School of Architecture's Mission and Vision

Adopted by faculty vote April, 2007.

Mission:

As part of FIU, a “top public research university,” the School of Architecture is dedicated to educating future generations of ethical professionals, creative designers and informed citizens.

Vision:

We believe architecture to be a conceptually based intellectual endeavor and a form of critical inquiry that addresses the physical environment from the scale of the city to the scale of furniture.

The department is committed to producing conceptual thinkers and skilled makers who are versed in the techniques and knowledge of the discipline and who are cognizant of, and enlightened by the constellation of humanist ideas and societal values that inspire and engender the production of architecture. To realize these objectives, architecture is taught as a critical, speculative and creative endeavor that embraces both the humanities and the sciences.

To achieve our mission and vision, our decisions and actions evolve from the following core values and beliefs:

Serving a diverse student body with a variety of academic backgrounds, experiences and interests by creating an open atmosphere of inquiry and exchange that engages the varied cultural and academic experiences of faculty and students.

Design as Critical Thinking

Presenting architecture as a reflective and conceptually based discipline. We encourage students to form thoughtful and imaginative solutions to the challenges confronting urban society here and abroad and to cultivate intellectual curiosity and life-long learning.

Knowledge and Skill-Based Learning

Explore the diverse areas of knowledge and the technical skills that play a critical role in the thoughtful formation of the constructed environment and which are essential for successful design practices.     

Commitment to Innovation

Celebrating the power of innovation and experimentation and our discipline’s commitment to imagine and construct beautiful, healthful and responsible environments.            

Appreciation for the Constructed and the Natural Environments

Fostering sensitivity and appreciation for the constructed and natural environments of South Florida. The School of Architecture values the unique opportunities and challenges for creative exploration and problem-solving afforded by South Florida’s rich sub-tropical ecologies, urban contexts, multicultural and multilingual populace.

Culture of Connectivity

Promoting connections between the School of Architecture and members of the design community in local, national and international, academic, professional and lay contexts.  In particular, we seek to engage our colleagues in the University, the College, as well as to develop cooperative linkages with schools of design in North America, Latin America and Europe. Further, we seek strong connections with South Florida’s community of practitioners.