“I think it’s a positive change,” he said. “Most of the [NELC] concentrators have been kind of focused on the modern Middle East, informally. It’s nice to have it formalized.”

ARCHITECTS OF A CONCENTRATION

In the past, HAA sent students interested in architecture two T stops away to MIT or even an ocean away to Copenhagen to supplement the department’s curriculum, said HAA professor Alina A. Payne. Now, students can learn about architecture just down the street at Gund Hall.

“We’ve been trying to do this for years, 20 years maybe,” said Payne, who helped spearhead the creation of the architecture studies track, which lets undergraduates do work at the Graduate School of Design. “Unfortunately the GSD did not have the capabilities to join us [before]. They did not have the facilities.”

Previously, she added, students had to hunt for courses to cater to their interests in architecture. Now the department outlines an established program of study linking the practice of architecture with its historical significance.

The distribution requirements in the new track include studio classes, classes at the Design School, and HAA 11: “Landmarks of World Architecture.”

“There will be a trickle at first,” said Payne, but even if early concentrator numbers look low, she said that the track might draw newly admitted students who might have otherwise matriculated at peer institutions which offer architecture programs.

“We did not use to attract freshmen who were interested in architecture,” Payne said. Now, “rather than go to Yale or Princeton, they can come here.”

Professors in HAA said they perceived a need for a dedicated program in architecture at the College.

“We made the case to the University that the study of architecture is as much a part of the core liberal arts education as literature, music, and history of science,” said Design School professor K. Michael Hays.

“Many points of obvious synergy” exist between HAA and the Design School, said HAA Director of Undergraduate Studies David J. Roxburgh. Architecture studies will expose students to both the practical and historical aspects of architecture, said Roxburgh, adding that he sees a “bright future” for the program.

Students said that they are looking forward to Harvard’s liberal arts-focused take on architecture, which is a pre-professional program at most schools.

“Being able to understand how an architect thinks, and not only a historian, will be very valuable for the program,” said HAA concentrator Jack A. Pretto ’14.

“SOMETHING THAT WE HAD TO DO”

Though SEAS students could formerly declare electrical and mechanical engineering tracks under the general concentration, they can now specialize in the titles of their concentrations.