Dr. René Davids

Professor

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Biography

René Davids, a Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of California, Berkeley, has a rich educational background, having studied at the Universidad de Chile and the Royal College of Art in London. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the National Arts Award and has significantly contributed to the field of architecture through his innovative design projects, many of which have received national and international recognition. Davids is known for his work with Davids Killory Architecture, which has been featured in major publications including Time magazine. His academic contributions extend to various institutions globally, and he has been involved in notable research projects, including the editing of critical architectural texts. Davids emphasizes a research approach intertwined with urban landscapes and infrastructure, focusing on design work that engages diverse communities across Latin America and the United States. His teaching includes a range of studio courses that explore architectural design in urban contexts, and he has been influential in shaping contemporary architectural education in the region through his extensive lecturing and critiques.

Research Interests

Awards

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Elevated College of Fellows

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President's Award

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Progressive Architecture Citation

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AIA National Honor Award

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ACSA Design Award

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ACSA Citation Excellence

Courses

ARCH 100A Fundamentals Architectural Design ARCH 100B Fundamentals Architectural Design ARCH 101 Case Studies in Architecture ARCH 109X: Architecture Landscape Design Built (Undergraduate Seminar) ARCH 200 (Graduate Design Studio) ARCH 203 Integrated Studio (Graduate Studio) ARCH 205 (ex.202A) Studio Thesis Option ARCH 262 Seminar Architectural InDetail (Seminar) ARCH 204 (ex-209C) Final Project Preparation Seminar. (Thesis prep) ARCH 209 Landscape/Architecture/ Infrastructure/Urbanism (Seminar) ARCH 219X Architecture Identity: Latin America (Seminar) ENV DES 201 Urban Design Studio (MUD Program) ARCH 209 Relating Architecture Landscape Architecture (Graduate Seminar) ARCH 209 Housing Design Generator (Seminar) ARCH 100 D (Undergraduate Studio) ARCH 200 B Case Studies in Architectural Design (Graduate Studio) ARCH 201 Architecture Urban Context (Graduate Studio) ARCH 100 C (Undergraduate Studio) ARCH 200 Case Studies in Architectural Design (Graduate Studio) ARCH 202( ex-Arch 201) Case Studies in Architectural Design (Graduate Studio)

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.