ASLA Oregon

February 25, 2010 Edit

in Announcements, Education, UofOregon

UO design programs score high in national ranking

Sustainable design in architecture chosen as first in the nation; interior architecture and landscape architecture place in top 5 programs EUGENE, Ore. -- (Feb. 5, 2010) – The University of Oregon’s architecture program jumped 11 spots in the latest ranking of the nation’s architecture schools.  Both graduate and undergraduate programs in architecture are ranked in the top 20. A special edition of the journal DesignIntelligence recognized UO’s department of architecture, the interior architecture program and the department of landscape architecture for commitment to teaching sustainable design.  The architecture program was ranked as the leading program in the U.S.  The interior architecture and landscape architecture programs were ranked second and fourth in sustainable design practices and principles, respectively. The publication ranks the country’s top architecture and design schools each year. “It is a great honor to be in first place among a growing team of national architectural programs focused on the broad scope of sustainability,” said Frances Bronet, dean of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts (AAA). “AAA’s sustainability leadership comes from decades of innovation, integrated and excellent design, rigorous work and many partnerships and collaborations amongst students, faculty and internal and external constituents.” Overall ranking for the UO’s undergraduate architecture program is seventh.  The graduate program remains in the top 15 percent at 16th.  The architecture program was also ranked in the top five in the U.S. in analysis and planning skills.  The National Architectural Accrediting Board reports that there are 142 accredited architecture programs in the U.S. with 54 of these offering the professional degree at the undergraduate level and 94 programs offering the professional degree at the graduate level. “Sustainable design and green building are deeply integrated into our programs,” said Christine Theodoropoulos, head of the architecture department.  “Faculty with national and international distinction in sustainable design research also teach design studios.  There is a shared commitment among students and faculty that every project must be sustainable, in theory and in practice.” The editors of DesignIntelligence also listed the UO landscape architecture program as a “Program of High Distinction” in the special report.  The report rates programs based on a 10-year review of ratings by professional practice firms, dean’s survey results and external analysis.  The editors cited the landscape architecture program as a ‘hidden gem’ since some programs that are deserving aren’t in the rankings list due to the small number of graduates who are in place in professional firms completing the evaluations. The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board states that 63 programs offer accredited landscape architecture degrees. “It is great to be recognized for the ongoing, cutting-edge teaching, research and service that we have been continually engaged in and committed to for years,” said Stanton Jones, former head of the landscape architecture department. “We are indeed fortunate to have such a symbiotic relationship with both the region’s landscapes and its practitioners.” Liska Chan is the newly appointed head of the Department of Landscape Architecture. UO’s interior architecture program was voted in the top 10 undergraduate and graduate programs in the nation.  The program was ranked second for sustainable design and computer applications.  The program’s undergraduate education ranked sixth in the nation. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation reports that there are 145 undergraduate interior design programs in the U.S. “We are pleased that interior architecture’s professional and creative curriculum continues to receive excellent national rankings,” said Alison Snyder, interior architecture program director. “Our emphasis on an integrated sustainable attitude along with computer media provides our students with strong ideals and competitive tools.” DesignIntelligence is a monthly publication produced by the Design Futures Council, a Washington D.C.-based think tank exploring trends, changes and innovation in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.  The annual rankings edition was established 10 years ago. The UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts offers accredited professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture and product design. About the University of Oregon The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest. Contacts: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu; Karen Johnson, AAA external relations and communications, 541-346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu Links: DesignIntelligence, http://www.di.net/archschools/schools.html; UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, http://aaa.uoregon.edu; Council for Interior Design Accreditation, http://www.accredit-id.org; National Architectural Accrediting Board, http://www.naab.org ###