The Computation discipline group of MIT's Department Architecture inquires into methods of architectural design, and challenges the limits of current technology, as well as conventional design teaching and practice. It focuses on the development of innovative computational tools, design processes and theories, and applying these in creative, socially meaningful responses to challenging design problems. Faculty, research staff, and students work in diverse and mutually supportive areas including:

• Visualization, video and animation
• Rapid prototyping and CAD/CAM technologies
• Shape representation and shape synthesis
• Building information modeling (BIM)
• Generative and parametric design
• Critical studies of digital and information technologies
• Software/hardware development of advanced tools for spatial design
• Application of design technology to real world design problems

This work benefits from the perspective of architectural practice as well as a wide variety of disciplinary perspectives including mathematics, computer science, cognitive science, philosophy, history, and art. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the interdisciplinary environment of MIT, and to take subjects and participate in research across different MIT departments to support their work. Rigorous critical reflection on the implications and potentials of computation for contemporary design practice is emphasized.

The computation group maintains its own website. More information can be found here:

http://descomp.scripts.mit.edu/www/