD) and the Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD) is intended for individuals who have completed a five-year undergraduate professional program in architecture, landscape architecture or its equivalent. Students enrolled in the GSD's professional programs in Architecture and Landscape Architecture are also encouraged to apply for a concurrent Urban Design degree, for which an individual curriculum may be arranged. Taking advantage of the remarkable international make-up of the student body, the Urban Design Program establishes a common intellectual ground among architects and landscape architects who intend to practice as urbanists. The program provides knowledge of urban theories, design techniques and procedures that challenge students to rethink design within the climate of economic speculation, political negotiation and democratic struggle that often characterizes urban development today. Included are courses in history, theory, law, planning, public policy, and real estate finance that provide students with a broad understanding of the forces that shape urbanization at both local and global scales. Particular emphasis is placed upon developing mastery in urban design through studio work and an elective thesis sequence in the second year of study.
Studio work in urban design covers a broad range of topics in both American and international settings. Topics include schemes and scenarios for existing urbanized areas-including the analysis and restructuring of areas from the inner city to the metropolitan edge, the development of new territories-from cities to towns, districts and neighborhoods, and the extension or transformation of historic and contemporary contexts. Importance is placed on exploring the interfaces between design and the broad phenomena that figure in the making of the built environment, including social, cultural and artistic trends (both emerging and historical), real estate markets and development trends, public policies and infrastructure. Experimentation with the visual, tactile, and programmatic qualities that lend distinction to urban environments is consciously emphasized, as a way to reform and enhance the approaches graduates bring to the professional realm.
Preparation for Admission
Individuals who have completed an accredited bachelor of architecture or bachelor of landscape architecture degree, or persons who hold the degree master in architecture or master in landscape architecture, are eligible for admission to the urban design program in their respective fields. Two to three years of experience in professional practice is recommended but not required.
Residence
Four terms of full-time study in residence normally is required for award of the degree, unless a student is enrolled in another GSD program. Under special circumstances, students may receive permission to reduce their course load and extend their studies over a longer period of time.
Requirements for Award of Degree
A candidate will be recommended for the Master of Architecture in Urban Design or the Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design as a postprofessional degree upon satisfactory completion of 80 units in the following course of study:
First Term
8 units GSD 1221 Elements of Urban Design
4 units GSD 3503 Proseminar: Defining Urban Design
4 units GSD 5101 Histories and Theories of Urban Interventions
4 units Courses in required subject areas and/or electives
Second Term
8 units GSD 1500 Urban Planning and Design studio option
4 units Courses in required subject areas and/or electives*
8 units GSD 5103 Public and Private Development
Third Term
8 units Studio Option**
12 units Courses in required subject areas and/or electives* (including, for thesis track, GSD 9204: Preparation of Thesis Proposal)
Fourth Term
8 units Studio Option**
or
8 units GSD 9302 Independent Thesis***
12 units Courses in required subject areas and/or electives*- including GSD 5103 Public and Private Development (if not taken in semester one)
* The Department of Urban Planning and Design issues a list of acceptable courses that satisfy the three required subject areas: 4 units each in history or theory of urban design, law and implementation, and economics and development finance.
** Students who have demonstrated their design skills by obtaining a grade of pass or above in a studio option may, upon approval by the department, choose a third track, which allows for substitution of courses for a studio option in the third or fourth term.
*** An independent master's thesis (8 units) in urban design may be substituted for a studio option and one 4-unit course during the fourth term, upon approval of the Department of Urban Planning and Design and successful completion, during the third term, of GSD 9204: Preparation of Thesis Proposal (4 units). Petitions for independent master's theses or substitution of courses for a studio must be submitted to the student's faculty advisor and the program director by the deadline determined by the department.