Introduction

There is a pressing need for human designed environments to be comprehensively integrated and to have significantly less impact on the resources of the planet and its ecologies.  Ecologies are defined by the complex inter-relationships between organisms and environments; ecological systems reflect dynamic relationships between producers, consumers, decomposers, and the territories they occupy.  Designed ecologies are constellations of organisms, territorialities, energies, materials, objects, events, structures, signs, languages, etc. that can be productive or destructive, weak or strong, engaged or ambivalent. An ecological approach to architecture seeks a full integration of all the forces that impact on the design, construction, and inhabitation of buildings and related environments.  

Vision Statement, 2009

In the Master of Architecture program at the University of Calgary students are exposed to a wide range of ecological explorations, including landscape, social, biological, political, material, and technological.  A broad understanding of ecological systems informs the four foundation semesters of the program, providing a basis for advanced research oriented investigations in the remaining two semesters. The Master of Architecture Program offers a three-year graduate curriculum, based on a one-year foundation program and the two year Master's program, leading to the degree Master of Architecture. The degree is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, and prepares students for practice as registered architects in North America. The MArch degree provides a foundation for a range of career opportunities in design, construction and management of the built environment as well as a basis for subsequent advanced design and scholarly research. The MArch curriculum offers an integrated foundation for developing skills and knowledge in design, communication, technology, history, and theory, cultivated within the program's teaching and research expertise in sustainable design, architecture and the contemporary city, critical practice, digital design and fabrication, and architectural history and theory. In the interdisciplinary design milieu of the Faculty of Environmental Design, architecture students explore innovation and creativity side-by-side with students interested in broad environmental design issues.

Since its establishment in 1971, the Architecture Program has developed a distinctive history based on its location in southern Alberta, the accomplishments of its graduates, and an ambitious group of educators.  In addition to teaching, the faculty are involved in a diverse range of professional practice and research. The Program also draws on the expertise of the professional community as adjunct professors and sessional instructors. It benefits greatly from a healthy cooperative relationship with the Alberta Association of Architects.  Supported by excellent facilities, the Architecture Program is able to maintain an intimate and supportive learning environment. The success of the Program can be measured by the accomplishments of its graduates in the profession, and in other related careers.  The Architecture Program enjoys strong support within the interdisciplinary Faculty of Environmental Design and the University of Calgary, and has been widely recognized for the recent achievements of faculty, students and alumni. The Program offers a broad range of enrichment opportunities including the Barcelona Study Abroad program, the William Lyon Somerville Visiting Lectureship, the Gillmor Theory Seminar, lecture series, field trips, student exchanges, and exhibitions. The ability of our students to take full advantage of the many opportunities provided in the Program has been greatly enhanced by the wide range of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to students through the Faculty, the University of Calgary, and beyond.

Graham Livesey, Associate AAA
Associate Dean (Architecture) and Associate Professor