"retrofit" architecture

<p>I'm looking for a program in green architecture, sustainable development, urban planning, etc. I'm not interested so much in building monuments from scratch as I am in retrofitting existing architectural spaces. I want to help communities become more self-sustaining, livable and impact neutral... the "slow food" or "3 R's" of architecture, I guess.</p>

<p>A friend suggested UVA.. schools in Portland, Seattle, San Fran.. maybe the ECOSA Institute... anywhere else? Comments from those who've been through these?</p>

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<p>Also, I've got a year and a 1/2 left in undergrad. I'm off for a semester right now. Not sure if I should finish and apply for an MArch or transfer for a BArch. I'm a painter with a good draft hand... too much of a science/math bent to stay in art school though. I don't see the point in finishing now that I realize art could never be my career. I really don't want to revisit undergrad for general eds though. Cores bore me to death, I do much better with upper level, self directed study. Thoughts on course of action?</p>

<p>Thanks for weighing in!</p>

<p>I know you’re looking for someone who’s actually been through the programs to respond, but based on what I’ve heard, some good schools for sustainability are U of Oregon, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon(I did a visit and, at least for Undergrad, the entire fourth year is dedicated to sustainability design.)</p>

<p>Berkeley doesn’t have a B.arch program though.
But take my response with a pinch of salt; i’m still just a high school senior. So I definitely can’t answer your second question :P</p>

<p>if you are interested in sustainability then the Solar Decathlon might be a good place to find schools that are passionate about it. It is a competition for a house held every year with the entries exhibited on the mall. </p>

<p>[U.S&lt;/a&gt;. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Home Page](<a href=“http://www.solardecathlon.gov/]U.S”>http://www.solardecathlon.gov/)</p>

<p>rick</p>

<p>Check out MIT as well; they’ve got some phenom. courses/workshops/programs devoted to sustainability (granted, it’s near impossible to get in to, but one can dream…sigh)
Also, UPenn has a growing sustainability focus headed by Braham; he’s always looking for more people interested in that field.</p>

<p>risd Interior architecture sounds like a spot-on match</p>