Research, Outreach & Creative Activities
The College of Art and Architecture is a leader in art and design research. From sustainable ecological design to innovative sculpting techniques to virtual worlds created for scientific communities, opportunities abound for students to conduct impactful research.
In the Classroom
We consider teaching and research to be complementary activities that reinforce each other. Faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise bring their research into the classroom and involve both undergraduate and graduate students.
Students have outstanding opportunities to partake in research addressing some of the most pressing issues facing communities today. These opportunities often take the form of hands-on studios.
Featured Projects
Helping the Magic Valley Remain Resilient
Students and faculty in our Landscape Architecture Program and Center for Resilient Communities developed models of alternative future scenarios, like drought caused by climate change, for communities in Idaho’s Magic Valley — the epicenter of the state’s agricultural industry — so they can proactively adapt to a different time.
Design-Build Connects Students with Real Clients
Architecture students designed and built a snowmobile warming hut for people in the remote North Idaho wilderness. The project was a collaboration with the Sandpoint Ranger District, the National Forest Foundation, Idaho Forest Group, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Winter Riders Snowmobile Club.