Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
University of Southern California (USC)
Tulane University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Temple University
University of Oregon
Cranbrook Academy of Art
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
Kansas State University
US vs Abroad M.Arch...
I'm trying to decide between a bunch of M.Arch programs that I love, but I have a burning question that I cannot seem to find the answer to anywhere.
What are people's thoughts on top US architecture programs vs top schools abroad Say, for example, the GSD vs AA (or even the Bartlett). I know the schools are vastly different! I've visited both and even attended several AA summer programs, and I could see myself going to either one.
I know the AA is an excellent school, I have a hunch it is the best (I know there are a lot of other great schools abroad, bare with me here). I do not care for nor put much weight into the Design Intelligence rankings so I am not basing anything on those. I believe the GSD is also an excellent school, and not just because it's Harvard. So IF (I know a lot of people may disagree so just go with me here) these were the two best schools in the world then which is better?? No one ever compares schools internationally, its always just US vs US and Abroad vs Abroad.
I know that for the most part what I do at these schools is entirely what I make of it, so I'm talking specifically about jobs and potential after graduation. A lot of big names like Zaha, H & dM, OMA, Foster, suck up lots of students from the AA. I'm never sure where GSD M.Arch II alumni end up...
I do not want to work in a corporate office, so is going abroad for school better for doing Architecture (with a capital 'A')??
there are those who become 'starchitects' while there are those who are very successful and busy with projects but stay low key.
I understand that, and that's fine. I'm only looking for opinions on schools compared at an international level, not just by country. and it doesn't even have to be just AA vs GSD. I'm interested to hear about other schools too, I think there are a lot of under appreciated schools.
Only goto AA for the diploma. The master's course is very restrictive. As far as i know all the projects are group based and heavily based on computation. Only go if you think it's your best chance at working for ZAHA.
As for GSD. If you had some some work experience before M.arch 2. Most grads are probably looking at starting their own offices instead of working for starchitects. thats why you dont find as many M. Arch II guys in offices.
No matter which university you are going to opt to obtain your masters degree in the architecture stream, your passion towards the subject matters a lot in my opinion. If you are passionate enough to become an efficient architect, it really doesn't matter where you are going to pursue your M.Arch course, United States or abroad.
A few schools abroad worth mentioning:
ETH Zurich
ETSAM (Growing Masters Program in Madrid, admitted bias)
TU Delft
Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio, Università della Svizzera italiana
I studied at ETSAM as part of the ERASMUS program, an undergrad university exchange program for EU and select South American countries. From my time there it was clear that most students and faculty thought of the schools listed above as some of the best in continental Europe. In continental Europe work is more low key, they don't have much interest in capitalizing the a. Regardless, there is excellent work. How many people were aware of Eduardo Souto de Moura prior to the Pritzker?
Graduates are hired to ZHA, Foster,... out of both Bartlett's GAD and the DRL at the AA. Neil Spiller's fleeing of the Bartlett with many great professors to the University of Greenwich could be a great place to be as the new tide comes in. I assume there is much political traction.
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