Student holding microphone, presenting architectural work at the annual Corbelletti Competition.

Department of Architecture

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.

Alumni Spotlight

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Ryan Jacobs

Ryan Jacobs is a College of Arts & Architecture Alumni that graduated in 2016 majoring in Art History with a double minor in Architectural History and Architecture Studies. Upon graduating Penn State he enrolled at Virginia Tech to attain a Master’s in Architecture. His thesis, “The Troupes of Theatre”, combined both of his passions for architecture and theatre. After finishing his graduate studies, returned to PA and works at PWWG Architects in downtown Pittsburgh.

Faculty Spotlight

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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 held 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 involved 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.

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