Dear CBE Community,
As we usher in another academic year at the College of Built Environments, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all our faculty, staff, and students. Whether you are joining us anew or have been a part of our journey, this is an exciting time to be here.
Two years ago, we set out with an ambitious strategic framework to establish CBE as a leading institution in interdisciplinary collaboration. Today, we find ourselves not merely approaching this vision, but actively inhabiting it. We have advanced as a community that values collaboration and innovation, not just in theory, but also in the lived experiences of our students and faculty.
This is especially true as we navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by our built spaces. Our work continues in optimizing Gould and Architecture Halls and other CBE spaces, transforming them into academic and community spaces that better align with our innovative pedagogical goals and equitable practices. As a college known for our teachings and research on climate solutions, we know that the most sustainable building is an existing one. Please stop by the Gould Gallery pop-up to see more about space planning efforts.
As we embark on this new year, you will find many exciting courses, workshops, and events designed to stimulate your intellect and sharpen your skills. I would like to highlight a set of events developed by our amazing CBE Diversity Council that will bring workshops by Design in Color customized for CBE goals. I encourage each of you to explore, engage, and make the most of the abundant resources at your disposal. We are a community of thinkers, learners, and doers, and I am optimistic about what we can accomplish together.
Wishing you all an inspiring and fulfilling academic year ahead.
With anticipation and gratitude,
Renée Cheng
John and Rosalind Jacobi Family Endowed Dean
College of Built Environments
University of Washington