Intensive introduction to architectural design tools and process, taught through a series of short exercises. The conceptual basis of each exercise is in the interrogation of the geometric principles that lie at the core of each skill.
Provides the foundations for architectural design, introducing design logic and skills that enable design thinking, representation, and development. Beginning with spatially abstract exercises, provides studio instruction in the architectural design process.
Focuses on how to design in a natural or urban site through analysis of landscape and urban form. Students conceptualize design decisions through drawings and models. Working directly with materials and fabrication techniques, they gain experience in the tectonics of architecture.
Projects develop more advanced design skills engaging complex issues of program, site, and form. Focuses on how architecture creates environments for living, working and learning in varied settings. Integrates architectural theory, building technology and computation into the design process.
Selection of thesis topic, defining method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal for BSA degree in architecture. Weekly class meeting as well as individual conference with faculty.
Interactive architecture design workshop focuses on the logistics of designing. Examines a variety of spaces and studies space design through material exploration and building techniques. Students develop a design project by joining wood, forging and welding steel, and casting concrete.
Provides a practical introduction to digital fabrication resources, including CAD/CAM/CAE, NC machining, 3-D printing and scanning, molding and casting, composites, laser and waterjet cutting, PCB design and fabrication; sensors and actuators; mixed-signal instrumentation, embedded processing; wi
Establishes foundational processes, techniques and attitudes towards architectural design. Includes projects of increasing scope and complexity engaging issues of structure, circulation, program, organization, building systems, materiality and tectonics.
Interdisciplinary approach to design through studio design problems that engage the domains of building technology, computation, and the cultural/historical geographies of energy.
Offers a broad range of advanced-level investigations in architectural design in various contexts, including international sites. Integrates theoretical and technological discourses into specific topics.
Project-based introduction to urban observation, research, analysis, and design. Focuses on urban elements, urban and architectural interventions, and landscape in existing cities. Emphasizes city form, sustainability, and social conditions.
The design of urban environments. Strategies for change in large areas of cities, to be developed over time, involving different actors.
Design and development studio that involves architects and planners, working in teams on a contemporary design project of importance in Beijing, China. Students analyze conditions, explore alternatives, and synthesize architecture, city design, and implementation plans.
Interactive design research in developing areas outside of the USA. Assist in drawing, modeling and constructing small buildings appropriate for the culture, climate and specific population under consideration.
Addresses design inquiry in a studio format. In-depth consideration of selected issues of the built world. The problem may be prototypical or a particular aspect of a whole project, but is always interdisciplinary in nature.
Preparatory research development leading to a well-conceived proposition for the MArch design thesis.
Practical experience through summer internships secured by the student in the field of architecture, urbanism, digital design, art, or building technology.
Provides students the opportunity to develop a map of contemporary architectural practice and discourse.
Examines the urban environment as a natural phenomenon, human habitat, medium of expression, and forum for action.
Workshop surveys how water affects the design of buildings, landscapes and cities in aesthetic, functional and symbolic ways. Combines the systematic study of water issues with urban design projects in South Asia and the US.
Explores photography as a disciplined way of seeing, or investigating urban landscapes and expressing ideas. Readings, observations, and photographs form the basis of discussions on light, detail, place, poetics, narrative, and how photography can inform design and planning.
Seminar examines the linkages between natural hazards and environmental design. Engages theoretical debates about landscapes of risk, vulnerability, and resilience.
Presentations by faculty from different discipline groups on a theme derived from their research or practice followed by discussion.
Gives a critical orientation towards a career in architectural practice. Uses historical and current examples to illustrate the legal, ethical and management concepts underlying the practice of architecture.
Introduces theories, concepts and precedents in urban design. Emphasizes traditional, modern and contemporary values and approaches to urban design. Research projects required. Preference to Urbanism SMArchS students.
Interdisciplinary projects and interactive practices in urban settlement issues as investigated by MIT's SIGUS (Special Interest Group in Urban Settlements), with a focus on developing countries throughout the world. Participation by guest practitioners.
Examines dynamic relationship among key actors: beneficiaries, government, and funder. Emphasis on cost recovery, affordability, replicability, user selection, and project administration. Extensive case examples provide basis for comparisons.
Introduces methods of recording, evaluating, and communicating about the urban environment.
Examines in greater depth themes from the basic subject in city form theory. Introduces new concepts from current research and practice for analysis by the seminar participants. Requirements include presentation to the seminar of a theoretical project undertaken by each student.
Examines the evolving structure of cities and the way that cities, suburbs, and metropolitan areas can be designed and developed. Boston and other cities are studied to see how physical, social, political and economic forces interact to shape and reshape cities over time.
Examines both the structure of cities and ways they can be changed. Includes historical forces that have produced cities, models of urban analysis, contemporary theories of urban design, implementation strategies.
Advanced seminar about an architectural approach to the problems of disurbanization. Focuses on texts and projects of a particular lineage of architects and planners, who are pursuing 'metropolitan urbanity' through a series of concrete, discrete, tangible interventions from 1944 to 1999.
Explores technical challenges and design opportunities in the vertical integration of energy sector materials in the built environment.
Students work in an architect's office to gain experience, improve skills, and see the inner workings of an everyday architectural practice. Internships possible in all sizes of firms and in public and nonprofit agencies.
Students select thesis topic, define method of approach, and prepare thesis proposal for SMArchS degree. Faculty supervision on an individual or group basis. Intended for SMArchS program students prior to registration for 4.ThG.