We shape visionary architects and designers through a rigorous, interdisciplinary education.

Situated in the dynamic urban fabric of Los Angeles, we offer an interdisciplinary, innovative environment where students engage with world-renowned faculty and industry leaders. Our commitment to sustainability and equity equips graduates to transform the built environment, impacting communities locally and globally.

Game on: USC launches student design competition to bring shade to L.A. for 2028 and beyond 8/13/2025

Game on: USC launches student design competition to bring shade to L.A. for 2028 and beyond

The annual competition invites students across the L.A. region to create modular shade structures that protect Angelenos from extreme heat and reimagine public spaces for a more resilient climate future. As Los Angeles prepares to host a series of major global sporting events, USC Dornsife Public Exchange and USC School of Architecture are teaming up to launch a first-of-its-kind student design competition to tackle one of the region’s growing threats: extreme heat. The Shade Zones Design Competition kicks off this fall and will run annually through 2027. This year’s competition calls on the next generation of architects and designers to help shape...

Beyond design studios and other classes, there is much going on at the School, including student events, lectures, exhibitions, global travel opportunities and workshops. The School is a constant hive of activity and invention, and the closely knit architecture community progresses our ideals into the future built environment.

I chose USC Architecture because of its unique location—close to the ocean, forests, and deserts which gave me the chance to explore many kinds of landscapes. With the support and encouragement of my professors, I spent time traveling and observing these environments. Those experiences deepened my curiosity about the relationship between nature and architecture.”