If you think of real estate development as something that often tends to be mercenary, this program presents a different view. The triple bottom line—the socially conscious philosophy of businesses meeting the needs of people, planet and profit—is given a fourth dimension with this program: placemaking.

While it is a new program, its (literal and figurative) architect, Dr. Suzanne Singletary, says the program is a natural extension of work that has been going on at Jefferson over the past decade. Historic Preservation started 10 years ago as a single course, but interest was strong and it gained momentum.

Smart cities are made possible by technology, but the core philosophy behind them is ultimately humanistic. “The person has a different role in a smart city, and it is at the center,” says Dr. Edgar Stach, a professor of architecture at Thomas Jefferson University.

Barbara Klinkhammer, dean of the College of Architecture & the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University, recognizes the urgency and passion of incoming students. “I think we have a generation of students today that want to make an impact. They’re very focused on several items. One is social equity; the other is sustainability. They really care for the environment.”