A New Name to Grow Our School’s Legacy
Welcome to the next chapter of our school — the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment, where opportunity shapes the future.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
For over a century, the Tulane School of Architecture has shaped the built environment through architectural education, preservation, and urban innovation. Now, we are introducing the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment, an expanded name that reflects the breadth of the school's academic offerings and the limitless potential of those who learn here.
Rooted in the vibrant cultural fabric of New Orleans, the School of Architecture and Built Environment will always be a home for students and faculty dedicated to design excellence, sustainability, and societal impact. As the world evolves, so must the school's mission. The disciplines that shape our cities and spaces have expanded far beyond architecture alone.
To honor our legacy while broadening our reach, the school is embracing a new identity — one that acknowledges the full scope of expertise and impact of its students and faculty. This transformation reflects our community, whose contributions continue to shape the identity and future of the school.
Why the Change?
The School of Architecture and Built Environment's transformation was driven by three key goals:
Seeing everything beyond the lens of one discipline. The interconnection of the built environment cannot be ignored. The school is determined to provide its students with the most well-rounded education so they can have the greatest impact in their professional careers.
Creating a more inclusive academic community. This shift ensures that the school's entire community of students, faculty, and alumni feel represented, whether they are architects, urban planners, designers, or beyond. This community is at the heart of everything we do, and this change ensures that every member of our community feels valued and supported in their efforts to push boundaries.
Honoring our architectural foundation while leading the movement in academics. This change is not about leaving behind what made us exceptional — it’s about embracing other disciplines to spark the shift for the school and its peers in the academic world.
A Thoughtful Process
Over the past year, the School of Architecture and Built Environment engaged in a deliberate, collaborative process to ensure that this name change reflects its values and aspirations.
What actions were taken?
The name expansion proposal was presented and discussed at faculty meetings, surveys, listening sessions, and open conversations. These discussions were supported by extensive research into naming conventions, structures, and precedents at peer institutions worldwide.
Who was involved?
The school engaged a well-rounded group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders to have a broad range of perspectives shared.
How does this align with our values?
Through these discussions, a clear path emerged: the expanded name should retain "Architecture" to honor the school’s foundation while embracing the broader concept of the "Built Environment" to grow as a community and create a better experience for all disciplines.
“The expanded name is a not just a reflection of who and what the school is today, but, rather, it is also a reflection of where the school wants to go.”Iñaki AldayDean of the school
The Place to B.E.
At the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment, "The Place to B.E." is more than just a tagline — it’s a call to action. It’s where ideas take shape, where disciplines converge, and where the next generation of leaders in the built environment finds its voice. This is a place where students, faculty, and industry professionals push boundaries to BE part of a better future.
The place to design, influence, and transform the built environment in ways that impact our community and the world.
The place to be experimental, innovative, and driven in shaping the spaces where people live, work, and connect.
The place where history, creativity, and research fuel progress and redefine what’s possible.
Here, you don’t just learn about the built environment — you actively shape it.
Looking ahead
This moment is just the beginning. With a new name and a renewed mission, the School of Architecture and Built Environment is forging rigorous and rewarding pathways for the next generation of leaders in the built environment. Whether you are a current student, an alum, or a prospective applicant, we invite you to be part of this exciting future. At the School of Architecture and Built Environment, who are you going to B.E.?
Celebrate with us. The school will celebrate the grand re-opening of its home building and name expansion at a special Richardson Memorial Hall Dedication ceremony for the entire Tulane community on April 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Gibson Quad. The celebration continues at the School of Architecture and Build Environment’s Awards Gala on April 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event supports student scholarships and recognizes achievements of the school’s community. For more, visit giving.tulane.edu/TuSAgala2025.
Learn more about the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment's academic programs at the button below.
Questions? Email us at architecture@tulane.edu
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