Brooklyn, NY -- October 9, 2002 - "Urban renewal" in the latter half of the 20th century took the form of demolishing structures and replacing them with "bigger and better" ones. Though bigger, these buildings were not necessarily better and, in many instances, they replaced sound structures. In recent years, "restoration and renovation" has become the preferable approach to preserving the urban fabric of cities, both from an aesthetic and financial perspective.
Recognizing this trend, the Department of Architectural Technology of New York City College of Technology will offer a new baccalaureate degree program starting in spring 2003 that will emphasize the changing technology of the architectural workplace and the resurrection of often treasured structures.
"Students enrolling in the new bachelor of technology (BTech) degree program in architectural technology will be exposed to the historical, social and technological instruction necessary to participate in the renaissance of our cities," says Phyllis Sperling, dean of the School of Technology & Design.
The curriculum includes instruction in architectural procedures, facilities management, structural and mechanical systems, building code requirements, the history of New York City architecture as well as the requisite physics, math and liberal arts components. The latest Computer Assisted Drafting and Design (CADD) disciplines, including animation and rendering, will be incorporated into the program and applied in many of the courses.
According to Tim Maldonado, architectural technology department chair, the new BTech degree program addresses the need of the New York City architectural profession for high-level technologists. "Since architectural technology is complex and constantly re-inventing itself, our graduates need to be problem-solvers," he says. "Our goal is to make sure that they know enough to ask the right questions and know where to look for the right answers."
City Tech's newest bachelor's degree program, which will offer both day and evening sessions, expands on the College's successful associate degree program in architectural technology. Like the associate degree students, those enrolled in the baccalaureate program will have the opportunity to produce work that influences real-life projects, such as models for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church (destroyed on 9/11) and the proposed Con Edison site development adjacent to the United Nations and Tudor City. (Computerized shadow studies prepared by the architectural technology department showing the potential shadow impact on the Tudor City Parks were recently presented at the Official Public Service Commission Hearing on the Con Edison Development Project.)
Graduates of this program will be eligible for employment in a variety of professional positions such as coordinators, project managers, field representatives and job captains in architectural offices. Or, if they choose they may proceed for a master's degree in architecture and/or advanced degrees in planning, facilities management and the environmental sciences.
Applications from high school graduates and students holding AAS degrees in architectural technology are invited. Transfer students from traditional architectural schools are also welcome to apply. New York City College of Technology offers additional programs in such related fields as facilities management (bachelor of technology degree), construction management technology and Construction and Civil Engineering Technology (both associate in applied sciences degrees).
With roots dating back to 1881, New York City College of Technology
(formerly New York City Technical College) is a recognized national model
for urban technological education and a pioneer in integrating technology
into the teaching/learning experience. More than 11,000 students currently
are enrolled in 51 career-specific baccalaureate, associate and specialized
certificate programs in the technologies of art and design, business, computer
systems, engineering, entertainment, health care, hospitality, human services,
the law-related professions, occupational and technology teacher education,
and the liberal arts and sciences. Located at 300 Jay Street in Downtown
Brooklyn, City Tech is at the MetroTech Center academic and commercial complex
and is convenient to all public transportation.