Research

Investigation of a broad range of social, political, technical and aesthetic issues is central to the mission of the Yale School of Architecture. Many research initiatives take place under the auspices of the Masters of Environmental Design Program (M.E.D.), one of the oldest research based programs in the country. The program is intended for students, including postgraduate and mid-career professionals, who seek an academic setting to improve scholarship and research skills, to explore a professional or academic specialization, and to sharpen critical and literary expertise. The program provides the foundation for a career in writing, teaching, curatorial work, or critically informed professional practice, or may provide a foundation for Ph.D. studies. The two-year program culminates in a substantial written thesis. In addition, MED students and faculty often collaborate on research projects, some of which culminate in exhibitions and publications.
 

The book Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006) and a traveling exhibition of the same title grew out of such collaboration. Perspecta, the Yale architecture journal, frequently has MED students among its editors. MED students also organize an annual symposium for graduate students from around the country. Interested students should contact program chair Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen at eva-liisa.pelkonen@yale.edu