Master Tall Buildings and Vertical Urbanism (M.TVBU)
Take the first step toward becoming a leader who can address urgent urban crises through design in our one-of-a-kind Master of Tall Buildings and Vertical Urbanism.
Take Your Career to New Heights with Illinois Tech’s Master of Tall Buildings and Vertical Urbanism
As the world’s cities become denser, issues not only persist, they multiply. Understanding how to design buildings that can take advantage of the space available in these cities (by going up) is valuable; intimately understanding the challenges of this work and how to create sustainable solutions makes you invaluable. Illinois Tech’s Master of Tall Buildings and Vertical Urbanism, created in partnership with the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, embeds you deeply into tall-building and high-rise design: you will focus exclusively on their architecture, engineering, urban design, and real estate. You’ll explore these topics guided by practicing architects and through real-world experiences in one of the world’s great architectural cities: Chicago.
Program Overview
Prepare yourself to be a leader in tall-building and high-rise design as part of Illinois Tech’s M.TBVU program. Led by practicing architects and experts and through studio instruction, guest lectures, and juried reviews from global firms such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, you’ll get first-hand knowledge and real-world experience of how to approach tall-building and high-rise design. You will learn about the issues facing these buildings by taking part in traveling studios to cities around the world, where you explore high-rise design challenges and their design contexts. Plus, you’ll have access to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s resources, such as insider access to global conferences, research, publications, and industry leaders.
Career Opportunities
Our one-of-a-kind M.TBVU program prepares you for a multitude of roles, including:
- Architectural Designer
- Urban Designer
- Tall Buildings/Vertical Urbanism researcher
Check out our blog to learn more about architecture in Chicago.
- ARCH 545 M.TBVU Studio A semester-long immersive design studio where you’ll tackle real-world issues in tall building design. Recent themes for this studio have included Artificial Intelligence in Tall Buildings, Carbon Capture Skyscrapers, and Post-Carbon Vertical Cities. This studio also offers direct engagement with top firms and global project contexts.
- ARCH 570 Talking TALL I Theory and Practice This multidisciplinary lecture course examines the cultural, environmental, economic, and social dimensions of tall buildings. It bridges global policy, sustainability, and urban equity with contemporary design practice.
- ARCH 572 Tall Building Technologies I This course dives deep into the structural, mechanical, and façade systems that define tall building performance, and it features guest lectures from leading engineers and consultants who are actively shaping the skyline.
You must complete the Illinois Tech graduate application, regardless of which graduate program you wish to pursue. Visit our admission website to learn more about what information and documents you need to apply.
Please note that each college and individual programs may have additional requirements to apply. Please contact Antony Wood at wood@illinoistech.edu with any questions.
Learn more about the university’s general tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting website.
Featured Faculty
Antony D. Wood
Get In Touch
To learn more about the program, please reach out to program director Antony Wood at wood@illinoistech.edu or Kristin LaSorsa at klasorsa@ctbuh.org.