College of Built Environments

What if buildings could talk? What stories would these walls whisper at the College of Built Environments? Right here, at the University of Washington in Seattle, the College of Built Environments isn’t just a place of learning. It’s a living testament to the power of design and the enduring human impulse to shape the world around us. The College of Built Environments, formerly known as the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, officially adopted its current name in 2009. This change signified a shift towards a more integrated approach to planning, design, and construction. This forward-looking perspective aims to address the complex challenges of urbanization and climate change in the 21st century. The College of Built Environments houses several departments. These include Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate, and Urban Design and Planning. This diverse range of disciplines reflects the college’s commitment to a holistic approach to the built environment. It recognizes the interconnectedness of various fields in shaping our cities and spaces. Did you know the college’s roots trace back to 1914? That’s when the Department of Architecture was founded as part of the College of Fine Arts. It wasn’t until the 1940s that city planning entered the curriculum, broadening the scope of the department. The post-World War II era saw a surge in growth for both architecture and planning programs. This led to the establishment of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning in 1957, with Arthur Herrman serving as its first dean. The college occupies several buildings, including Gould Hall, named after the founder of the Department of Architecture, Carl F. Gould. Another notable building is Architecture Hall, originally built as a chemistry building, but repurposed as the Fine Arts Palace during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. The College of Built Environments isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about the people who dream, design, and build. It’s about creating spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and equitable. It is a hub of innovation, where students and faculty collaborate to shape the future of our built environments.