Architectural Engineering and Design Minor

The Architectural Engineering and Design minor (AED) is created for Northwestern students interested in acquiring knowledge in architecture and sustainable engineering while pursuing a degree in engineering or another field. The program integrates engineering and architecture through a diverse range of courses, including sustainability, design studio, architecture history, building systems, and structures.

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Design Studio Courses

Design Studio courses equip students with a design language applicable to various career paths and introduce key concepts, tools, and software for the design of several types of buildings. All of the design studio courses are led by practicing architects and engineers from Chicago's world-renowned building design community. Design studio courses will allow students to build a portfolio showcasing their advanced design skills learned in the program.

The design studio sequence covers the design of a single-family house ( CIV_ENV 385-1 – Design Studio I, fall quarter), a school ( CIV_ENV 385-2 – Design Studio II, winter quarter), and a high-rise building ( CIV_ENV 385-3 – Design Studio III, spring quarter). The design studio courses are strongly suggested in the junior year and have a maximum capacity of 15 students per quarter. Registration operates on a first-come-first-served basis, but students must commit to obtain the AED minor upon registration (i.e., they must declare the minor through MAS).

In their senior year, students have the option to take two additional design studio courses: CIV_ENV 387 – Design of Sustainable Urban Developments and CIV_ENV 386 – High Performance Architectural Design.

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Design & Analysis Techniques Electives

Two additional design studio courses are part of the “Design and Analysis Techniques” electives, from which students can choose three courses. These courses are divided into three focus areas: building performance, sustainable solutions, and structure. Students have the flexibility to select all three elective courses within one focus area or mix courses across different areas.

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Architecture History Courses

To gain knowledge of architectural history, students are required to complete CIV_ENV 220 – Structural Art and choose an additional course from the "Architecture History" electives.

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AED Professional Development Seminar

The Architectural Engineering and Design minor (AED) includes a professional development seminar designed to provide students with an extensive overview of job opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. The AED seminar takes place over the fall, winter, and spring Quarters ( 280-1,2,3) and features lectures from architects, engineers, and construction managers from esteemed firms in Chicago and beyond. The seminar covers assorted topics, including sustainability, ethics, diversity and inclusion. It is recommended to take the seminar sequence in the senior year for optimal benefit.