California Polytechnic State University
College of Architecture & Env. Design
Setting
Cal Poly's Architecture Department, one of five departments in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED), is among the largest and in the country. Accepted freshman and transfer students have the highest entrance scores in a university renowned for the quality of its graduates. Fifteen thousand Cal Poly students, as diverse as the general population of California, enjoy a pastoral setting ten minutes from the Pacific Ocean, in the pleasant community of San Luis Obispo.
School Philosophy
Architecture epitomizes the 'learn by doing' philosophy of Cal Poly. The five year program is rigorous, combining a sequential-based design and technical curriculum, the melding of traditional skills with digital technology, and elective opportunities. The common denominators of intelligence and motivation, characterize both incoming freshmen and transfer students. A discipline that is the marriage of art and engineering offers great challenges for students drawn by problem solving,aesthetics and technology. An outstanding reputation within the profession assures graduates of employment in the practice of architecture and other professions that recognize the holistic education of our students.
Programs
The five-year B.Arch. program offers many opportunities for both prescribed and self-directed studies. The size of the program assures that students will get a diverse perspective on design, steeped in a tradition of integrating practice, structures and environmental design with the studio/lab format. The quarter system provides for three different design professors in each of the first four years. This diversity of teaching styles and formats, all subscribing to common pedagogical goals, eliminates a singular design approach and helps students to start formulating their own individuality. Cal Poly is primarily a teaching institution, with virtually all classes taught by professors. The exit year focuses on a self-selected thesis dealing with various issues and topics that become a seminal point in the educational process, a gateway to graduate studies or multiple career options. The overwhelming number of graduates seek employment in the profession. As part of the CAED, architecture students can participate in inter-disciplinary studies and projects, and learn to appreciate early on the work and ethics of their peers in related disciplines. Located on the Central Coast of California, the bucolic atmosphere stimulates many field trips for urban experiences and projects.
of Focus
1. Building Technologies
2. Community Design
3. Design/Build
4. Digital Design & Visualization
5. Digital Fabrication & Technology
6. History | Theory | Criticism
7. Materials and Construction
Opportunities
Study Abroad
Facilities
Large-format Printer
Laser Cutter
Woodshop
3D Printing
Metalshop
CNC Milling
Fabrication Lab
Policies
Transfer Policies
Applicants applying as a college transfer student should be at the junior transfer level (60 or more transferable semester units or 90 quarter units by the time of transfer [end of previous spring term for fall admission]). Cal Poly does NOT accept applications for these categories:
– Lower-division transfer applicants (less than 60 transferable semester units or 90 transferable quarter units upon transfer).
– Students seeking a second Baccalaureate degree.
– Students seeking professional growth or professional development.
