Department ofArchitecture
A tradition of excellence
The Department of Architecture’s century-strong traditions of drawing, model-making, community outreach/service learning, and hands-on construction prepare students to explore innovative models of architectural practice as well as non-traditional approaches, including design-build and digital fabrication.
The award-winning faculty are active in professional practice, research and service projects, and national and international competitions, as well as scholarly activities. Thanks to a rigorous curriculum with numerous opportunities to engage in professional projects and work with external stakeholders, graduates are prepared for wherever their design degrees may take them.
Degrees
+ Minors
B.Arch. in Architecture
The B.Arch. is a highly sought after five-year professional degree program that consistently produces graduates who push the bounds of architecture to enhance the human experience.
M.Arch in Architecture
The professional M.Arch. degree deeply explores the techniques, principles, histories, theories of architecture, preparing students to become leaders in the field.
M.S. in Architecture (+Dual M.S. +IUG)
The M.S. in Architecture program is designed for students interested in advanced research and independent work. Integrated undergrad/grad, as well as dual-title program options exist.
Ph.D. in Architecture (+Dual Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in Architecture is a research-based degree concentrating on a number of areas of inquiry. Hone the degree via research clusters, program focus areas, or dual-title options.
Architecture Studies Minor
The Architecture Studies minor will permit students in other majors the opportunity to gain insight into the discipline of Architecture.
Alumni Spotlight
My Penn State education has influenced my career by developing me into a global citizen, through exposure to different people, resources, industries, cultures, and places.
Alumni Spotlight
Samantha Josaphat
B.Arch. in Architecture 2012Samantha Josaphat is an architect and the founder of STUDIO 397 Architecture. Part of the mere 0.3 percent of black female architects registered in the United States, she is the 397th living black female architect to be licensed. Samantha entered the Penn State Architecture program in 2007, and by 2012, she had traveled to ten countries, become a member of the Arts and Architecture Student Council, and founded the Penn State student chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS). While at Penn State she built herself a valuable network of resources that continues to shape her path to success. Samantha is the 2019 president of the New York chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Learn more about how Samantha’s firm is impacting the narrative of black female architects in this video.
Instagram
studio397
Our Facilities
An exhibit gallery, digital and textile labs, resource library, and workshops
See All Our Facilities
Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library
Located in 111 Stuckeman Family Building, the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library supports study and research in architecture and landscape architecture and their histories Learn More
Computational Textiles Lab
The Computational Textiles Lab, or SoftLab, in the Stuckeman Center for Design Computing is a research group in which faculty and students examine how Learn More
DigiFab
The digiFAB lab is the home for digital fabrication equipment that is used for design and research projects by faculty and students in Stuckeman Learn More
Rouse Gallery
Located in the main entryway of the Stuckeman Family Building, the Willard G. Rouse gallery houses special exhibits by leaders in the fields of Learn More
Stuckeman Shop
The Stuckeman Shop provides an excellent opportunity for motivated students to develop their ideas and transform drawings into three-dimensional objects. The Stuckeman School employs Learn More
Faculty Spotlight
Felecia Davis
Associate Professor of Architecture
Felecia Davis combines art, technology, and science in her work with computational textiles: soft materials that can sense and respond to the world around them through computer programming, electronics, and sensors. Director of SoftLab, she holds the Agnes Scollins Carey Memorial Early Career Professorship in the Arts for 2018–21, using the funds to lead a multiphase, collaborative research project that involves constructing a 1:1 scaled demonstration prototype for a solar photovoltaic fiber tension shade. Her work was featured in Penn State’s recent campaign highlighting the national and international impact of select faculty’s research.
News from A&A
Architecture faculty project awarded Global Smart Cities Urban Innovation Award
The Agbogbloshie Makerspace Platform, which was founded by architecture faculty members DK Osseo-Asare and Yasmine Abbas, has been awarded the Smart Cities Urban Innovation Prize.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Agbogbloshie Makerspace Platform (AMP), which was founded by Penn State Stuckeman School faculty members DK Osseo-Asare and Yasmine Abbas, has been awarded the Smart Cities Urban
Penn State mourns the loss of architecture professor emeritus, alum Lou Inserra
Louis P. Inserra, a beloved professor emeritus in the Stuckeman School’s Department of Architecture and a Penn State alumnus, died on June 16 in State College. He was 85 years old. Read More
Lou Inserra: A Tribute to a Colleague, Mentor and Friend
Lou retired in 2000 as Emeritus Professor of Architecture at Penn State, and was recognized by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture as a distinguished professor. Read More