Architecture- Intensive Design
The Architecture: Intensive Design Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of architectural design, theory, and practice. The curriculum integrates architectural design, studio work, history of architecture, building technology, and research methodology, enabling students to develop creative solutions, interpret design challenges, and understand cultural, social, and environmental contexts in architecture. Students engage in studio projects, applied research, and collaborative design workshops, cultivating technical skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities essential for professional or academic careers in architecture, urban design, or construction management.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in architectural design, sustainable practices, and construction technology. The program emphasizes hands-on studio work, applied analysis, and interdisciplinary exploration, preparing graduates to produce innovative architectural solutions, evaluate design strategies, and contribute to research, design, or planning initiatives. Students leave the program with design competence, analytical skills, critical reasoning, and technical proficiency, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in architecture, urban planning, or design research.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Architecture- Intensive Design
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Architecture
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Architecture and Design
- Introduction to Architectural Design and Studio Practice
- Survey of Architectural History and Theory
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
- Fundamentals of Building Technology and Materials
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Design and Technology
- Design Studio: Concept Development and Visualization
- Structural Systems and Environmental Design
- Applied Research Projects in Architectural Contexts
- Electives: Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture, or Digital Modeling
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Design
- Intensive Studio Projects and Collaborative Design
- Advanced Building Systems and Construction Technology
- Applied Projects in Architecture and Urban Environments
- Electives: Interior Architecture, Landscape Design, or Advanced Digital Fabrication
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Design Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Architecture
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Architectural Firms, Design Studios, or Urban Planning Organizations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Intensive Design program are prepared for careers in architecture, urban design, interior and landscape design, construction management, research, and academic study. Alumni may work as architects, design consultants, urban planners, project managers, or pursue graduate studies in architecture, urban planning, or sustainable design. The program equips graduates to create innovative designs, evaluate architectural challenges, and apply research and technical skills to professional and academic environments. With strong analytical, design, and research skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic fields focused on architectural design, urban planning, and applied creative solutions.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of design innovation, architectural theory, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, immersive studio work, and applied design projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in architecture and urban environments. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and creative problem-solving, preparing graduates to address complex design challenges, develop innovative solutions, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about architecture, design, and creative problem-solving, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
