Assistant Professor of Architecture (Computational Design/Making)

at  The University of Calgary

Description

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) invites applications for one full-time or two 1/2 time tenure track positions in Architecture at the rank of Assistant Professor with a focus in Design Studio and a secondary focus Computational Design/Making. Specific areas of secondary focus could include:

• Data Science for Design
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
• Coding for Designers
• Generative/Parametric Design
• Digital Simulation/Analysis
• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
• Advanced Digital Media
• Digital Foundations
• Building Information Modeling

This appointment will be made either in the Teaching Focused Stream or the Teaching and Research Focused Stream. 1/2 positions are only available in the Teaching Focused Stream.
Teaching Focused Stream Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach studio courses and courses in their areas of specialization. While a robust research program is not expected, candidates will be given opportunities to develop research collaborations, supervise students and apply for funding support for these activities.
Teaching and Research Stream candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach studios and courses in their areas of specialization and the potential to build a research program that is externally funded, collaborative, distinctive and forward looking.
The architecture program is specifically committed to a computational means of exploration across the curriculum. Applicants should have a working and demonstrable knowledge of contemporary and emerging design tools that support both the studio environment and their declared specialization. Student and faculty research collaborations are supported by cutting-edge technologies, including large-format 3D printing, robotic fabrication facilities, and opportunities to work with industry and community groups on applied research.
We are searching for faculty with a passion and potential to reshape design education to better address the pressing challenges facing the built environment. Candidates should want to be part of a strong and vibrant community that respects and values diversity and differences. Our approach to teaching, research, and outreach is informed by a commitment to climate action, social justice, community impact, and value-informed innovation. We are looking for individuals with similar values who are interested in taking their careers, and our school, to the next level.
In addition to offering professional degrees in Master of Architecture, Master of Planning, and Master of Landscape Architecture, as well as research-focused master’s and doctoral programs, SAPL is entering an exciting phase of growth. This growth includes the recent launch of a groundbreaking transdisciplinary Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI) and a strengthened focus on community-engaged teaching and research through our downtown City Building Design Lab. This position is part of a multi-year hiring process that is adding more than 12 new full-time faculty members to SAPL. Successful candidates will be assigned teaching duties across both the Master of Architecture and BDCI programs.
The Master of Architecture degree is a two-year course-based program, with an additional foundation year required for students entering with a non-design-based undergraduate degree.
The Master of Architecture program structure and curriculum prepares students for careers in architecture and is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates benefit from reciprocity with certification bodies across North America and Europe. Our curriculum addresses contemporary design challenges through studios, intensive block week courses, study abroad semesters, work-integrated research studios, and a core that pushes students to design for resilience and innovation. Made up of 180-210 students from all over the world, the MArch program provides faculty with lots of opportunities for mentorship and supervision through our various research labs, community-based projects and industry collaborations.
Our researchers receive funding from national and international granting agencies, industry partners, and community alliances with municipalities and the province of Alberta. We seek faculty who are passionate and have the potential to reshape design education and research to address the urgent challenges facing the built environment. Ideal candidates are those who wish to join a dynamic, inclusive community that values diversity and is committed to responsible climate action, social justice, community impact, and design innovation. We are looking for individuals who share these values and are eager to advance both their careers and the future SAPL.

*QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE TEACHING FOCUSED STREAM:*

• Master’s degree in architecture
• Post-professional degree supporting an area of research specialization (e.g., MSc, MEDes, DDes, Post-Professional Master’s, etc.)
• PhD (completed or in progress) is an asset but not required.
• Demonstrated and significant professional experience in architecture and computation design/making.
• Demonstrated teaching excellence in design studios in architecture
• Demonstrated professional experience and teaching excellence in at least one and preferably more of the following areas:
• Data Science for Design
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
• Coding for Designers
• Generative/Parametric Design
• Digital Simulation/Analysis
• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
• Advanced Digital Media
• Digital Foundations
• Building Information Modeling
• A working and demonstrable knowledge of contemporary and emerging design tools that support both the studio environment and lecture courses.
• Demonstrated design leadership.
• Peer review recognition of architecture practice excellence through awards/ publications/ exhibitions.
  In addition to teaching, successful candidates in the Teaching Focused Stream will be expected to establish and maintain an active critical design practice, maintain currency in digital toolsets within research and practice, supervise practice-oriented student research, participate in the School through service activities as required, and engage in community outreach through SAPL partnerships.

*QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE TEACHING AND RESEARCH STREAM:*

• Master’s degree in Architecture
• Post-professional degree supporting an area of research specialization (e.g., MSc, MEDes, DDes, Post-Professional Master’s, etc.)
• PhD is an asset but not required.
• Demonstrated teaching excellence in studio and at least one and preferably more of the following areas:
• Data Science for Design
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
• Coding for Designers
• Generative/Parametric Design
• Digital Simulation/Analysis
• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
• Advanced Digital Media
• Digital Foundations
• Well described research agenda supported by research activities that demonstrate potential for future success
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Success in obtaining peer-reviewed research grants
• Demonstrated capacity to initiate an externally grant-funded research program

In addition to teaching, successful candidates in the Teaching and Research Stream will be expected to:

• Establish and maintain an active, externally funded research program, with a preference for tri-council grants
• Collaborate on research across SAPL and the University of Calgary
• Supervise student research
• Participate in school service activities as required
• Engage in community outreach through SAPL partnerships

Please refer the Job description for details