School of Architecture

Mailing Address

School of Architecture
304 Richardson Memorial Building
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA 70118

Administrative Office

Dean: Kenneth Schwartz
Associate Dean: Wendoline Redfield
Phone: (504) 865-5389
Web Site: http://www.tulane.edu/~tsahome/
E-mail: tsarch@tulane.edu

Tulane's School of Architecture prepares students for positions of leadership in their communities and in the design professions. We offer academic programs and professional preparation within a context of rigorous scholarship, environmental stewardship and creative endeavor. Our degree programs address important professional concerns - creativity, intellectual advancement, professional and ethical responsibility, technical innovation, and civic engagement - while developing student's imaginative and intellectual abilities in order to provide the information and strategies needed to address contemporary design practice.

The Architecture curriculum centers on the design studio, which is the primary academic component of each semester. This studio training is coupled with imaginative and comprehensive instruction in architectural history, technology, theory, digital media, techniques of representation and professional concerns. As well, the architecture curriculum places emphasis on significant study in the liberal arts and sciences for which Tulane is renowned. Our approach in all coursework emphasizes a variety of theories, points of view, methods, and goals. We not only enable a student's development as an architect, but also further the discourse in our discipline by engaging the culture around us and expanding the traditions of architectural thought and practice.

History

The first courses in architecture at Tulane University leading to a degree in architectural engineering were offered in 1894 under the direction of Professor William Woodward. An article published in 1907 noted, "the geographical location of the city of New Orleans, its cosmopolitan character, and the age and variety of its unique building types, make it a fit place in which to develop a school of architecture which would be suited to its environment, maintain a reasonableness of planning and construction, and be recognized as appropriate to the climatic conditions." Accordingly, a full four-year professional curriculum in architecture, leading to the Bachelor's degree, was established in the College of Technology (Engineering) in the academic year 1907-1908. At that time Samuel S. Labouisse, Moise H. Goldstein, and Allison Owen joined the staff. In 1912, Professor Nathaniel Cortlandt Curtis was appointed head of the newly independent Architecture Department; he was succeeded by Professor John Herndon Thompson in 1921 and Professor Buford L. Pickens in 1946.

At the conclusion of the Second World War, the faculty and enrollment increased to accommodate returning veterans, and the school continued to grow throughout the next two decades. John Ekin Dinwiddie was appointed dean of the School of Architecture in 1953; he was succeeded by Professor John William Lawrence in 1960. In 1971 the School of Architecture moved into its present facility, the Richardson Memorial Building, and experienced another increase in enrollment that continued throughout the seventies. Professor William Kay Turner became the dean in 1972, and in 1975 a small graduate program was initiated, offering a course of study leading to the Master of Architecture II as a post professional degree. Ronald Coulter Filson became dean in 1980. In the summer of 1990 the School began a program offering a Master of Architecture as a first professional degree for students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines. Donna V. Robertson succeeded Dean Filson in 1992. Tulane faculty member Donald F. Gatzke was appointed Dean of the School of Architecture in 1997, just as the School initiated its new Masters in Preservation Studies. Also in 1997 a supplemental Certificate in Preservation Studies was offered to undergraduates for the first time. In 2003, the School eliminated the 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree, replacing it with a 5 year Masters of Architecture as the professional degree. Former Architecture magazine editor-in-chief Reed Kroloff became dean in October, 2004. In 2005 the School initiated the Tulane City Center, its urban research and outreach program, as well as URBANbuild, which helps rehabilitate neighborhoods through urban design and the construction of student-designed and built housing prototypes. The School is expanding its degree offerings and international study opportunities, and has initiated a drive to fully integrate digital design throughout the curriculum.

Academic Context

The School of Architecture at Tulane University enjoys the advantages of two worlds, as part of a major private research university, and as a distinct institution with its own administration, faculty, staff, students, and physical facilities. The diversity and resources of the university support the School's curriculum, which emphasizes the broad-based concerns of architecture and its relationship to other disciplines.

Our historic building, Richardson Memorial, is located on the most historic and attractive quadrangle of the Tulane campus. This unique and pleasant environment, combined with Tulane's low student/faculty ratio, engender a personal, informal, and engaged community for learning.

The School Today

The Tulane School of Architecture today is home to approximately three hundred and fifty students who are taught each semester by twenty full-time faculty as well as part-time professionals and visiting instructors. Programs of study leading to the Masters of Architecture degree are supplemented by a variety of special academic opportunities: Architect's Week, conferences and symposia, a public lecture series, exhibitions, competitions, research opportunities, student activities, and school publications.

At present the School is undergoing a significant shift in its focus and programs.  Our students will be encouraged to understand architecture as a vehicle for, and a generator of, civic engagement. We are creating a new teaching and research facility in downtown New Orleans - The Tulane City Center - in which students will take courses that emphasize innovative design in the public arena. We will offer an expanded selection of courses, as well as new joint degree programs with other academic and professional disciplines. We are adding to our already rich array of foreign travel programs. And, critically, our wireless-enabled building will become the hub of a new focus on digitally-aided design and fabrication. These and other initiatives will be reflected in the dynamic new curriculum. The Master's Degree will remain the accredited program, but incoming students should expect and understand that changes to the courses of study outlined in this catalog are likely. These changes will be thoroughly documented and explained in supplemental published materials, and it is the responsibility of each student to keep abreast of these developments through their academic advisers.

New Orleans

New Orleans is one of American's truly unique cities. Culturally rich, it is the birthplace of Jazz music, Creole cooking, and Southern literature. New Orleans also offers exceptional advantages for studying architecture. The French Quarter's romantic courtyard buildings, River Road's majestic plantation houses, and the Garden District's early suburban mansions are unique examples of 18th and 19th century American architecture, elegant and beautiful adaptations of European prototypes that demonstrate vital principles of environmentally responsive design. These exist side by side with the skyscrapers, sports stadiums, and commercial facilities of contemporary society. All reveal the variety of design and cultural influences - African, Caribbean, European, Latin American - that have contributed to the richness and vitality of the city. And all exist against the physical, environmental and spiritual backdrop of the Mississippi river, which gives definition not only to the city, but to so many enduring aspects of American culture and history as well.

Beginning with the first architecture courses taught in 1894, Tulane's faculty has involved itself with both the preservation of our historic environment, and the design of significant new structures responsive to contemporary values. We instill in our students a sensitivity for this remarkable city, a value system that respects the old while developing the new; the city serves as our learning laboratory in all parts of its cultural and historical makeup.

Of course, the flood-related damage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita has had a significant impact on New Orleans. And as it has many times before, the city is rebuilding. For the School of Architecture, the recovery effort presents an exceptional range of opportunities for both public service and educational enhancement. Tulane Architecture students and faculty are helping the city re-envision itself and rebuild. From master planning nearby communities through the Tulane Regional Urban Design Center to designing and building houses in the central City in the URBANbuild program, Tulane Architecture students have been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage architecture and urban design first-hand.

Facilities

Richardson Memorial

Designed in 1907 by the New Orleans architecture firm of Andry and Bendernagel to house the Tulane Medical College, Richardson Memorial is located on the oldest and most beautiful quadrangle at Tulane, on the St. Charles Avenue side of campus. The five story brick and limestone building is a fine example, appropriately, of the Richardsonian Romanesque style buildings that define this area of the campus. It has recently undergone renovations - like the installation of wireless communications - that are bringing this venerable building into its second century of service to the university.

Studios and Classrooms

Richardson Memorial's spacious main rooms, with high ceilings, open trusswork, and tall windows on three sides, could not better accommodate their use as lecture halls, a library, and architecture studios. Every student in the school is assigned a personal desk in one of these studios each semester. Studios are accessible at all hours for design and other course work and are fully networked. Classrooms include seminar rooms, lecture and exhibition halls, and special purpose rooms (described below).

Offices

The School's administrative offices are located on the third floor of Richardson Memorial. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Faculty members have offices in Richardson Memorial on the first and fourth floors, and make themselves available to meet with students outside of classes, during weekly office hours.

The Architecture Library

The School of Architecture houses two special libraries in Richardson Memorial. The Architecture Library contains 12,000 books (another 24,000 volumes are stored in Howard Tilton Memorial Library). The Emile Weil Memorial Fund allows the Library to maintain subscriptions to more than 200 architecture journals from around the world. The Architecture Library provides an optimal setting for quiet and relaxed study and research as well as for browsing and reading. Of particular interest to architecture students is the Southeastern Architectural Archive, in Jones Hall, that has more than 3,000,000 items, including 500,000 architectural drawings and 25,000 photographs. It also has a gallery with permanent and temporary exhibits.

The Slide Library

The Slide Library is the audio-visual resource facility for the students and faculty of the School. In addition to a constantly expanding collection of more than 100,000 slides and digital images, the Slide Library maintains projectors, slide duplicating and enlarging equipment, and other photographic equipment. The New Orleans Architecture Database combines the Slide Library's collection of 35mm slides with the Southeastern Architectural Archive's collection of lantern slides, and is online at www2.tulane.edu/arch. The database presently contains approximately 2500 images of New Orleans, photographed by faculty, staff and students.

Computer Facilities

The Mintz Computer Lab houses computer assisted design instruction within the school. Equipment includes the latest workstations configured for graphics and computer aided design. Animation and three-dimensional modeling, rendering and imaging capabilities are used for student projects, presentations and architectural research. A selection of design software available to students and faculty include: Autocad, Revit, 3d Studio Max, Form-z, Rhino, Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design, Sketch-up and Microsoft Office. The Mintz Computer Lab houses both Windows and Macintosh Environments. Students are also able to access the Tulane Network and internet wirelessly throughout the building. Output services include large format color inkjet plotters and a high capacity laser printer. Students may also present their works digitally via a digital projection system.

Beginning with the incoming class of 2006, all Tulane School of Architecture students will be required to purchase a laptop computer by the beginning of their second year. The School works with vendors to ensure that both Macintosh and Windows computers are available for purchase at a significant discount from retail pricing.

Digital Imaging and Fabrication Center

The School of Architecture is building a state-of-the-art facility for computer-numerically controlled manufacturing and production to support design instruction. It will be linked to, and located across from the Mintz Computer Center on the first floor of Richardson Memorial. As envisioned, the new center will include a variety of milling, laser cutting, and modeling machines that will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to enrich their three dimensional design explorations while developing their education in digital fabrication technologies.

Shop

Located on the ground floor of Richardson Memorial Hall, the Architecture Shop enables students to work in wood, metal, concrete and various other materials.

The Shop is open weekdays, weekends, and some evenings. Students are encouraged to use the Architecture Shop for academic assignments and other projects.

Publications Office

The School of Architecture has a rich history of publication, including books, periodicals, newsletters, annual reviews and specialty printings related to lectures, symposia and research studios. Several significant publications have grown out of the school, including most recently, AULA: Architecture and Urbanism in Las Américas, which is edited by TSA faculty member Dr. Robert Gonzalez. AULA publishes scholarly research and criticism on both historical and contemporary Latin American topics. Students have an opportunity to work on most of the School's publications, including their own independently run newsletter.

Programs and Events

In addition to a full academic program, there are many ongoing programs and events such as the URBANbuild program of the Tulane City Center, international study programs and opportunities, public lectures, distinguished visiting faculty, exhibitions, symposia, publications and student organizations which support the academic life of the School of Architecture. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of these programs, events and resources to enrich their experience and enhance their educational opportunities at the School.

Special Programs and Resources

Tulane City Center

The Tulane City Center houses the School of Architecture's urban research and outreach programs. Programs of the City Center vary over time, but share a focus on improving cities through fostering global urban research, the development of flexible and innovative urban strategies, and the provision of environmentally and culturally informed principles to guide the design and revitalization of the contemporary metropolis. The City Center is currently housed in the School of Architecture but will soon move to a facility in downtown New Orleans. That facility will include studios, classrooms, a lecture space, and offices. All students in the School of Architecture will spend at least one semester of their education directly engaged with programs of the City Center. Currently, those programs include URBANbuild, and the Tulane Regional Urban Design Center. The City Center is an affiliate of CITYbuild, a nationwide coalition of university-based programs focused on urban research and design-build. Programs currently under development at the City Center include the Tulane Rapid Response Design Studio, the Tulane Center for Cultural Resource Management, and the Tulane Neighborhood Center.

URBANbuild

URBANbuild is an unique urban design and construction program launched by the School of Architecture in 2005. Students engaged in URBANbuild studios are deployed to neighborhoods throughout the city to develop creative and sustainable urban design strategies, innovative designs for new housing, historic property inventories, and proposals for site-specific urban interventions and large-scale mixed use urban environments. As an integral component of the URBANbuild program, students will also design and construct a prototypical house for each of the study neighborhoods in partnership with community non-profit agencies that specialize in affordable housing and neighborhood redevelopment. URBANbuild is a laboratory for city research and design, a real generator for urban transformation and revitalization, and a program which directly engages students in the processes of digital fabrication, materials' research and advanced construction processes and technologies.

Tulane Regional Urban Design Center (TRUDC)

Directed by Professor Grover Mouton, the TRUDC enlists graduates and students of the School of Architecture to work with communities in Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, and other areas to improve and develop their urban potential. TRUDC faculty and students concentrate on urban design, programming, and client-user group mediation. TRUDC's recent history has been marked by exceptional opportunities in Asia, thanks to its strategic partnership with the American Planning Association. Recent projects in the Yangtze Delta have explored the issues of rapid urbanization in Asia and included discussions with a range of design professionals and Chinese Government and Planning Officials. Many of the issues the TRUDC introduces and explores in Asia are also being studied in Southern Louisiana's small rapidly growing communities. Open to new ideas, these communities give students the opportunity to become involved in real-world planning projects across the Gulf Coast Region.

International Study

Foreign Study, Research and Travel Programs

The School of Architecture sponsors various overseas programs of study, research, and travel. These programs, developed by individual faculty members, carry elective and/or design studio credit. Recent programs have been conducted in Finland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico and Brazil. Future programs will also include travel and study in the Netherlands as part of a series of programs on water cities.

Beginning in 2006, all students in the School of Architecture will study internationally, in one of the many programs offered, during their fourth year in the Master of Architecture undergraduate program and second year in the Master of Architecture I graduate program. While no specific grade point average is required for participation in these programs, the Associate Dean and the director of each particular program counsel each student to ascertain the suitability of the program for the student. In considering the student's maturity and the studios previously taken, the Associate Dean, in consultation with the student's adviser, may determine that a student should receive only elective credit and not design studio credit.

Proposals for participation in summer programs outside the School of Architecture must be approved by the Associate Dean and are treated as transfer credit.

Study Abroad

Students in the School of Architecture may participate in this Tulane program during their fourth-year. TSA students typically study at schools in Great Britain or Scotland, though some have completed programs in Spain, Italy, France, Germany and other countries under the program, provided that they have sufficient second language preparation for the country in which they intend to study. Courses taken abroad through the study abroad program carry credit toward graduation, and grades earned count toward the cumulative grade point average. Application to the study abroad program is made through the School of Architecture Director of Academic Affairs office in the fall of the third-year. Architecture students with at least the required minimum grade point average of 3.3 are notified of their eligibility for consideration and then submit a statement of interest. Program participants from the School of Architecture are selected and recommended to the study abroad committee of the school. In addition to academic achievement, candidates are judged on the basis of maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-sufficiency. (See the University-wide section for further information.)

Travel Fellowships

Students in the School of Architecture also have the unique opportunity of applying for one of a number of travel fellowships (listed below) for independent research and travel. Each eligible candidate is required to submit a detailed proposal for research to be undertaken if awarded the fellowship. Proposals include a format for reporting findings to the School and the sponsors, as well as the nature of a permanent record of the research for the School.

Summer Career Exploration

Architecture combines the practical concerns of building with the artistic concerns of design. This combination requires creativity rarely called for in secondary school. The Career Explorations in Architecture Program at Tulane, which runs for four weeks, was established to offer high school students a significant first experience in architectural education. The program gives students an opportunity to participate in the process of design and to develop the basic tools of imagination and expression. Although the program was originally designed for high school students, undergraduate non-majors are also welcome.

Fellowships and Awards

Travel Fellowships

The John William Lawrence Travel Research Fellowship and the Moise & Lois Goldstein Research Travel Fellowship are awarded annually to a student for travel and research during the ensuing summer. Any undergraduate student who has a grade point average of 2.5 or above and completed third-year design is eligible. Graduate students are also eligible in their second year of study. Each eligible candidate, notified by the Dean in the first semester, may submit a detailed proposal for research to be undertaken if awarded the fellowship. Proposals include a format for reporting findings to the School and the sponsors, as well as the nature of a permanent record of the research for the School. The recipients are selected by the awards committee, a panel consisting of the Dean of the School, and two members of the faculty appointed by the Dean.

The Class of '73 Architectural History Travel Fellowship shall be awarded annually to a student for research on the subject of architectural history during the summer prior to the final year of course-work. Any student pursuing a Master of Architecture degree who has completed third-year design is eligible to submit a detailed research and travel proposal for consideration by a committee composed of faculty and one member of the Class of 1973. The recipient must produce a document to be catalogued in the Architecture Library as a permanent record of the research, and also make a public presentation of their work at the School on the second Friday of November.

The Samuel Stanhope Labouisse Memorial Prize is awarded for excellence in the documentation of historically significant Louisiana Architecture. Such documentation may take the form of research, analysis, or drawing. An 8/5"x11" project brief and supporting documentation should be submitted. All architecture students are eligible to apply. The recipient is selected by the awards committee, a panel consisting of the Dean of the School, and two members of the faculty appointed by the Dean.

Applications for all of the above fellowships are due on the first Friday of the spring semester.

Awards

The Nathaniel Cortlandt Curtis Memorial Prize is awarded for an outstanding essay relating to the theory or history of architecture.

The Thomas J. Lupo Award is awarded annually to a student or class for excellence in metropolitan studies. The recipient is selected by the faculty.

The I. William Sizeler Award is given each year for the outstanding design by a fourth or fifth-year student in the field of high-density, commercial, mixed-use architecture.

Awards Presented at Graduation

The Alpha Rho Chi Medal is awarded by this national architectural fraternity each year to a graduating student on the basis of leadership, service to the School, and professional promise as indicated by the student's attitude and personality. The student is selected by the faculty.

The American Institute of Architects Medal is awarded by the American Institute of Architects/AIA Foundation Scholarship Program to a graduating student for the highest overall academic achievement, as evidenced by grade point average. A certificate is given to the recipient as well as to the runner-up.

The John William Lawrence Memorial Medal is presented by the faculty of the School to a fifth-year student for design excellence. This award was instituted in 1971 to honor the School's former Dean.

The Faculty Thesis Award is awarded by the faculty of the School for superior achievement in thesis study.

The Ronald Katz Award is awarded annually by the Thesis Design Directors. The award was instituted in 1991 in memory of Ronald F. Katz '63. It is awarded for outstanding personal growth through thorough and careful development of a provocative thesis idea.

Public Lecture Series

Each year the School of Architecture invites well-known architects, architectural historians, theorists, and critics from the United States and many foreign countries to participate in our public lecture series. Visitors deliver a lecture and often participate in reviews, individual criticism, or informal discussions. Lectures cover a wide range of topics of interest to students and the profession. Practitioners often show their recent work; other lecturers discuss important work of the past and present, and all explore theoretical and topical issues and ideas. Students have the opportunity for questions and discussion with these distinguished guests through question periods, receptions, and other informal contact. This year's lecture series, will focus on the city and the rebuilding efforts of New Orleans and will include Pritzker-Prize winning architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis, Jesse Reiser of Reiser + Umemoto, RUR Architecture PC, Coleman Coker and Bruce Mau of Bruce Mau Design and author the recent book Massive Change. Our 2004-05 lecture series focused on digital media, fabrication and practice included David Erdman of Servo, Guiseppe Lignano and Ada Tolla of LOT-EK, Winka Dubbledam of Archi-tectonics, Predock Frane Architects, William Massie, Steven Cassell of ARO, Monica Ponce de Leon of Office dA, and Greg Pasquarelli of ShoP. In addition to regular public lectures, each year a particularly distinguished architect or scholar is invited to the School of Architecture to deliver a special lecture in honor of its late Dean, John W. Lawrence. Several lectures in the School are underwritten by generous grants that ensure our ability to attract visitors who are the top in their field. The Walter Wiznia lecture features architects whose work addresses contemporary design thought. The Eskew Dumez Ripple lecture brings rising younger talent to the campus.

The Lawrence Memorial Lecturers have been:

• 2005 Guiseppe Lignano & Ada Tolla
• 2004 Greg Lynn
• 2003 Eric Owen Moss
• 2002 Jorge Silvetti
• 2001 Juhani Pallasmaa
• 2000 Joseph Rykwert
• 1997 Patricia Patkau
• 1998 Bernhard Reichen
• 1996 Carmen Pinos
• 1995 Enrique Norton
• 1994 Bernard Tschumi
• 1993 Anthony Vidler
• 1992 Kenneth Frampton
• 1991 Peter Eisenman
• 1990 Mario Gandelsonas
• 1989 Edouard F. Selder
• 1988 E. Fay Jones
• 1987 Eduardo Sacriste
• 1986 Liu Kaiji
• 1985 David Gebhard
• 1984 Joseph Esherick
• 1983 Ada Karmi Melamede
• 1982 Arata Isozaki
• 1981 Susana Torre
• 1980 Spiro Kostof
• 1979 Aldo van Eyck
• 1978 James S. Ackerman
• 1977 Christopher Alexander
• 1976 Bernard Lemann
• 1975 Charles W. Moore
• 1974 Serge Chermayeff
• 1973 Gyorgy Kepes
• 1972 Louis I. Kahn

The Arthur Q. and Mary Davis Visiting Critic

Favrot Visiting Chair

The Favrot Visiting Chair enables the School to bring in an internationally renowned Architect as visiting faculty for one semester.1988 E. Fay Jones 2004-2005'Hadrian Predock and John Frane 2003 - 2004'Timothy Culvahouse

• 2002 - 2003'Hans Peter Woerndl
• 2000 - 2001'Paul Lubowicki and Susan Lanier
• 1999 - 2000'Max Bond
• 1998 - 99'Vincent James
• 1996 - 97'Carlos Jimenez

J. Herndon and Dorothy Thomson Fellowship for Faculty Travel

Each year the faculty elects one of its members for this award. This travel grant funds faculty research, and academic and professional development. Recipients deliver a public lecture to the School on their travel projects. The Award is supported by Friedrich E. Stoll, M.D., '48. Recipients have been: (2004) Bradley Bell, (2003) Robert Gonzalez, (2002) Elizabeth Gamard, (2001), Sheryl Tucker de Vazquez, (2000) Scott Wall, (1999) Stephen Jacobs, (1998) Bruce Goodwin, (1997) Karen Kingsley, (1996) Ila Berman, (1995) Ellen Weiss, (1994) Scott Bernhard, (1993) John Klingman, (1992) Donald Gatzke.

The New Orleans Lecture

The New Orleans Lecture is presented annually by a distinguished authority in the field of Urban Affairs. The subject of each lecture is the City of New Orleans: past, present, and future. Funding for this event is provided by an endowment created in honor of the late Dean Emeritus William K. Turner for his passionate involvement in the affairs of the City. The New Orleans Lecture has been presented by: (2004) Alan Karchmer, (2003) Alex Krieger, (2001) Public Symposium on Arts and Economic Development, (2000) Dell Upton, (1999) Joseph Stroud, (1998) Andrea Kahn, (1997) S. Fredrick Starr, (1996) Christine Boyer, (1995) Nicholas Lemann.

Alumni Lecture

Beginning in the School initiated the annual Alumni Lecture which invites prominent and accomplished graduates of the School to make a presentation on their work and careers.

• 2004- Todd Erlandson TSA'87 and Sherry Hoffman N'84
• 2003- Dana Buntrock '81 TSA
• 2002- Wellington Reiter '81 TSA
• 2001- Elizabeth Martin '87 TSA

Special Events

Architecture students and faculty enjoy a number of annual special events. Each year the student government sponsors Architects' Week, a week of activities, lectures, competitions, workshops, and other events organized around a common theme or topic. Recent topics have been: "nightsky" whose participants included David Gutherie and Randy Brown; "TranZense" with Alejandro Anavena, Jim Brown, and Jim Gates, "bending and binding and anchoring: with Evan Douglis, "navigation" with Steven Cassell from ARO and "XCHANGE" with Coleman Coker. In addition to the regularly scheduled public lectures, numerous alumni, visitors and local practitioners participate in the design studios and other classes, by serving as guest lecturers, reviewers and field trip guides. The School of Architecture Student Government also sponsors and organizes Friday afternoon social gatherings, usually held in the patio outside the School, and the annual Beaux Arts Ball, an evening extravaganza.

Student Organizations

Student Government

The School of Architecture has its own student government that organizes student activities, holds student meetings, and administers the annual Faculty Award (given by the graduating class each year to an instructor for teaching excellence). Student government representatives also attend faculty meetings. In addition, recent student government projects have included a "Big Buddy" system and other contributions to first year orientation. Tulane students are active in campus and national student affairs.

AIAS

The Tulane chapter American Institute of Architectural Students is an active student organization focused on program benefiting students in their professional development. AIAS sponsors numerous professional and social programs and events.

Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society

Tau Sigma Delta is a national honorary architectural fraternity open to fourth and fifth year students. Membership is based on scholarship, leadership, character, and creative ability. The Tulane chapter of Tau Sigma Delta is the continuation of an earlier organization called the Gargoyle Society.

Alpha Rho Chi

Alpha Rho Chi is a professional, co-educational, fraternity dedicated to the enhancement of art, profession and understanding of architecture, the built environment and the allied arts. Founded in 1914, it continues to be the only professionally-oriented fraternity dedicated to not only networking but also to fellowship and mentoring within the field. Represented by the Hadrian Chapter at Tulane, the Chapter offers students valuable opportunities to interact with students from around the nation and the world. Interested members may rush in the fall and pledge in the spring.

Academic Policies

A full description of academic policies for all students in Newcomb-Tulane College can be found in the college's section of this catalog. Students should review these policies thoroughly. Additional academic policies or specific requirements for the School of Architecture are outlined below.

Advanced Standing, Exemption and Advanced Placement

Advanced Standing, Exemption, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (TB) Credits and Proficiency Exams and their requirements, are described thoroughly in the Newcomb-Tulane section of this catalog which outlines the core undergraduate curriculum requirements and its policies. Advanced Standing and Advanced Placement within the School of Architecture: Students normally proceed through the architecture studio and platform courses sequentially. The exceptional student who feels his or her design work merits advancement into a higher level studio course must be sponsored by a member of the faculty in a request for advancement. The faculty sponsor petitions the Dean's office in writing; the Associate Dean will judge the merit of the faculty sponsor's proposal and make a recommendation regarding the appropriate level of architectural design instruction for the student.

For architecture courses other than studio, students with superior ability or previous course work in a given subject area may request that the instructor of that subject review their past work, previous relevant syllabi and transcripts. The instructor makes an evaluation to determine whether or not the course in question should be waived or credit given and then makes a recommendation to the Associate Dean who approves all advanced standing petitions.

Class Attendance

Regular attendance at classes, studio and laboratory periods, and scheduled course conferences is required; it is essential to successful academic progress. All absences must be reported to the course instructor; the only excused absences are those for reasons of health or crisis, and must be justified with written documentation.

Unexcused absences could reduce a student's course grade, as will late arrivals or early departures from class. Three consecutive absences or four nonconsecutive absences will, in normal circumstances, mean that the instructor may give a WF grade to the student.

Instructors are not authorized to excuse absences which extend holidays.

A student who stops attending a course listed on his or her registration form, without formally dropping this course, receives a WF grade if recommended by the instructor on or before the official deadline for authorized drops. Students should officially withdraw from a course if they are no longer attending it. After that date, the student will be assigned an UW as a final grade. (See the Newcomb-Tulane section for further information.)

Examinations

Attendance at final exams is required. A student who must be absent from a final examination will be given permission to take a special examination only if he or she presents to the course instructor and the Dean's office an acceptable excuse and appropriate documentation before or within three days after the examination. A student whose absence from an examination is excused will be given an I (Incomplete) and a makeup examination; a student whose absence is not excused will be given an F in the course. Incomplete grades must be resolved with final grades reported to the dean's office within thirty days from the end of the semester or the I grade becomes an F. (See Newcomb-Tulane section for further information.)

Studio Reviews

Studio reviews are a critical part of the design studio curriculum and evaluation process. Attendance at these reviews is mandatory. Policies for Mid-term and final studio reviews are equivalent to those for examinations in other courses (see above).

Grades

The School attempts to keep its students informed of their progress at all times. Federal law prohibits the sending of grade information to third parties, including parents and guardians, unless the student provides the Associate Dean of the School of Architecture and the Newcomb-Tulane College dean's office with written authorization for release of such information. Such a request may be made by the student at any time.

A student who has a complaint regarding grading or academic evaluation has recourse to the grievance procedure developed by the University Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility of Students. Copies of the Student Grievance Procedures are available in the dean's office. The student must first discuss the complaint with the professor; then, if dissatisfied, submit a written complaint to the Associate Dean of the School of Architecture.

At the end of each semester, a final course grade is given in each subject. This grade is based on all the student's work during the semester and is entered on the student's transcript. The School of Architecture uses the University-wide grading system for courses. A full description of Grades and Grading Policies is outlined in the Newcomb-Tulane section for the undergraduate college.

Grade Point Averages

A student's progress toward graduation is measured not only by credit earned but also by the grade-point average. Cumulative grade point averages are determined by dividing the student's total number of quality points by the total number of quality hours (credits attempted). Credits completed on the S/U basis are not included in this computation. Semester grade point averages are calculated for architectural design courses (the design average) and for all courses together (cumulative average) by dividing the number of quality points by the number of credits attempted. Credits completed on the S/U basis are not included in this computation.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option

Qualified second through fifth-year Master of Architecture I students who are not on probation may elect to take one course in a standard semester course load on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. No more than 3 satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses may be counted toward graduation. The satisfactory/unsatisfactory option may not be used to satisfy the writing, foreign language, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory components of the core curriculum. In addition, the S/U option may not be used to satisfy required course work in the School of Architecture or architectural electives. It may be used in non-architectural electives being used to satisfy university distribution requirements.

Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades do not carry quality points and are not included in the computation of grade point averages. A minimum performance level of C- is required for the grade of "satisfactory."

The School does not accept satisfactory/unsatisfactory or pass/fail credits earned at other institutions. Students should be aware that satisfactory/unsatisfactory credits might not be acceptable in transfer to other institutions.

The satisfactory/unsatisfactory option form must be filed within the prescribed period following registration and no later than the official calendar deadline. Changes to or from satisfactory/unsatisfactory status after the deadline has passed cannot be authorized. There are no exceptions.

Commendation

Commendation is an honor given to Master of Architecture students in any one of the Thesis options - Research Thesis, Thesis Studio, Research Studio and Advanced Integrated Design Studio - whose final projects are designated as exceptional by the thesis directors and who receive an A grade (4.0) in their final project. A student who has received a commendation for their final project will receive a letter of commendation from the Dean and thesis directors upon graduation.

Dean's List

Students who have earned a distinguished record in all of their courses throughout the semester may be recognized on the Dean's List of the Undergraduate College and of the School of Architecture. The Dean's List is prepared after each semester and recognizes excellence and superior academic achievement. First and second-year students are placed on the Dean's List if their grade point averages are at least 3.5; third, fourth, and fifth-year students are placed on the Dean's List with grade point averages of 3.667 or higher.

Voluntary Withdrawal

From a Course

To drop a course, a student must obtain the approval of the instructor and their adviser at the Center for Academic Advising. Students considering withdrawal from required courses must consult with their adviser at the Center for Academic Advising; required courses in the School of Architecture must be taken sequentially and withdrawal may result in the extension of the program of study. See the Newcomb-Tulane College section for further information.

From the School

A student who decides to switch from the School of Architecture to a major in another school must consult his or her adviser at the Center for Academic Advising and complete the appropriate forms.

From the University

See the Newcomb-Tulane College section for more information.

Quality of Work Requirements

Each student is responsible for his or her academic performance and its consequences.

Continuation

School of Architecture students are expected to follow the appropriate curriculum outlined in Programs of Study. Students are classified within a given year according to the number of credits earned. A student may be excluded from the School of Architecture for lack of sufficient academic progress toward fulfilling degree requirements. Failure to meet stated degree requirements may result in exclusion. Sufficient academic progress is also measured by minimum credit and grade point requirements. In addition to the quality of work requirements applicable to all undergraduates as elaborated in the Newcomb-Tulane College section for the undergraduate college, students majoring in Architecture must maintain the academic standards of the School to meet their degree requirements. Students who meet the minimum semester requirement of 12 passed credits, maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA as well as a 2.0 GPA in design studios, and also earn the required number of credits to advance from one semester to the next are considered to making progress toward their architectural degree. To qualify for admission into the second-year of the program, a fulltime student must therefore pass a minimum of 24 credits of C average work in the previous calendar year (August to August, including a summer session, if necessary). To qualify for admission into the third year of the program, a fulltime student must pass a minimum of 50 credits of C average work in the preceding two calendar years (August to August). In each subsequent semester, a fulltime student must earn at least 12 credits of C average work.

Probation and Exclusion

At the end of the semester a student must have a minimum of 12 hours of C average work as well as a design studio cumulative grade point average of C or better. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements will be placed on probation. C average work is defined as courses whose quality point average is at least 2.0. Any student who does not remove C average probation by the end of the spring semester will be required to attend summer school to continue enrollment in the School. Normally, only work undertaken in Tulane University Summer School may be applied toward removal of probationary status or toward remedying a grade point deficiency.

Students in the School of Architecture are also placed on probation in the following instances:

• A student, whose cumulative academic grade point average falls below 2.0 in any given academic semester, as calculated at the end of that semester, is placed on academic probation for the subsequent semester. If the student's cumulative average has not risen to 2.0 by the end of the probationary period, the Student is not permitted to remain in the School.
• A student, whose grade point average in architectural design courses falls below 2.0 for a given semester, as calculated at the end of that semester, is placed on design probation for the subsequent semester. If the student's year average in architectural design courses has not risen to 2.0 by the end of the probationary semester, the student is not permitted to remain in the School.
• A student excluded from the School as a result of failure to remove academic or design probation may reapply for admission only after at least one year of work under the supervision of an architect approved in advance by the Associate Dean. Upon reapplication, the student must submit examples of work undertaken during this period, along with a letter of evaluation from the employer. A student readmitted to the School under these circumstances must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 (C average work) in the first semester; or he or she will not be permitted to remain in the School or to reapply for admission.

Thesis Requirements

Fifth year students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average as well as a cumulative design grade point average of 3.33 or above by the end of their fourth academic year, are automatically eligible to pursue a Research Thesis or Thesis Studio (or any of the additional thesis offerings) in their final year of study. Fifth year students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average as well as a cumulative design grade point average of 3.00 or above by the end of their fourth academic year, are automatically eligible to pursue a Research Studio (or Advanced Integrated Design Studio) in their final year of study. Any student who has not met the eligibility criteria for the above studios may petition the Thesis Directors for special consideration. Such a student may participate in the studio for which the petition is made, once it is approved by the Thesis Directors, and a recommendation made by the Dean's office.

Student Work

Any work performed for credit by students enrolled in the School of Architecture may be retained by the School for its records. Students may, as an alternative, provide suitable reproductions. Thesis students are required to provide complete documentation of the thesis to the School for the Architecture Library. Although some student work may be retained for a period of time in order to document it, the School is not responsible for any student work (or equipment) left in Richardson Memorial Hall after the end of the term in which it is executed. All examinations and assigned written work other than design work that are used by an instructor to arrive at an academic evaluation, and are not returned to the student, are kept by the instructor for a period of six months after the semester's end.

Studio Work Portfolio Requirements

Each student in the School of Architecture maintains a portfolio, in 8.5" x 11" and digital formats, recording comprehensively the design studio work undertaken in the School each term. This portfolio is collected, evaluated and graded by design faculty during the spring semester of the second year. At this time a student may be asked to meet with a group of faculty for discussion of the work and his or her status, progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Although the portfolio review is advisory, the portfolio is a part of design studio evaluation. Maintaining a portfolio is an important and integral part of the student's curricular program, providing a valuable opportunity for a student to see the work from a broader perspective than a single semester's evaluation affords.

Submission of the portfolio is required for application to many of the School's special programs and academic opportunities as well as consideration for awards offered by the School. This portfolio also forms the basis of the professional portfolio each student assembles to seek summer and long-term employment.

Transfer Credit

Except for approved summer school credit (see Newcomb-Tulane College section), once a student enrolls in the School of Architecture, only work undertaken within Tulane University - including the approved programs described under Special Academic Opportunities - may be applied toward the requirements for a degree in the School. Work undertaken at another institution during a leave of absence is not considered for credit unless prior written approval has been obtained from the Associate Dean and the student earns a grade of C or better.

Commencement Policies and Procedures

A candidate for graduation must complete the total number of credits and all courses required for his or her program of study, must have a cumulative grade point average in all academic courses of at least 2.0 for the Master of Architecture (five year program), and 3.0 for the Master of Architecture I (three and a half year program) and must receive certification for graduation by the faculty of the School of Architecture.

Students must complete a minimum of two years (66 credits) including the final year (30 credits) of their total degree requirements in residence at Tulane in the School of Architecture.

A student expecting to receive a degree in May must register as a candidate for graduation in Newcomb-Tulane College's Center for Academic Advising in the previous semester. The commencement ceremony is held only May. Unless excused by the Associate Dean, candidates are required to attend commencement. Requests for an excused absence must be submitted in writing at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.

Programs of Study

The School of Architecture currently offers three degree programs. The Master of Architecture, a professional degree program, is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes two types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture and the Master of Architecture. A program may be granted a six-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with the established educational standards.

Master's degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

Students enrolling from secondary school:

The Master of Architecture (no previous college coursework is necessary) is offered in a five-year (l0 semester) program as a first undergraduate degree (M.Arch). Students with previous college work may take the first two semesters of required architecture courses in an intensive summer program.

Students enrolling with an undergraduate degree:

Students with Bachelors degrees in other disciplines are eligible to enroll in an accelerated curriculum leading to the professional Master of Architecture I as a professional degree. Students in this program must begin their studies during the summer and can complete this professional degree in one summer and three academic years.

Students with a Bachelors of Architectural Science or equivalent degree are eligible to apply for advanced standing upon enrollment into the M. Arch I program. Those students can complete their studies in four semesters or two academic years.

A Master of Architecture is also offered as a post-professional degree (M.Arch. II). The degree is offered in a two-semester program beginning each fall. A Master of Preservation Studies is offered to students with an undergraduate degree. The degree is offered as a two-semester and one summer program in any discipline.

Students interested in the School of Architecture's graduate programs should contact the School for graduate programs information, catalogues, and admissions. Students interested in obtaining their first degree should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Independent Study

The Independent Study option allows a student with a demonstrated record of academic excellence, to propose a course of individual study in a subject that is not available within the regular curriculum. Under the direction of a faculty member he or she has chosen, the student designs course objectives, methods, content, and requirements. The Associate Dean prior to registration must approve course objectives, requirements, and credit. The student continues to work closely with the faculty adviser throughout the semester through scheduled meetings. Students register for an Independent Study through the School of Architecture academic affairs administrative office. Credit is awarded and final evaluation undertaken jointly by the faculty sponsor and the Associate Dean. Students may enroll in Independent Study for a maximum of six credits with no more than three credits per semester.

Directed Study

Similar to an Independent Study, a Directed Study allows an individual student, or a small number of students to work closely under the direction of a faculty member on a special topic or in a research area of shared interest. The faulty member in consultation with the student(s) develops the objectives, methods, content and requirements of the proposed directed study. These objectives and requirements, as well as course credit must be approved by the Associate Dean. The registration process, credit limitations and final evaluation procedures are the same as that for the Independent Study

Elective Areas for Distribution

Humanities and Fine Arts

• African & African Diaspora Studies
• Art History
• Art Studio
• Classical Studies
• Communication
• Dance
• English
• Jewish Studies
• Language  -  placement required
• Music
• Philosophy
• Theatre

Social Sciences

• Anthropology
• Economics 
• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• History
• Latin American Studies
• Political Economy
• Political Science
• Sociology

Sciences and Mathematics

• Astronomy
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Public Health and Tropical Medicine 

Minor or Major in Another

Division An architecture student may elect to pursue a minor or major in another division of the University, in addition to the pursuit of the Master of Architecture (non-accelerated program). Anyone who is interested in such a program should contact the appropriate department chair and develop a program of courses in the chosen field. This proposal should be approved by the department chair and forwarded to the Dean of the Newcomb-Tulane College. When all requirements are met, the transcript will reflect that a minor or major has been completed. Successfully completed minor or major courses can fulfill the School's distribution of electives requirement. This does not eliminate other distribution requirements, however, and could require additional courses for graduation.

Joint Degree Programs

The School of Architecture is developing a series of interdisciplinary and joint degrees with other academic units at Tulane, including programs in Urban Studies, Architecture and Business, and Architecture and Social Work.

Dual-Degree Programs

School of Architecture students may work toward two Tulane degrees simultaneously. Acceptance by both academic divisions and the approval of the Newcomb-Tulane College Dean is required. Dual degree students are expected to maintain a superior academic record.

Master of Architecture I with Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Students may elect to fulfill, in addition to the requirements for the Master of Architecture I, the requirements for a liberal arts or science and engineering degree, including the requirements for one of the majors offered by the Tulane School of Liberal Arts or the School of Science and Engineering. Students are required to complete a minimum of two semesters (30 credits) in residence in either school. It is advisable for students to elect this option early in their career so that elective courses can be used wisely. Advice on course work, distribution requirements, and major requirements for liberal arts and science degrees is available from the Newcomb-Tulane College Dean's office.

Degree Requirements

Requirements are generally taken in the prescribed year indicated in the curricula above, but some required courses may be taken in another year, to allow strategic placement of electives. Generally, all courses required for the professional degree must be completed prior to entry into fifth-year. In special circumstances, the Associate Dean may waive this requirement.

Core Curriculum and Electives

To help ensure academic breadth within the liberal arts and depth within the field of architecture, students in the Master of Architecture curriculum take elective credits. Students are required to distribute a portion of these elective credits among courses in the humanities and fine arts (6 credits), social sciences (6 credits), science and mathematics (9  -  12 credits) and 12 additional university credits. All students are required to demonstrate competency in a foreign language (see Newcomb-Tulane College section for further information) and to take one elective course with an emphasis on Perspectives in the European Tradition and one course with an emphasis outside the European Tradition or Comparative Cultures and International Perspectives. Students in the Master of Architecture I curriculum are required to take 3 credits in digital design tools prior to completion of third-year, 3 elective credits in advanced Structure/Technology, 3 elective credits in advanced History/Theory, and 3 elective credits in advanced Professional Practice. Additionally students have to complete 15 credits of architecture electives. The Master of Architecture curriculum satisfies the Tulane University Core Curriculum.

Summer Internship

So that students may acquire practical experience within the profession of architecture, the School requires two twelve-week periods of summer employment in an architect's office after third year and prior to graduation. This internship experience can be fulfilled by work in an architect's office or in related professional areas. Most students do their summer fieldwork after the third and fourth years.

To receive credit for summer work, students must complete a form available in the School office. At the beginning of the following fall semester, the School requests from the summer employer verification of length of employment and quality of performance.

Foreign travel in an organized program or work for an authorized housing non-profit agency may substitute for one of the summer internships. These proposals must also be approved by the Associate Dean preceding the summer in which the travel or research is to be undertaken. Successful participation in the URBANbuild program will substitute for one 12-week internship.

Admission

All undergraduate admissions to Tulane are managed by the University's Office of Admissions. The School of Architecture does not undertake a separate admissions process for undergraduates. However, the School reviews admissions and works closely with the Admissions Office to select the most promising candidates. All graduate admissions to the Master of Architecture I and II, as well as the Preservation Program are administered through the School of Architecture. The School looks closely for intelligence, creativity, motivation, achievement, leadership, and character. Academic potential is essential. At the same time, the School seeks students who exhibit energy and the ability to contribute to campus life outside the classroom. In addition, we believe that diversity among students is a great educational enhancement and therefore seek and admit students from varied backgrounds.

From Secondary School

Preparation Students should consult with the University's Office of Admissions to learn about the requirements and processes of admissions at Tulane. In general, Tulane seeks students who have a strong high school academic record in terms of performance (grades and class rank, if available) and selection and content of courses studied. Tulane recognizes that curricula vary among high schools and that not all students have the same academic resources available to them. The Admissions office does look, however, for students who undertake the most challenging college preparatory program possible. Applicants are evaluated in terms of how well they use the resources available, and the Admissions office also takes into consideration the differences in grading standards that exist between schools.

A solid secondary school program should emphasize the traditional college preparatory subjects and include at least four courses each year selected from English, mathematics, foreign languages, science, social studies, and art. An effective college entrance program should include:

• English - four years with extensive reading and writing.
• Mathematics - preferably three years; calculus is desirable.
• Foreign Languages - at least two and preferably three or four years of a classical or modern language; three or four years of one language are generally preferable to two years each of two languages.
• Science - at least two years of laboratory science; physics is especially recommended for architecture applicants.
• Social Studies - at least two years, with emphasis on history.
• Studio Art - at least two years, preferably freehand drawing.

Often, students applying to the School of Architecture ask about drafting or technical graphics courses in high school. These courses may be helpful to some students, but most of our students have found courses in freehand drawing better preparation for our program. Required graphics presentation work during the first two years of the Tulane design studio sequence assumes no prior knowledge or experience in graphics or technical drawing.

Transfer Students

Other Institutions

The School of Architecture welcomes applications from undergraduate students who wish to transfer into the School, either to continue or to begin the study of architecture. Applicants with less than one full year of college-level work should follow the freshman application procedure. The placement of a transfer student within the program depends upon the satisfactorily completed course work applicable to the Master of Architecture.

A transfer student from another architecture program may be admitted either in the fall or, occasionally, in the spring semester. The applicant must present a portfolio of architectural design work to determine placement in the Tulane architectural design course sequence. Credit for previous architectural design work is also awarded on the basis of this portfolio.

A transfer student from another discipline may begin in the intensive summer equivalent of first-year completing the program in four additional years, or in the fall semester, completing the program in five years. All students working toward their first undergraduate degree must follow the required architectural design course sequence of ten semesters.

In general, transfer candidates are expected to have maintained an average of B or better in all previous college work applicable toward the Master of Architecture. Credit is not awarded for grades lower than C. Credit for work completed but not required in the curriculum may be awarded as elective credit. An evaluation of courses accepted for transfer is made after complete transcripts, course descriptions, and examples of completed work are received.

If, at the time of application, the student is currently enrolled in another institution, his or her acceptance is tentative, pending presentation of an official transcript indicating successful completion of the current courses and all previously attempted courses.

Other Divisions of Tulane

The School of Architecture welcomes interdivisional transfers from other Schools that are a part of Tulane University's Newcomb-Tulane College. Interdivisional transfer students may begin the architecture curriculum in the intensive summer equivalent of first-year, completing the program in four additional years; or in the fall, completing the program in five years.

Readmission

A student who has interrupted studies at the School of Architecture for any reason must file an application for readmission that is available from the Administration Office in the School of Architecture.

Portfolios

Students applying to the School of Architecture from secondary school for the Master of Architecture are strongly encouraged, but not required, to submit evidence of their creativity, design, and art ability in a document no larger than 8.5" x 11". Portfolios generally include photographs or reproductions rather than original work. Few freshman applicants have done any architectural design; prospective students may submit examples of drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, construction, set design, poetry, prose, or any other work that might help in an assessment of your creative potential and your ability to succeed in the School's program. Some students whose secondary school records are not exceptional excel in the primarily visual orientation of a program in architecture; the portfolio helps the Committee on Admission judge candidates whose academic record may not testify fully to their potential in the study of architecture.

Portfolios are required of all applicants transferring from other architecture programs and those students applying for the Dean's Honor Scholarship.

Recommendations

Because the School of Architecture is concerned with personal as well as academic qualities, applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a guidance counselor, secondary school principal, or headmaster. This recommendation should comment on the applicant's character, maturity and seriousness of purpose - qualities essential to a successful college experience. Students who feel they are better known by a faculty member than by a school administrator may supplement the application with a teacher recommendation.

Visiting Tulane

We highly recommend campus visits to prospective students. You are welcome to visit Tulane at any time of the year; but you will find a visit during the regular school year the most informative, especially on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, when afternoon design studios meet. You should plan to spend a full day on campus. Begin with a stop at the admissions office for a group information session directed by one of the admission counselors. Immediately following, you may take a campus tour guided by a current student. Call the School of Architecture to easily arrange a meeting with faculty and a special tour of the building at (504) 865-5389.

In the spring the University organizes "Tulane Days" especially for visiting prospective students and their families. Participation in the events of "Tulane Day" is strongly recommended by the architecture faculty and administration. The activities include campus tours and a visit to the School. A schedule for Tulane Days can be obtained from The Office of Undergraduate Admissions. For those who are unable to visit our campus, we recommend alumni interviews. In many parts of the country, alumni Admission Committee members are available to meet with you, and they can provide an inside perspective on the University. You may obtain their names by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Academic Resources

Architecture students enjoy the full range of academic resources and support services offered by the University: orientation programs, career planning and placement services, counseling and testing services, the Educational Resource Center, intramural sports, student organizations, and the University Health Service. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of these resources and services to enhance their experience in the School. Within the School occur advising, public lectures, exhibitions, special events sponsored by the School, School publications, the Architecture Student Government, and other architectural organizations.

Orientation

Each year entering students and their parents are invited to campus before classes begin to participate in special events and activities designed to orient them to the School, the University, and New Orleans. Orientation events acclimate new members of the Tulane community through convocations, meetings, information periods, question and answer sessions, informal discussions, and receptions. Seminars, field trips, discussions conducted by faculty, a faculty showcase, and other activities highlight Tulane's academic strengths. Students find Orientation a time to make friends, to become acquainted with the campus and the city, and to learn about available service, social, cultural, and other resources. Orientation is also the time for proficiency exams, advising sessions, career and major workshops, and confirmation of registration. In short, it allows students a chance to settle in before the academic year gets under way.

Entering architecture students participate in all the orientation activities offered by the University, as well as special meetings and activities organized by the School especially for them. The size of the entering class allows School of Architecture orientation events to be small and informal, giving ample opportunity for personal interaction with the dean, members of the faculty, and fellow students and parents.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising Center (AAC will support students in creating educational plans that are congruent with their objectives. The center's staff will assist students to refine their academic goals, understand their choices, and assess their options, while emphasizing the belief that the student shoulder ultimate responsibility for making decisions about educational plans and setting goals and objectives. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with advisers at the AAC at least once a semester, for degree progress audits, short and long-term academic program planning, and information on course prerequisites, sequence of courses, and other requirements defined in this catalog. In addition to the AAC, students will also be assigned a faculty adviser within the School of Architecture for academic mentoring. A particularly important consideration is the positioning and content of a student's elective coursework, in order to insure a well-rounded program of study. Faculty mentors also counsel students on career planning, professional specialties and job placement. Any student may contact the Associate Dean's office at any time for information on these matters or for special arrangements regarding their program of study. As well, students may at times need to discuss the fit between their personal and academic life; students are encouraged to bring these concerns to their Adviser, any faculty member and/or and/or the Associate Dean of the School. Such matters are also addressed by other professional services available on campus, such as the Educational Resources Center.

Career Advising

The low student/faculty ratio here allows most members of the faculty to become acquainted with the majority of students and to advise them informally on academic matters as well as professional and general concerns. First and second-year students often need special advice on architecture as their career choice. The design faculty of these years is particularly sensitive and responsive to these needs. Students are given ongoing feedback on their progress throughout this period, and a comprehensive design review concludes the Spring semester of second year. The School of Architecture alumni are another valuable resource in career advising and facilitation. Our alumni practice throughout the United States, in architecture and a variety of related fields. These successful design professionals often prefer to hire Tulane graduates, and are effective area contacts for the student seeking employment. The School has a strong alumni career networking program including events such as Career Days, which guide students in resume writing, portfolio design, and interviewing process, as well as directly assisting in securing pre- and post-graduate internships. The Tulane degree is well received nationally: our strong curriculum and extensive training make the Tulane student or graduate appeal to any number of professional concerns.

Courses of Instruction

The School of Architecture offers courses in ten subject areas: architectural design, history and theory, technological systems, landscape, urban studies, professional concerns, digital media, visual media, special topics and preservation studies. A limited number of courses are open only to architecture students; yet most other architecture courses, many of which fulfill undergraduate core curriculum requirements in the humanities, fine arts, social sciences and physical sciences, may be taken by students in other Tulane divisions. Areas of instruction that include required courses list required courses before electives. Generally, in the University, courses numbered 100-199 are primarily for first year students; 200-299, second year students, and so on. 600 level courses are advanced study courses yet can be either undergraduate or graduate level. 700 level courses are for graduate students only. Not all elective courses listed in this catalog are offered every semester.

The amount of credit awarded for successful completion of each course is indicated in parentheses after the course title. An "R" or "E" in brackets after the credits, designates whether a course is required or elective [R: Required; E: Elective]. Courses with [R, E] designations are those which fulfill a course requirement for the architectural major yet can also be taken as an open architectural elective.