This thesis is concerned with the training of competent architects, designers, and artists. The need for artistically creative people has never been as urgent as it is today. A searching review is made of the philosophy of design education. The views of many of the leaders in architecture and other arts are considered in relation to the training of young men and women in the various creative fields. The philosophy of education at the School of Design has been formulated from these and the writer's personal opinions. The various departments of the school and the complete physical requirements for each are decided upon and these decisions are expressed in the design program. The planning of the buildings and setting necessary to provide the tools, space, and inspiration for the students of design is the epitome of this thesis. It is proposed that the student do a major portion of the construction of the school. A schedule is suggested to achieve the completion of the master plan over a period of years. Such a School of Design will include the present Virginia Polytechnic Institute Architectural Department and the additional facilities needed for training and research in allied fields. The school will be associated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute, but will be an administrative entity in itself. An institution of this type will theoretically parallel in the creative field the rapid advancement now being made in the South in such other fields as scientific research, industrial development, and agricultural methods.

Master of Science