One of two accredited architecture programs in North Carolina, the David R. Ravin School of Architecture capitalizes on its location in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the United States. Founded in 1971, our half-century young program is characterized by a community of energetic, award-winning faculty and students who advance experimental and pioneering ideas freely in an open and collaborative environment. More than 2,500 alumni make significant contributions to architecture and related disciplines in nearly 700 cities worldwide.
Over 350 enrolled students pursue one of four degree programs: a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, a Master of Science in Architecture (Design Computation and Design Science concentrations), and a Master of Urban Design. Approximately 30 full-time faculty lead award-winning research efforts that include the work of four state-of-the-art labs: the City Building Lab (CBL), DesignLab (DL), Fabrication Lab (FL), and Integrated Design Research Lab (IDRL). Our academic home within the College of Arts and Architecture offers exceptional opportunities to explore interdisciplinary connections between architecture and music, theater, dance, visual art, and art history.
SIX areas of distinction
Applied Critical History
extends the role of history beyond the classroom, engaging fundamental issues of cultural significance via new critical interpretations and speculative design proposals.
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Emergent Material Practices
envision untapped possibilities for conventional building products and systems as well as potential applications for new ones, seeking to expand the design, function, and technical capacities of architectural materials.
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Regenerative Systems Design
consists of biologically attuned methods, substances, and assemblies that expand building construction’s standard material palette and increases the environmental performance of architecture.
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Social Justice Futures
imagine design's capacity to support equity, inclusivity, and antiracism as an emboldened, speculative project.
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The Computed Environment
considers the relationship between atoms and bits at all scales, developing design and experiential opportunities at the intersection of AR, VR, AI, IoT, and robotics.
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The Engaged City
explores a set of tactical urban design practices involving new approaches to community engagement, analysis, and the design of metropolitan regions.
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