As we’ve made some nice headway into the 21st century, one would think that the concept of sustainability should start taking some real world shape. There has been much talk about proposed urban farms and the simple “greening” of the world’s growing urban centers–particularly as the problems associated with urban growth can be felt the world over. But what have we done to lay the foundation to alleviate some of the issues that plague us?

In an effort to promote a green(er) agenda, NYU (shout out to my alma mater) has created a cutting edge new master’s program that seeks to formally educate those who will be facing these issues head on. The program, under the moniker of Historical and Sustainable Architecture, will be housed at NYU’s London campus and will be serviced under the university’s Department of Art History and Urban Design. The nine-month course will teach students to modernized historical buildings to preserve both the architectural integrity and the sustainability of the regions in which they are found. Program Director Mosette Broderick is quoted in NYU’s school paper as stating that the “program…looks at innovative ways to recycle buildings instead of tearing them down.”

The aforementioned article goes on to point out that London is an ideal place for such an area of study. It is a fine example of a city that has been modernized to consider such needs as compromising the pressures of growth while maintaining its historical and aesthetic identity. At the same time it doesn’t compromise a commitment to keeping such development “green.”