Master of Arts in Sustainable Architecture

Total Credits
30

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Program Description

There is an increasing demand for addressing the built environment we live in and related natural environmental issues at various levels of complexity. These issues often manifest themselves in our daily lives in cities, on streets and at home. Solutions to such issues are addressed at the urban and building scales to respond to contextual, social, economic, cultural and environmental specificities and needs.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Sustainable Architecture will demonstrate:

1.Knowledge of the impact of the built environment on the natural environment, with a special focus in the MENA region;
2.Knowledge of the key concepts and principles of sustainability;
3.Knowledge of the elements of indoor and outdoor comfort;
4.Ability to investigate contextual socio-cultural, and environmental constraints;
5.Ability to perform simulations to predict buildings’ behavior with respect to different environmental parameters;
6.Ability to propose sustainable energy efficient design solutions in response to socio-cultural, and environmental constraints.

Structure

Following the Bachelor of Architecture program, the department offers the Masters in Architecture program in Urban Design (currently not offered) and the Masters in Architecture program in Sustainable Architecture.

The two programs share core courses, which establish a common platform for the graduate students, and a necessary understanding of key aspects, and each has a concentration area. The urban design concentration area addresses contemporary urban issues related to environment, the public realm, urban transportation along with the development and regeneration of critical urban areas. The sustainable architecture concentration area introduces students to simulation training pertaining to architects, case study application along with passive energy design.

Within each concentration area, students can select among several courses, which could help them focus towards their master’s thesis. The paths of both concentration areas end with the master’s thesis research. The thesis would allow participants to apply the knowledgebase acquired throughout the program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University's admission requirements for graduate students (please refer to: https://www.ndu.edu.lb/admissions/graduate/selection-process), candidates are required to submit a letter of intent. This letter should clearly outline the candidate's background, reasons for choosing this program, their intended future use of the degree, and any other expectations they may have. Additionally, candidates must schedule an interview with the Department Graduate Committee (DGC). Candidates may be granted course substitution on a case-by-case basis. A full-time student must take a minimum of 9 credits per semester. The program targets fresh graduates, and professionals with undergraduate degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Civil Engineering. Graduates and professionals from other degrees will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Graduation Requirements

Students pursuing the graduate degree in Architecture must fulfill the University’s graduation requirements and successfully complete 30 credits, with a minimum passing grade of C for graduate courses. Those enrolled in graduate studies are obligated to uphold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0, ensuring no more than 2 Cs per program.

Courses

Core Courses (15cr.)

Concentration in Sustainable Architecture (9cr.)

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Sustainable Architecture program are required to complete two courses (6 credits) from this concentration and one course (3 credits) from the other concentration.

Concentration in Urban Design (9cr.)

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Urban Design are required to complete two courses (6 credits) from this concentration and one course (3 credits) from the other concentration. Please note that this program is currently on hold.

Thesis (6cr.)

6 MAP 690 Thesis

Suggested Program

Fall Semester (15cr.)

MAP	610	Research Methodology	3 cr.
MAR	620	Discourses on Architectural Thought	3 cr.
ARP	5--	Major Elective	3 cr.
MAR		Concentration Area 1	3 cr.
MAR		Concentration Area 2	3 cr.
MAP	624	Research Proposal	0 cr.

Spring Semester (15cr.)

MAD	636	Special Topics	3 cr.
MAR	690	Thesis	6 cr.
ARP	5--	Major Elective	3 cr.
MAR		Concentration Area 1/2	3 cr.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Core Courses

15 Cr

Concentration in Sustainable Architecture

9 Cr

Concentration in Urban Design

9 Cr

Thesis

6 Cr

Minimum Cumulative GPA

3.0

4.0

Total 30 Credits

Other degrees in Department of Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture