www.cpp.edu/env/
Lauren Weiss Bricker, Interim Dean
Alyssa Lang, Associate Dean
The College of Environmental Design (ENV) includes four academic departments that offer accredited professional degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate level in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, as well as undergraduate degrees in Art History and Visual Communication Design. Also under ENV is the John T. Lyle Center and its Master of Science degree in Regenerative Studies. All department websites can be accessed via the main ENV page: https://www.cpp.edu/env/
The online Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) degree is offered through the College of Extended University (CEU) in collaboration with UCLA Extension. For further information, call (310) 794-3747 or visit: https://www.cpp.edu/ceu/degree-programs/interior-architecture/index.shtml.
Students in the College of Environmental Design develop strong connections to their discipline by working closely with faculty and other students in their Department. But they also are exposed to College-wide values such as the urgency of addressing complex environmental, social, cultural, and economic challenges in the built and natural environments and the importance of communicating ideas through design. Programs also share a commitment to the development of individual skills and experience working in interdisciplinary teams to provide a sound basis for a successful professional career. These skills are enriched by the courses taken within the College and the University. The faculty is comprised of professionals and academics involved in research, practice, and instruction.
Coursework in the College of Environmental Design requires using a computer that meets departmental specifications. Specialized software and devices may also be needed. Information specific to each department is available on the department’s website or from the department office. Students are responsible for their own purchases. All applicants should check requirements in advance to assure a successful start.
The John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies
Pablo La Roche, Director
The mission of the John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies is to advance the principles of environmentally sustainable living through education, research, demonstration, and community outreach. The Center uses the term regenerative to emphasize the development of systems that restore and revitalize themselves, ensuring a sustainable future. It offers unique interdisciplinary education through its Master of Science degree program and its undergraduate minor program, both of which prepare students to integrate regenerative theories and practices into a wide variety of professional fields. Students have the opportunity to reside or work at the Center. The Lyle Center has earned an international reputation for its innovative educational programs and has hosted visiting scholars and students from around the world.
The Lyle Center pursues a comprehensive and ambitious research agenda, focusing on issues of sustainability. It serves as a living laboratory and center for research related to environmental design, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy production, aquaculture, landscape ecology, and human communities.
Situated on 16 acres within the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the Lyle Center is designed to demonstrate regenerative living. Tours are available where students, policy makers, and the community can observe regenerative design strategies in practice and learn about innovative technologies. The Center showcases a wide array of regenerative principles, including passive-solar building design, solar energy technology, organic agriculture, and native plant community restoration.
The Lyle Center is actively involved in the community, participating in service-learning projects, sustainable community development efforts, and community educational programs. In addition, the Center periodically offers workshops related to regenerative living for community members, professionals, and policy makers.
If you would like to make a reservation for a visit or tour, please contact the Center at (909) 869-5155 or by email crs@cpp.edu. For information on current activities, visit the website at https://www.cpp.edu/env/lyle/index.shtml.
International Studies
The College encourages students to participate in the CSU International Programs in Italy, Denmark, and Canada, as well as in College-sponsored programs, such as its award-winning China Summer Study Program held in cooperation with the Northern China University of Technology (for further information, contact Irma Ramirez at ieramirez@cpp.edu). Under existing agreements, a number of foreign students may study each year at the College.
In addition, departments in ENV have offered a variety of recurring and one-time study-abroad opportunities in recent years for students to experience Italy, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and other countries.
Neutra VDL Studio and Residences
Noam Saragosti, Resident Director
The Neutra VDL Research House was the residence and office of architect Richard Neutra from 1932 until his death in 1970. The house stands as an exemplar of Neutra’s Belief in “Survival through Design.” Neutra posited “biorealism” as the generative theory for environmental design. Bio referred to the biology of humankind, and the necessity for habitats that promote physiological and emotional well-being; realism follows from the artistic movement, examining how people actually live from day to day. Neutra’s architecture facilitated the daily rhythms of activity for the inhabitants of his environment. The Neutra research examined the physiology of the human being as it interacted with the environment, and materials and planning that would promote the health of the environment. Neutra’s “Survival by Design” concepts also had a profound impact on John T. Lyle, founder of the Center named in Lyle’s honor.
The initials VDL stand for Cornelius H. van de Leeuw, the Dutch industrialist and friend of Richard Neutra who offered aid and entrusted the young Neutra to build Research House I. The present home was completely reconstructed upon the original foundations after an electrical fire destroyed much of the house in 1963, using similar room sizes and configuration. Under the direction of Richard Neutra’s son, Dion, significant changes were executed in floor plans and appearance, as well as detailing and fenestration, particularly in the entry and on the east facade. The 1939 Garden House (off the south patio) suffered very little damage in the fire, and it was here that Dion and his family lived during the reconstruction, allowing him the opportunity to supervise the work closely. VDL II, as the re-built house was then referred to, served as Mr. and Mrs. Richard Neutra’s residence and the base for the Neutra Institute. In 1979, Mrs. Neutra and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, came to an agreement Neutra VDL Research House would become a University facility to be managed by the College of Environmental Design. Through the generosity of Mrs. Neutra and the entire Neutra family, the University has gained an architectural work of great significance and an invaluable instructional aid. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 2009 and in 2017 the Neutra VDL House was named a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The primary mission of the College of ENV and CPP ARC with respect to VDL is to use the house as an educational resource for students and faculty, to preserve and maintain the property, to make the house accessible to visitors through tours given by CPP ARC students, and to host arts and culture programs that strengthen the facility’s mission as a community resource. For further information visit the website at www.neutra-vdl.org.
Art Department Visual Resources Library
The Art Department Visual Resources Library includes digital images, 35mm slides, videos, CD-ROMS, and reference books that support the arts curricula. The collection encompasses the fine arts from prehistory to the postmodern era, as well as architecture, decorative arts, industrial design, and graphic design. Housed in Building 13, the collection circulates to current faculty, students, and staff. For further information, contact Patricia Martinez at (909) 869-3508, or email pmartinez@cpp.edu.
Archives Special Collections
Lauren Weiss Bricker, Director
The College owns a number of special collections, including the works of Craig Ellwood, Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Donald Wexler, and Francis Dean. As an aid to research, archival materials are available for use by faculty, staff, students, and visiting scholars. Several of these collections have been exhibited at the University galleries and off campus. Finding aids for this material will soon be available on the University’s website.
For further information, contact Lauren Bricker at (909) 869-6837, or email envspeccoll@cpp.edu.
University Art Galleries and College of Environmental Design Collections
Michele Cairella-Fillmore, Curator
The College of Environmental Design Collections include the large Burr-Benevides and Jones Fine Art Collections, the Ink and Clay Collection, the Jewett Collection of Beatrice Wood Ceramics, the Don Huntley Western Art Collection, and the Gilson Midcentury Industrial Design Collection (which includes the Reinecke Collection), as well as a number of smaller collections. Artworks are available for loan on a limited basis to approved institutions for exhibition purposes. The College also manages and programs exhibitions and events in the W. Keith and Janet Kellogg University Art Gallery, located at the north end of the Bronco Student Center, and Don B. Huntley Gallery, located inside the University Library.
For further information, contact Michele Cairella-Fillmore at (909) 869-4301, or email michelec@cpp.edu.
Student Success Office
Kristi Kelly, Advising Center Coordinator
Elizabeth Guevara-Laxamana, Retention and Graduation Specialist
Admissions: Prospective students for all programs in the college may obtain admissions information in this office, as well as in the appropriate departmental offices. Information about articulation agreements with community colleges is also available.
Registration: Information is provided regarding adding and dropping classes, simultaneous enrollment at other colleges, petitions for undergraduate credit in a graduate course, etc.
Records: Files for students currently enrolled in the undergraduate Architecture program are maintained in this office. All other active student files are maintained in the respective department offices. Student files may be checked-out by faculty only. Student addresses and telephone numbers are confidential and will be given only to faculty.
Advising: This office assists the student’s faculty advisor in providing undergraduate students with academic advising and information regarding University and College policies and procedures. Graduate students should contact the graduate coordinator in their major department for academic advising and graduate program information. All petitions that require the Dean’s signature are submitted to the Coordinator for approval after the student has obtained all other signatures required on the form.
For further information, contact the College at (909) 869-2666.
Departments and Majors
Architecture
George Proctor, Chair
Bachelor of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Master of Interior Architecture (offered through the College of Extended University in collaboration with UCLA Extension)
Art
Anthony Acock, Chair
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design
Minor in Art History
Minor in Studio Arts
Landscape Architecture
Andrew O. Wilcox, Chair
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
Master of Landscape Architecture
Minor in Landscape Architecture
Regenerative Studies
Pablo La Roche, Director
Master of Science in Regenerative Studies
Minor in Regenerative Studies
Urban and Regional Planning
Gwen Urey, Chair
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Minor in Urban and Regional Planning
For further information, contact the College at (909) 869-2666.
Special Admissions Criteria for Architecture
The undergraduate program in Architecture is designated as an impacted program (see earlier section of catalog on “Admissions”). To alleviate the pressure of impaction and properly evaluate applicants for the programs in question, a special admission policy has been adopted. Candidates interested in applying to Architecture must apply by November 30th (check with university admissions-currently there are NO DEADLINES for the next cycle posted) to be considered for the following academic year. All candidates must meet regular University admission standards as well as additional standards required by the Department of Architecture. For specific admission information, interested students should contact the College of Environmental Design at (909) 869-2666.
