In the Tyler School of Art • Department of Architecture, we believe that architecture is an art; a research based scholarly endeavor, and a tectonic practice. As such, we believe that the mission of an architect and architecture as a whole should be in the creation of aesthetically enriching built environments, in revitalizing the urban, suburban and rural fabric and to be the stewards of the global environment. The challenge for architecture and for the department today is to stay abreast of the many global changes taking place and to make certain that we educate professionals capable of maintaining a creative profile in a world where aesthetic, social and technological change is rapid and constant.

As part of the art school, the Department of Architecture is uniquely positioned.  As a school Tyler seeks to educate individuals to become informed and inspired citizens. Our graduates enter society, presenting critically acclaimed and innovative work as architects, artists, art historians, designers and educators with the highest aspirations for achievement. In pursuit of this goal, the objective of the Tyler School of Art and the Department of Architecture is to create an engaging and critical environment that:

•  Promotes cutting edge curriculum initiatives that reflect a broad spectrum of philosophical and

•  Through its relationship with Temple University, provides access to students who otherwise would not consider architecture, art and design as a career path;

•  Fosters interdisciplinary insights and collaborations promoting artistic and intellectual freedom, creativity and experimentation in a diverse and heterogeneous environment;

•  Demonstrates to students, through the faculty’s own practice and scholarship, that the study of architecture, art and design is process-oriented and research-based;

•  Interacts with a broad spectrum of local, national and international architects, artists, scholars and communities in the exploration of architecture and art and its role in society; and

•  Builds upon our outreach to the Temple University community, to the local neighborhoods and to the cultural organizations in the region.aesthetic approaches;

Tyler School of Art builds on the long tradition of artistry and scholarship and marshals the potential resources and energy to advance the Architecture Department’s standing in the nation and the world by developing new insights, perspectives, and practices to enhance creative research, scholarship, and teaching.  The dual objective–to explore both the past and the future, old and new- is reflected broadly in the life of the department and the school: in curriculum and instruction; institutional policy and planning; advisement and mentoring of students; professional work of faculty; and public and private exhibitions and special events presented on-campus and in the community each academic year.  For architecture and art to remain vital, our culture must not only develop highly trained professionals and scholars, but must also cultivate an informed and perceptive audience, appreciative of architecture as an art and a meaningful component in our global community.

Robert Stroker, Interim Dean Tyler School of Art
Brigitte Knowles, Senior Associate Dean for Architecture