American Urbanism

The program of Advanced Studies in American Urbanism provides opportunities for the rediscovery and examination of the fundamental symbolic and pragmatic values that underlie American urban form. In an interdisciplinary setting students explore the application and adaptation of these values to contemporary aspirations, beliefs, and conditions. Architects, landscape architects, planners and historians independently and jointly investigate the interacting influences and spatial strategies by which cities take on form and meaning.

The core of the program is the studio where initial efforts involve the analysis of significant examples of American urbanism as unique phenomena particular to their new world mythology, as displaced and transformed sets of European ideals and forms, and as responses to the dominant entrepreneurial view of land as a commodity to be individually owned and controlled. This is followed by investigations of specific urban contexts through analyses and design with the intention of defining generic issues and solving local problems. Concurrent seminars deal with basic operational mechanisms of the city such as building and land-use regulation, transportation and development economics, as well as urban history and theory.

Admission

Admission to the program is limited to eight to ten students each year, and is open to qualified graduate students in the School of Architecture's four departments. Satisfactory completion of the 24 credit hour program leads to the Certificate in American Urbanism. Graduate students in the School will normally be able to complete the Urbanism requirements and earn the Certificate within the time required for their graduate degree program. Students in departments other than Architecture and Landscape Architecture may be required to submit a portfolio.

Curriculum

Enrollment in the two semester, 12 credit urbanism studio is required of all candidates for the Certificate. The remaining 12 credits will be made up of some appropriate combination of research and coursework which will reflect the background and interests of the candidates and be determined in consultation with the program's director.

Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Program of Advanced Studies in American Urbanism, graduate students in Architecture, Path B and C and graduate students in Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Architectural History must have exceptional academic records and at least two years experience working in a field related to the planning, development, conservation and renewal of the city.

Working professionals will be admitted based on consideration of their academic and professional backgrounds which should include evidence of interest in and experience with the fields cited above. Outside applicants should write to the director expressing their interest and intentions and include a resume of their education and experience. Inquiries should be addressed: Director, American Urbanism Program, School of Architecture, P.O. Box 400122, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA 22904.