Jefferson College of Architecture and the Built Environment

07/06/2025

Thomas Jefferson University’s Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities and its partners presented the “Intersections: Health, Environment, and Design” exhibit at the 2025 Time Space Existence, organized by the European Cultural Center during the Venice Architecture Biennale.⁠
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At the Biennale, which opened in early May and runs through November 24, 2025 at Palazzo Mora in Venice’s European Cultural Center, Jefferson’s exhibition features more than 60 projects and groundbreaking research from faculty, students, and partners.⁠
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College of Architecture & the Built Environment Dean Barbara Klinkhammer notes that the exhibition was curated by Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities Director Dr. Edgar Stach and Professors Loukia Tsafoulia, Renee Walker, and herself, all of whom were assisted by students Luke Vastano, Liam Presser, Emily Pennrose, and Christina Lao.⁠
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https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schools-institutes/architecture-and-the-built-environment/features-news/jefferson-institute-smart-and-healthy-cities-exhibit-joins-worlds-largest-known-architecture-event.html

07/05/2025

In recent years, Thomas Jefferson University has emerged as an institution with significant momentum.

“The growth and stability in our enrollment portfolio over the past eight years is incredibly exciting,” Finn Saraceni says. “We’re focused on the full breadth and depth of what Thomas Jefferson University offers today. For example, not only have we continued to grow in the health professions, but we’ve also seen increases in colleges beyond health and science, like a 45% growth in our College of Architecture and the Built Environment.”

Find out more, here: https://www.jefferson.edu/news/2025/06/jefferson-demonstrates-a-model-of-success-amid-significant-change.html

07/04/2025

What success looks like...

Jefferson is setting a new standard for success in higher education, demonstrating resilience and innovation amid nationwide challenges. With record-breaking enrollment—including the largest freshman class in its 201-year history—and a 98% career or grad school placement rate for undergraduates, Jefferson’s focus on real-world learning, industry-connected programs and future-ready skills is resonating with students and families.

As demand grows across disciplines—from medicine to architecture to data analytics—Jefferson continues to adapt, lead and thrive, proving that a bold vision and student-centered approach can redefine what’s possible in higher education.

👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/44rE6f8

06/23/2025

Join us in Venice or online on June 24th for the symposium Intersections: Health, Environment, and Design.

Palazzo Michiel del Brusà, Cannaregio, Venice, Italy
15:00–18:00 CET | 9:00am–12:00pm EST
June 24, 2025

This in-person and virtual symposium brings together thought leaders and researchers to explore the critical connections between health, the environment, and design. It is part of Thomas Jefferson University's broader presence during the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, where the exhibit Time Space Existence Presents: Intersections – Health, Environment, and Design is currently on view at Palazzo Mora.

The symposium will address some of the most pressing topics facing cities today: The impact of climate change, the need for urban resilience, equitable healthcare access, sustainable infrastructure, and the integration of design and technology to promote healthier and more equitable living environments.

We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue that bridges disciplines and inspires innovation.

Register, here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intersections-health-environment-and-design-symposium-tickets-1404505847799?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/19/2025

Redemption, Now to Everyone.⁠
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On this Juneteenth, we mark the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States—a day of liberation long delayed, and still unfolding. It is a holiday of memory, mourning, celebration, and hope.⁠
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At the heart of REDEMPTION is the enduring voice of Jupiter Hammon, the first African American poet to be published in the U.S.—and himself formerly enslaved on Long Island. His words—“Redemption, Now to Everyone”—anchor this public artwork and echo across eight monumental Corten steel panels now installed in Huntington, NY.⁠
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Laser-cut with quotes from Black residents of the township—past and present—these interlocking arcs give form to a legacy too often overlooked. As light pierces the steel, their words are illuminated and projected, inviting the public to listen, reflect, and bear witness.⁠
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Created by collective, a faculty-student team led by professors Grace Ong Yan and Andrew Hart at Thomas Jefferson University (), College of Architecture and the Built Environment REDEMPTION stands as a site of memory, resilience, and radical hope.⁠
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On this Juneteenth, we honor those who endured. And we amplify the voices that carry forward.⁠
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06/14/2025

The School District of Philadelphia closed out their school year this week, and a celebration of the newest Park in a Truck () at Tilden Middle School was enjoyed! The park was built by the middle schoolers after school and on Saturdays. This park will be used as an outdoor classroom and contemplative garden! All done by the kids! We are looking forward to more types of parks to come.

06/10/2025

REDEMPTION: A Public Artwork Honoring African American Histories in Huntington, NY ⁠
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We’re proud to share that REDEMPTION, a powerful public artwork commemorating the African American history of Huntington Township, Long Island is under construction. Created through a community-driven collaboration, Redemption gives voice to the town’s African American residents—past and present—from icons like John Coltrane and Booker T. Washington to important citizens who shaped their community.⁠
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Led by collective, a CABE-based team co-directed by Grace Ong Yan, Associate Professor of Interior Design, and Andrew Hart, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Redemption was the winning submission in a national competition. Redemption was developed in collaboration with students Polina Filipova, Leila Moutawakil, Elena Nestico, and Anita Esin, with contributions from Renee Walker, Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Roberto Rodriguez, Visiting Assistant Professor of Architectural Studies, and Drake Schaefer, CABE Resource Coordinator.⁠ Typography by Vocal Type.
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Anchored in the words of the first African American poet to be published in the United States, Jupiter Hammon—“Redemption, Now to Everyone”—the piece brings together powerful community voices in their own words, cut out of eight monumental Corten steel panels and arranged in two interlocking arcs. As daylight pierces through the quotes, their words invite reflection, connection, and a deeper understanding of Huntington’s enduring African American legacy.⁠
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This artwork brings people together—to reflect on the past, recognize shared histories, and imagine a collective future.⁠
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06/09/2025

Join the AIA Philadelphia's Committee On The Environment (COTE) as they host a book launch, exhibit and panel discussion for Towards a Nature-Positive Built Environment – a collaborative venture of academics from Philadelphia and Milan. This volume of essays presents the work of researchers, professionals, and decision-makers who explore solutions to resolve major challenges in the world of construction, especially energy use in the built environment, while seeking ways to restore ecosystems and human-nature relationships. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue across urban, infrastructure, and building scales and to place technical professionals' perspectives within a broader context.

The topic itself, the nature-positive built environment, will be discussed, challenged, and debated in a panel discussion by experts from AIA COTE, Politecnico di Milano, and Thomas Jefferson University--including Program Director of Landscape Architecture Kim Douglas and Helena van Vliet.

We encourage all attendees to bring reuseable water bottles as this is a Zero-Waste event.

To register, visit:

Join the Committee On The Environment as we host a book launch, exhibit and panel discussion for Towards a Nature-Positive Built Environment – a collaborative venture of academics from Philadelphia and Milan. This volume of essays presents the work of researchers, professionals, and decision-mak...

05/31/2025

We're so excited for our students!

05/23/2025

SUMMER 2025 RETURN: Architecture & The Built Environment Academy | July 14-August 1 (Online) + August 4-8 (On Campus)⁠
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Our online Summer Academy Program offers hands-on, online courses taught by our faculty and experts in a variety of professional fields, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, and real estate development. This internship-style experience is a great way to explore multiple professional fields while participating in design projects, research projects, and professional firm visits.⁠
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Jefferson’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) pre-college experience explores the architectural design and construction fields including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, and real estate development. Summer Academy offers hands-on courses taught by our faculty and experts in the industry, with connections to our current students, alumni, and industry mentors. Learn through participating in week-long design projects, activities, research projects, and professional firm visits.⁠
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We welcome students to our East Fall Campus for a weeklong Summer Academy studio experience from August 4 to 8. A Career Discovery Week course is a prerequisite for enrollment. ⁠
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☀️Summer Schedule:⁠
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🔵 Week 1 & 2: July 14-18 or July 21-25 (Required) - Career Discovery Week: Exploring the Architectural Disciplines ⁠
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🔵 Week 2: July 21-25 (Optional) - Exploration and Design Week: Take a Deep Dive into your Chosen Discipline: Architecture, Interior Design, or Construction Management⁠
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🔵 Week 3: July 28- August 1 (Optional) - Exploration and Design Week: Take a Deep Dive into your Chosen Discipline: Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Real Estate Development⁠
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🔵 Week 4: August 5-9, 2023 (Optional) - Exploration and Design Week On-Campus⁠
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Financial Assistance is available; visit our FAQs to submit your Statement of Financial Need by June 1. Register by June 24th to attend our program.⁠

For more information, visit our page: https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/summer-academy/architecture-and-the-built-environment-academy

Jefferson’s award-winning College of Architecture & the Built Environment is offers a pre-college course for high school students to explore the architectural design fields.

04/26/2025

It may be a little wet out but we are excited to welcome you to our Open House providing students and their families with an opportunity to engage with our faculty, staff and current students. Students will learn more about their academic program of interest, the admissions and financial aid process, and student life. Your visit will include lunch, a guided tour of campus and tours of studios and lab spaces. This event is designed for high school and transfer students interested in learning more about our undergraduate programs on the East Falls Campus.

See you soon! More info:https://my.jefferson.edu/register/?id=825781aa-ad43-4f4b-a945-d5c8a6c55981

04/23/2025

For 15 years, Green Building United's Sustainability Symposium has brought together regional leaders dedicated to shaping healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable communities. This year, GBU will continue the conversation and action through in-depth discussions, exclusive tours, and insights from experts who are driving real change in the region.

At a time when our collective efforts are more critical than ever, this event provides an opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate on solutions that make a lasting impact.

Join us and other professionals at the forefront of this work. See you in the Expo Hall! Register today: https://cvent.me/N0mPvR