Architecture Bachelor’s Program

Nationally accredited (NAAB) and internationally recognized, our five-year undergraduate program in Architecture leads to a professional degree: the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). The program prepares students to enter the profession by first addressing the knowledge required for making architecture and second, by underscoring the complexities of the discipline and the responsibilities inherent in practicing architecture.

Curriculum

Through a program that builds on itself, students learn to think critically; to produce architecture through both reflection and invention; to build using a variety of materials; to understand the technical aspects of architecture; to communicate ideas through drawing, model making, writing and speaking; and to be socially and ethically engaged in society.

After exposure to the fundamentals of the field—design, material performance, digital and manual representation, and architectural history—students move on to solidify work by focusing on architectural, urban design and environmental issues, engaging in advanced topics in architectural history and responding to complex architectural design problems.

View the curriculum

Learning outcomes

Graduates are able to:

  • use critical thinking to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of ideas.
  • use and experiment with the representational techniques of the discipline.
  • investigate architectural form using spatial principles and material properties.
  • comprehend technical aspects of building practices, systems and materials and apply this knowledge to architectural solutions.
  • synthesize a range of complex variables into an integrated design solution.
  • understand principles for the practice of architecture, including advocacy, ethical actions and project management.
  • develop a creative process and frame theoretical questions through making.
  • conduct advanced research, including gathering and assessing information and establishing research methods.

Undergraduate student work

Student work by Architecture alum Yingkai Xiong of various wooden and metal structures.
Student work by Architecture students Samantha Salazar, Ray Ho and Sophia Francesco of a scene with numerous buildings and landscape features.
Student work by Architecture students Pradipa (Miang) Patanakijpaibul and Nancy (Ruonan) Wang of a model building structure.
Student work by Architecture student Nancy (Ruonan) Wang of a tiered model structure.
Student work by Architecture alum Aaron Teves
Student work by Architecture alum Jichen Zou of a gray model structure with a slanted roof.
Net-zero small house designed by students participating in "Race to Zero" studio / US Department of Energy-sponsored competition

Inspiring community

RISD's Architecture program has the distinct advantage of being integrated into a college known for the breadth and depth of its fine arts and design offerings. Architecture majors benefit from a strong visual and humanities-based education within a progressive professional curriculum, as well as immersion in a community of creative individuals—and potential collaborators—who are passionate about disciplines as diverse as animation, graphic design, printmaking and sculpture.

Degree project

In the final year of the program, students focus on an intensive investigation and analysis of building systems, professional practice and design as part of a self-determined degree project.

Apply to RISD

Interested in applying to RISD? Our Admissions team is here to guide you and answer any questions you have along the way.

Apparel student with pink hair measures pattern.