Clemson Program Tops in Architecture

As a loyal Sandlapper I am happy to report that Clemson University's School of Architecture is among the top ten in the country. As a loyal son of the Lowcountry I am perhaps even happier to report that the school's Charleston campus is part of the reason why!

"Architect magazine’s November issue lists Clemson’s program along with those of Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University and other well-respected institutions.

'It’s nice to be back in the top 10. We haven’t been there in a while, but we have been highly regarded,' said Ted Cavanagh, chairman of Clemson’s School of Architecture. The university tied with Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin for the 10th spot on the list. Clemson ranked 13th the previous four years. Architect magazine’s list is based on surveys conducted by the Design Futures Council, a global network of design firms and service providers that studies trends and opportunities in architecture.

The council surveyed 130 architecture firms that employ more than 100,000 people, as well 46 university architecture deans and 740 architecture students. The university currently enrolls 75 graduate students and about 300 undergraduates in its architecture program.

The magazine cites Clemson’s 'fluid campus concept' that provides students with the opportunity to study in the architecturally rich communities of Charleston; Genoa, Italy; or Barcelona, Spain. Clemson has satellite campuses in each location.

'We have full-time faculty in these places, and we require students to spend at least one semester (there),' Cavanagh said. That mandate makes the Clemson program unique, he said. Through the travels, students learn to incorporate local history, architecture and climate into design plans, he said."

For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/pub/13_25/news/10955-1.html

For the Clemson School of Architecture: http://www.clemson.edu/caah/architecture/