Carnegie Mellon Architecture’s research centers have a rich and venerable history of leading the architecture discipline in research excellence in sustainable, computational and urban design.

Our faculty members combine their deep expertise in architectural subdisciplines (the “vertical” dimension) with broad, collaborative interconnectedness across campus and the globe (the “horizontal” dimension). The result? Our four research centers push the boundaries of architecture, forge connections beyond the discipline and draw government, industry and nonprofit partners to fund and apply our work.

This culture of inquiry isn’t limited to the graduate programs or sequestered research labs: the faculty member who manages a million-dollar sustainability project in the morning teaches an undergraduate design studio in the afternoon. Students at all levels are encouraged to explore design as research; the school’s legendary research excellence permeates the entire curriculum and every student’s education.

AARC

The Applied Architectural Robotics Collective (AARC) at Carnegie Mellon University investigates the application of industrial robots in building and construction.

CBPD

The Center for Building Performance and Diagnostics (CBPD) at Carnegie Mellon University conducts research, demonstrations, and teaching to advance the sustainability and performance of buildings and communities.

CODE LAB

The Computational Design Lab (Code Lab) at Carnegie Mellon University is a multidisciplinary collaborative formed to address complex issues at the intersection of art, design, architecture, and engineering.

RSL

The Regenerative Structures Laboratory (RSL) at Carnegie Mellon University pushes the boundaries of computational structural design, regenerative alternative building materials and sustainable construction practices through emerging digital technologies that are scalable, affordable and accessible.

RCI

The Remaking Cities Institute (RCI) is the urban design research center of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture. The RCI conducts research in multiple areas including changing mobility and urban design, resilient and equitable regional communities, engagement, adaptive reuse and sustainable development, and the future of downtowns and urban centers.