Environmental Design

Environmental Design at the University of Colorado Boulder is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that integrates principles of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and environmental science to prepare students for creating sustainable and innovative built environments. This program emphasizes the importance of designing spaces that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and aesthetically compelling. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiential learning, including design studios, technical courses, and collaborative projects. The program fosters critical thinking and encourages students to address complex environmental challenges such as climate change, urbanization, resource conservation, and ecosystem preservation through sustainable design solutions. Faculty members, who are experts in their respective fields, guide students through cutting-edge research and practical applications, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and regional planning, and environmental design consultancy. The program also emphasizes community engagement, cultural awareness, and the integration of new technologies to promote innovative approaches to environmental challenges. Graduates of the Environmental Design program at CU Boulder are prepared to contribute meaningfully to creating healthier, more resilient communities and to advancing environmentally conscious practices in the built environment industry. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and an active network of alumni and industry partnerships, students have numerous opportunities for professional development, internships, and collaborative projects that enhance their learning experience and career prospects. Overall, CU Boulder’s Environmental Design program aims to cultivate the next generation of environmentally responsible designers, planners, and architects dedicated to shaping sustainable futures worldwide.

First Year: Core Classes 

Fall Semester

• ENVD 1004 Introduction to Environmental Design Theory—3
• ENVD 1052 Design and Communication 1—3
• ENVD 2001 Social Factors and Design—3
• Writing requirement—3
• Humanities (see list of options above)—3

Spring Semester

• ENVD 1102 Design and Communication 2—3
• ENVD 1104 Introduction to Environmental Design Methods—3
• ENVD 2003 Ecology and Design—3
• Natural science requirement (see list of options above) (Note 1)—3-5
• Social science (see list of options above)—3

Second Year: Core Classes 

Fall Semester

• ENVD 2120 Environmental Design Studio 1—6
• ENVD 3114 History and Theory of ENVD: Buildings—3
• ENVD 3115 Introduction to Building Materials and Systems—3
• Math requirement (see list of options above) (Note 2)—3-5

Spring Semester

• ENVD 2130 Intermediate Design Studio 2—6
• ENVD 3003 Site Planning—3
• ENVD 3004 History of Landscape Architecture—3
• ENVD 3134 History and Theory of ENVD: Precincts—3
• Non-ENVD elective (Note 3)—3

Third Year: Core Classes

Fall Semester

• ENVD 3100 Environmental Design Studio 3—6
• ENVD 3122 Research Issues and Methods in Planning and Design—3 
• ENVD 3124 Issues in Planning History—3 
• ENVD 3144 History and Theory of ENVD: Systems—3
• Non-ENVD elective—3

Spring Semester

• ENVD 3300 Selected ENVD Design Studio or Practicum or study abroad—6
• ENVD 3300 ENVD Seminar, approved certificate courses, study abroad or design studies—3
• ENVD or open electives—3
• Non-ENVD elective—3

Fourth Year: Architecture Emphasis

Architecture emphasis students develop design solutions encompassing conventional design-build, digital fabrication, cultural, urban and global context, areas of structures, construction and environmental systems, and how they are integrated into built structures.

Fall Semester          

• ENVD 4100 Architecture Studio 1—6
• ENVD elective or AREN 3050 Environmental Systems for Buildings 1—3
• ENVD elective or AREN 4035 Architectural Structures 1—3
• Elective—3

Spring Semester

• ENVD 4300 Architecture Studio 2—6
• ENVD elective or AREN 3060 Environmental Systems for Buildings 2—3
• ENVD elective or AREN 4045 Architectural Structures 2—3
• Elective—3

Fourth Year: Planning Emphasis

Planning emphasis students will focus on problems of sustainability in urban environments and the integration of urban design with other planning practices to address sustainability issues.

Fall Semester

• ENVD 4100 Advanced Planning Seminar—3
• ENVD 4023 Environmental Impact Assessment—3
• ENVD 3152 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—3
• ENVD 4361 Healthy and Vital Communities—3
• Non-ENVD elective—3

Spring Semester

• ENVD 4420 Planning Capstone—3
• ENVD 4794 Planning/Urban History—3
• ENVD 4311 Housing Policies and Planning—3
• ENVD elective—3
• Non-ENVD elective—3

Fourth Year: Landscape Emphasis

Landscape emphasis students develop design solutions in all scales that work in concert with natural systems and reflect both the art and science of design.

Fall Semester

• ENVD 4340 Landscape Architecture Studio 1—6
• ENVD 4100 Landscape Architectural History—3
• ENVD 4100 Landform Manipulations—3
• Elective—3

Spring Semester

• ENVD 4440 Landscape Architecture Studio 2—6
• ENVD 4100 Materials and Methods—3
• ENVD4100 Plants and Design—3
• Elective—3

Fourth Year: Design Studies Emphasis

The design studies sequence provides students the opportunity to build interdisciplinary, flexible and specialized courses of study. Faculty advisor and academic advisor must approve courses.

Fall Semester

• ENVD 4100 Design Thinking—3
• ENVD elective—6-9
• Elective—3-6

Spring Semester

• ENVD 4420 Design Studies Capstone—3
• ENVD elective—6-9
• Elective—3-6

Requirements

• Online application for admission 
• $50 nonrefundable ($70 U.S. for international students) application fee, payable online (if sending a check or money order, make payable to the University of Colorado; print student’s name and date of birth on check)
• Official high school transcript
• Official college transcripts (if applicable)
• SAT or ACT test scores (if applicable)
• Personal essays
• Letter of recommendation
• TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5

Scholarships

• International students are eligible for a few merit-based CU Boulder scholarships, but must submit official ACT or SAT scores as part of the application to be considered.

The Environmental Design program at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a comprehensive education in sustainable and environmentally conscious design practices. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles from architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and related fields to prepare graduates for careers that address pressing environmental challenges through innovative design solutions. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of ecological resilience, urban sustainability, and human-centered design, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the development of sustainable environments. Students engage in hands-on projects, design studios, and research opportunities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical competence. The program collaborates with local communities and industry partners, providing real-world experience and opportunities for application of design principles in diverse contexts. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in urban planning firms, environmental organizations, government agencies, and private consultancies focused on sustainable and environmentally responsible development. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work alongside experts in ecology, sociology, and engineering to develop holistic solutions. Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners in the field of environmental design, contributing to advances in sustainable architecture, landscape planning, and environmental policy. Choosing this program enables students to contribute meaningfully to creating healthier, more sustainable communities and landscapes, and to pursue careers that make a positive impact on society and the environment. The program emphasizes a balance of technical skills, conceptual understanding, and ethical considerations, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to tackle the complex challenges of environmental design in the 21st century. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic community, students receive a supportive environment for academic and professional growth. The university’s location near diverse natural landscapes further enhances the learning experience, allowing students to study and implement sustainable design practices in real-world settings.