PCUPR School of Architecture and Design RHC

The genetics of a new Strategic Architect

The RHC School of Architecture and Design of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico aims to forge a new Strategic Architect within an innovative ecology of experimentation and expansive knowledge.  Through an interdisciplinary curricular structure, a unique digital platform complimentary to that structure, and a compromise to impact society constructively through a multisectorial institutional interaction, the School of Architecture exposes its community, students, professors and visitors to creative processes that transcend the conventionalist attitude and the obsolete state of the proposals of the establishment.

Architecture, within the realm of professional practice, is regarded as a catalyst of vanguard initiatives within the use and development of social environments, thus assuming responsibility for the implications of proposed interventions within our communities. The School of Architecture envisions future professionals that are able to engage these scenarios with leadership and social responsibility, guided by an ethic that leads constructively to an intellectual genetic  defined by ten primary strands.

1. Respect – The valuation of biodiversity defined as territory and culture. Respect towards the Public (property and environment), Urban, Architectural and Landscape Patrimony. Each member of our community operates in respect towards the person, property and resources of our School and Environment.
2. Dignity towards Work – The valuation of the person, the work and the professional, academic and research resources for the accumulation of knowledge to better the quality of our spaces and environments. Dignity towards the Work that all members of our community for the acquisition of personal discipline and collective execution of excellence in the formation of a body of new knowledge that contributes to our city and region as a healthy ecosystem for the human and citizen exchange engaged and responsible with Puerto Rico’s society.
3. Prudence – The valuation of a measured analysis of the actions, investments, interventions, time and resource management is essential in order for the energy invested by each member of our community to be of its most output. Guided by a vision of sustainability and responsible for the fair management of economic and physical resources, each member of our community is wise in their action s not limiting the capacities and responsibilities of other individuals, of the community and themselves.
4. Solidarity – The valuation and consideration of the needs and aspirations of each individual of our community to improve through education its quality of life. Solidarity that is materialized in new cooperative ways of teaching, learning, research and development of knowledge.
5. Leadership and Social Commitment – The valuation of Leadership and Social Commitment with the Cultural construction and contribution of Architecture, the strengthening of the spirit and the cultivation of imagination to promote innovation and luckily making feasible influencing our architectural and urban culture on a global level.
6. Equanimity – The valuation of equanimity in exercising critical judgment in the evaluation of the fellow’s performance to promote the paused and profound discussion of ideas in the search of new knowledge on urbanism, architecture and landscape architecture.
7. Tolerance towards Differences and Participatory Governing – The valuation and respect towards the fellow, culture and the exchange processes that enrich the social and intellectual capital of our community. The value towards locality should not be quarreled with the capacity of aperture and exchange of experiences, tendencies and efforts from other academics and professionals in Puerto Rico and the World. The valuation of the participation in the democratic exercise of growing a School through the strengthening of student leadership, faculty development and administrative capacitating.
8. Promotion and Dissemination – The valuation of disseminating, promoting and spreading the findings and research contributions of our School. From the individual work, the collective and multisectorial work through the traditional and non-traditional communication mediums to educate about the city and the social and cultural attributes of architecture and urbanism.
9. Stimulate the Creative Process and the Cultivation of Imagination – The valuation of the education and creative process as open, interdisciplinary and multisectorial, respecting the intellectual and creative property of fellows in the search for knowledge, the cultivation of imagination and the application of ideas to the benefit of the city.
10. Cooperation and Collaboration – The valuation of the disciplinary contribution as a social exercise of cooperation and collaboration in which the objectives are reached through the synchronizing of the strengths and improvement of the individual capacities in the execution of projects and Research.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the PCUPR School of Architecture and Design

Since its inception in 2009, the PCUPR Architecture Program has focused on creating a dynamic, inclusive, and equitable learning environment where every member can contribute their unique perspectives and talents. By embracing diversity and fostering equity and inclusion, we not only uphold the values of the Catholic Church but also prepare our students to become compassionate and innovative leaders in the field of architecture, in service to the Church and the world. Guidance comes from a varied source of encyclicals that have been redacted and promoted through the years. We believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27), which confers inherent dignity and worth. This foundational belief supports the respect and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, or ability, and thus, every individual possesses inherent dignity and worth.

“Gaudium et Spes” (1965) and “Caritas in Veritate” (2009) stress the importance of addressing inequalities and advocating for the marginalized. “Sollicitudo Rei Socialis” (1987) highlights solidarity as a key principle in Catholic social teaching, calling for a commitment to the well-being of all, especially the poor and marginalized as essential for overcoming divisions and fostering a more inclusive society. “Centesimus Annus” (1991) and “Evangelii Gaudium” (2013) align with the concept of equity, ensuring that those who are disadvantaged receive the support they need to achieve fairness and justice. More recently, Pope Francis in “Fratelli Tutti” (2020) calls for a culture of encounter and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting and valuing different cultures and perspectives. This encyclical promotes inclusion and the breaking down of barriers that divide people.

In essence, the Catholic Church’s teachings on DEI are grounded in its commitment to the dignity of the human person, the promotion of the common good, solidarity, social justice, and the respect for diversity. These principles guide the Church’s approach to fostering inclusive communities where everyone can participate fully and thrive. The Church’s doctrine encourages actions and policies that support these values, advocating for a society where all individuals are respected and valued.

Guided by Catholic social teaching, our program is dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, religion, or ability, can thrive. We strive to build an academic environment that is equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to succeed and feel valued. Student diversity goals are important for admission goals in providing a diverse and inclusive community that enriches our educational experience, promotes innovation, provides new and exciting perspectives and prepares our students to serve and engage effectively in a local and global capacity.

View or download PCUPR School of Architecture and Design Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.