school of architecture 59
the urban environmental
systems management program
is unique in its emphasis
on the urban environment.
As integral members of the Programs
for Sustainable Planning and
Development, students are exposed to
land use, transportation, preservation,
development, and economic planning
strategies. Through this exploration,
students understand the complexities
of the urban context and can analyze
global, federal, state, and local policies
accordingly. Students learn the skills
needed to build and preserve sustainable
urban communities.
The Urban Environmental Systems
Management program welcomes students
with a variety of undergraduate degrees,
recognizing that sustainability is most
effective when integrating a number
of disciplines. Students entering the
program with relevant professional
experience, or with a Bachelor of
Architecture or a B.S./B.E. in civil
engineering or environmental science
degree may receive up to 10 credits of
advanced standing.
diversity
Students learn from each other as well
as from faculty. Most students have had
(or in the course of study will gain)
work experience in the environmental
or related fields—as architects,
engineers, community organizers,
and entrepreneurs. As the degree is
particularly rewarding for those seeking
professional development, many students
have existing professional experience.
internships
Virtually every student is assured
an internship with an organization,
agency, or professional practice. In the
past, interns have been placed with the
Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning
and Sustainability, Metropolitan
Waterfront Alliance, New York Industrial
Retention Network, and Pratt’s Center for
Sustainable Design Studies. Internship
examples include modeling energy
efficiency efforts in Bedford-Stuyvesant
with the Pratt Center for Community
Development; working with local
businesses to develop sustainability plans;
and working on LEED-certified projects.
(Refer to the earlier section on the PSPD
for details.)
design + build
Working alongside professionals, and
using New York City as a laboratory,
students learn a sustainability concept
and its implementation. Design +
Build electives have ranged from urban
agriculture to green roof projects to
sustainable gardens.
career
By bringing cutting-edge New York
City sustainability practitioners into
the classroom, students have access to
an invaluable network as they enter the
professional world.
The Urban Environmental Systems
Management program is integrated with
other PSPD programs, with the option
for extended study beyond the 40-credit
Master of Science in UESM, as follows:
Courses in the City and Regional
Planning program expose students to
land use, transportation, and economic
development planning strategies. Joint
studios deal with sustainability plans
for development sites, neighborhoods,
and businesses.
Courses in the Facilities Management
program allow for a focus on green
development and property management
practices.
Courses in the Historic Preservation
program allow for a focus on livability
and the recognition that often the “least
carbon footprint” approach is to preserveand reuse.
The PSPD enjoys a partnership with
the Brooklyn Law School, which creates
opportunities for further study.
Left: Segments from final student presentations focused
on sustainability indicators and energy systems.