Built Ecologies

The Graduate Program in Built Ecologies develops innovative buildings systems, structures, and ecologies informed by the behavior of natural systems and emerging technologies.  The program offers MS and PhD degrees in Architectural Sciences with a concentration in Built Ecologies.

The Built Ecologies program creates next-generation systems and strategies that operate synergistically with larger ecologies.  Coursework is taught in New York City at the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE), a unique – Institute Wide – research and education center. CASE is located at Industry City, Brooklyn in New York City and at Rensselaer’s campus in Troy, NY.  Research at CASE addresses the need for radically improved, energy-effective, and sustainable built environments through research projects that range in scale from the level of materials to the level of integrated systems.  Current research includes distributed on-site energy harvesting for transformation, storage and redistribution, bio-mechanical air filtration, dynamic day-lighting systems, advanced multi-material additive manufacturing technologies for the built environment, energy integrated composite materials, smart buildings and smart resilient cities.

First consideration for admission and financial assistance will be given to applications received by January 1.

Eligibility: The Built Ecologies program attracts students with backgrounds in architecture and design, engineering, physics, biology, and ecology.