“Urban renewal" in the latter half of the 20th century meant demolishing structures and replacing them with "bigger and better" ones. Though bigger, these buildings were not necessarily better and, in many instances, they replaced sound structures. In recent years, "restoration and renovation" has become the preferable approach to preserving the urban fabric of cities, both from an aesthetic and a financial perspective.

Recognizing this trend, the Department of Architectural Technology of New York City College of Technology will offer a new baccalaureate degree program starting in spring 2003 that will emphasize the changing technology of the architectural workplace and the resurrection of often treasured structures.

"Students enrolling in the new bachelor of technology degree program in architectural technology will be exposed to the historical, social, and technological instruction necessary to participate in the renaissance of our cities," says Phyllis Sperling, dean of the School of Technology & Design.

The curriculum includes instruction in architectural procedures, facilities management, structural and mechanical systems, building code requirements, the history of New York City architecture as well as the requisite physics, math, and liberal arts components. The latest computer-assisted drafting and design (CADD) disciplines, including animation and rendering, will be incorporated into the program and applied in many of the courses.

City Tech's newest bachelor's degree program, which will offer both day and evening sessions, expands on the College's successful associate degree program in architectural technology.