The Harvard Doctoral Programs, a joint venture of the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), offer unparalleled opportunities for students seeking advanced scholarship in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. An innovative track in Architectural Technology further broadens the program’s scope, making it a distinctive choice for aspiring academics and researchers. This unique dual affiliation allows students to leverage the extensive resources and expertise of both prestigious Harvard schools.
Areas of Doctoral Study at Harvard
Designed primarily for individuals aiming for careers in university teaching and cutting-edge research, Harvard doctoral programs provide significant flexibility in tailoring studies to individual scholarly pursuits. The program is structured around several core areas of investigation:
Theory and History of Architecture
This concentration delves into the multifaceted world of architecture through the lens of history and theory. Students critically examine buildings, seminal architectural texts, and evolving technologies within their broader political, social, and cultural milieus, spanning from the early modern period to contemporary expressions. Research in this area fosters deep understanding of architectural discourse and its impact across different eras.
Architectural Technology
At the forefront of innovation, doctoral research in Architectural Technology at Harvard GSD is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in crucial areas like green building practices. This interdisciplinary field integrates engineering principles, advanced computation, and sophisticated digital simulations to address pressing challenges in sustainable design and construction. Students in this track are poised to become leaders in technological advancements within the built environment.
Theory and History of Landscape Architecture
For those passionate about the shaping of outdoor spaces and environmental thought, the Theory and History of Landscape Architecture offers a rich avenue for doctoral research. Students explore the historical and theoretical underpinnings of how the natural environment has been conceptualized, represented, and actively transformed across time, from early modern interventions to contemporary landscape practices. This area encourages critical engagement with the evolving relationship between humans and the landscapes they inhabit.
Evolution of Cities and Regions
The dynamic and complex nature of urban environments is the focus of the Evolution of Cities and Regions concentration. Students may investigate the formal aspects of cities, alongside deeper explorations into the social, economic, technological, infrastructural, and ecological dimensions of urban life. This area promotes holistic understandings of urban development and the forces that shape metropolitan areas and regional landscapes.
Career Trajectories for Harvard PhD Graduates
Graduates of Harvard’s doctoral programs are highly sought after for faculty positions in leading design schools, as well as within traditional university departments such as history, history of art and architecture, landscape architecture, environmental studies, urban studies, and urban planning. Furthermore, some alumni leverage their expertise in the science, technology, and society domain, contributing to governmental and policy discussions relevant to their specialized research. The rigorous training and prestige associated with a Harvard doctorate open doors to diverse and impactful career paths.
Program Leadership
The Harvard Doctoral Programs are guided by distinguished faculty. Antoine Picon, the G. Ware Travelstead Professor of the History of Architecture and Technology at the GSD, currently serves as the Program Director, providing academic leadership and vision. Margaret Moore de Chicojay acts as the PhD Program Administrator, serving as a crucial point of contact for both prospective and current students. Inquiries can be directed to her via [email protected].
By choosing Harvard Doctoral Programs, students embark on a transformative academic journey, gaining access to world-class faculty, unparalleled resources, and a vibrant intellectual community, setting the stage for impactful careers in academia and beyond.
