About
One school. Four disciplines. Endless possibilities for impact.
Our Mission
We prepare the next generation of architects, planners, preservationists, and developers to shape resilient, vibrant and just communities. By bringing these disciplines together under one roof, we mirror the collaboration of real-world practice and equip students to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our built environment—from climate change to social inequity, from cultural preservation to sustainable growth.
Our Vision
The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation envisions a world where bold ideas and integrated disciplines converge to solve the grand challenges of our time. For more than 50 years, we have advanced research, education and practice at the intersections of design, planning, preservation and development. We are rooted in people-focused solutions, collaboration and service to the greater good. Looking forward, we will continue to lead with innovation and impact, shaping places that strengthen communities, enrich culture and inspire future generations.
Our Values
Our values reflect the foundation of our teaching, research, and practice:
- Resilience – Creating communities and environments that adapt, endure and thrive.
- Justice – Advancing fairness, opportunity and voice in the places we shape.
- Curiosity – Asking bold questions and pursuing knowledge to address society’s most urgent needs.
- Innovation – Driving pioneering ideas and transformative solutions for the built environment.
- Collaboration – Bringing people and disciplines together to reflect how real-world change happens.
- Leadership – Cultivating visionary leaders who honor local knowledge, embrace complexity and lead with integrity.
Dean's Message
Welcome to the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP+), Maryland’s Built Environment School.
At MAPP, we believe design is essential to addressing the grand challenges of our time—climate change, equity, resilience, and the health of our communities. Through architecture, planning, preservation and real estate development, our students learn to envision and shape just, sustainable and vibrant places.
From our beginnings—when our first class built housing on the National Mall for the Poor People’s Campaign—we have embraced design as a tool for social and environmental justice. Today, we continue this legacy, pairing our students and faculty with communities across Maryland and around the world to co-create solutions that matter.
Our research centers and labs confront urgent issues such as sea-level rise, gentrification, and displacement, while our students bring creativity and collaboration to projects that span disciplines from engineering to public health. Increasingly, we are also exploring the role of artificial intelligence in design and the built environment—harnessing new tools to analyze data, imagine possibilities and expand human capacity to build more resilient and inclusive futures.
At MAPP+, our tight-knit community benefits from world-class faculty, strong alumni networks and the opportunities of a major research university. Together, we prepare the next generation of changemakers to design with vision, responsibility, and care.
Join us as we shape a resilient world for all.
Dr. Dawn Jourdan, Dean