Classes

Explore all classes offered by the Department  — use the filters in the right column below to view classes by discipline groups or by semester.

The Department of Architecture is “Course 4.” The method of assigning numbers to classes is to write the course number in Arabic numerals followed by a period and three digits, which are used to differentiate courses. Most classes retain the same number from year to year. Architecture groups its numbers by discipline group.

Please select both Aga Khan and HTC to search for Aga Khan classes. 

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4.02A

Design Studio: How to Design Intensive

Introduces fundamental design principles as a way to demystify design and provide a basic introduction to all aspects of the process. Stimulates creativity, abstract thinking, representation, iteration, and design development. Equips students with skills to have more effective communication with designers, and develops their ability to apply the foundations of design to any discipline.

Sam Sheffer
IAP
2024
2-5-2
U
Schedule
TBA
Location
studio
Required Of
BSA, BSAD, A Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 30
HASS
A
Preference Given To
BSA, BSAD, A Minor, D Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.031

Design Studio: Objects and Interaction

Overview of design as the giving of form, order, and interactivity to the objects that define our daily life. Follows the path from project to interactive product. Covers the overall design process, preparing students for work in a hands-on studio learning environment. Emphasizes design development and constraints. Topics include the analysis of objects; interaction design and user experience; design methodologies, current dialogues in design; economies of scale vs. means; and the role of technology in design. Provides a foundation in prototyping skills such as carpentry, casting, digital fabrication, electronics, and coding.

Fall
2024
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: F 3-5:30
Lab: R 2-5
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.031

Design Studio: Objects and Interaction

Overview of design as the giving of form, order, and interactivity to the objects that define our daily life. Follows the path from project to interactive product. Covers the overall design process, preparing students for work in a hands-on studio learning environment. Emphasizes design development and constraints. Topics include the analysis of objects; interaction design and user experience; design methodologies, current dialogues in design; economies of scale vs. means; and the role of technology in design. Provides a foundation in prototyping skills such as carpentry, casting, digital fabrication, electronics, and coding.

Fall
2022
3-3-6
U
Schedule
T 7-9
R 2-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.022
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.031

Design Studio: Objects and Interaction

Overview of design as the giving of form, order, and interactivity to the objects that define our daily life. Follows the path from project to interactive product. Covers the overall design process, preparing students for work in a hands-on studio learning environment. Emphasizes design development and constraints. Topics include the analysis of objects; interaction design and user experience; design methodologies, current dialogues in design; economies of scale vs. means; and the role of technology in design. Provides a foundation in prototyping skills such as carpentry, casting, digital fabrication, electronics, and coding.

Fall
2023
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: T 7-9
Lab: R 2-5
Location
N52-337
Prerequisites
4.022 or permission of instructor
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.032
4.033

Design Studio: Information and Visualization

Provides an introduction to working with information, data and visualization in a hands-on studio learning environment. Studies the history and theory of information, followed by a series of projects in which students apply the ideas directly. Progresses though basic data analysis, visual design and presentation, and more sophisticated interaction techniques. Topics include storytelling and narrative, choosing representations, understanding audiences, and the role of designers working with data. 

Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments.

Spring
2022
3-3-6
U
2-4-6
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSA, Design Minor
Enrollment
UG: 4.032, G: 4.033
Preference Given To
BSA, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.032
4.033

Design Studio: Information and Visualization

UG: 4.032, G: 4.033

Provides an introduction to working with information, data and visualization in a hands-on studio learning environment. Studies the history and theory of information, followed by a series of projects in which students apply the ideas directly. Progresses though basic data analysis, visual design and presentation, and more sophisticated interaction techniques. Topics include storytelling and narrative, choosing representations, understanding audiences, and the role of designers working with data. 

Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments. 

Spring
2024
3-3-6
U
2-4-6
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N52-337
Prerequisites
4.033: permission of instructor
Required Of
BSA, Design Minor
Restricted Elective
Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSA
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.032
4.033

Design Studio: Information Design and Visualization

UG: 4.032, G: 4.033

Provides an introduction to working with information, data and visualization in a hands-on studio learning environment. Studies the history and theory of information, followed by a series of projects in which students apply the ideas directly. Progresses though basic data analysis, visual design and presentation, and more sophisticated interaction techniques. Topics include storytelling and narrative, choosing representations, understanding audiences, and the role of designers working with data. 

Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments. 

Spring
2025
3-3-6
U
2-4-6
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N52-337
Prerequisites
4.053
Required Of
BSA, Design Minor
Restricted Elective
Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSA
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.032
4.033

Design Studio: Information and Visualization

UG: 4.032, G: 4.033

Subject 4.033 is a pre-approved Computation elective for Spring 2023.

Provides an introduction to working with information, data and visualization in a hands-on studio learning environment. Studies the history and theory of information, followed by a series of projects in which students apply the ideas directly. Progresses though basic data analysis, visual design and presentation, and more sophisticated interaction techniques. Topics include storytelling and narrative, choosing representations, understanding audiences, and the role of designers working with data. 

Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments.

Spring
2023
3-3-6
U
2-4-6
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N52-337
Prerequisites
4.032: 4.022 or permission of instructor; 4.033: permission of instructor
Required Of
BSA, Design Minor
Restricted Elective
Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSA
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.041

Design Studio: Advanced Product Design

Focuses on producing a small series of manufactured products. Students develop products that address specific user needs, propose novel design concepts, iteratively prototype, test functionality, and ultimately exhibit their work in a retail context. Stemming from new research and technological developments around MIT, students try to imagine the future products that emerge from new materials and machine intelligence. Provides an in-depth exploration of the design and manufacturing of products, through narrative, form, function, fabrication, and their relationship to customers. 

Spring
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
TR 2-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.031 or permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
Course 4B Majors, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.041

Design Studio: Advanced Product Design

Focuses on producing a small series of manufactured products. Students develop products that address specific user needs, propose novel design concepts, iteratively prototype, test functionality, and ultimately exhibit their work in a retail context. Stemming from new research and technological developments around MIT, students try to imagine the future products that emerge from new materials and machine intelligence. Provides an in-depth exploration of the design and manufacturing of products, through narrative, form, function, fabrication, and their relationship to customers. 

Spring
2023
3-3-6
U
Schedule
TR 2-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.031 or permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design Minor
Preference Given To
Course 4B Majors, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.041

Design Studio: Advanced Product Design

Focuses on producing a small series of manufactured products. Students develop products that address specific user needs, propose novel design concepts, iteratively prototype, test functionality, and ultimately exhibit their work in a retail context. Stemming from new research and technological developments around MIT, students try to imagine the future products that emerge from new materials and machine intelligence. Provides an in-depth exploration of the design and manufacturing of products, through narrative, form, function, fabrication, and their relationship to customers. 

Spring
2022
3-3-6
U
Schedule
TR 2-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.031 or permission of instructor
Required Of
Design Minor
Restricted Elective
BSAD
Preference Given To
Course 4B Majors, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.041

Design Studio: Advanced Product Design

Focuses on producing a small series of manufactured products. Students develop products that address specific user needs, propose novel design concepts, iteratively prototype, test functionality, and ultimately exhibit their work in a retail context. Stemming from new research and technological developments around MIT, students try to imagine the future products that emerge from new materials and machine intelligence. Provides an in-depth exploration of the design and manufacturing of products, through narrative, form, function, fabrication, and their relationship to customers. 

Spring
2024
3-3-6
U
Schedule
TR 2-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.031 or permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
Course 4B Majors, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.043
4.044

Design Studio: Interaction Intelligence

UG: 4.043, G: 4.044

Overview of core principles and techniques for the design of interaction, behavior, and intelligence across objects and spaces. In a studio environment, students develop low and high-fidelity interactive prototypes that can be deployed and experienced by real users. Lectures cover the history and principles of human-computer interaction, behavior prototyping, physical and graphical user interfaces, machine intelligence, neural networks, and large language models. Provides a foundation in technical skills, such as physical prototyping, coding, and electronics, as well as how to collect data, train, and deploy their own neural network models. Students complete a series of small interaction exercises and a portfolio-level final project. 

Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 

Spring
2024
3-3-6
U/G
3-3-3
G
Schedule
Lecture: F 2-5
Lab: T 7-9
Location
Lecture + Lab: N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.043: 4.031; 4.044: permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.043
4.044

Design Studio: Interaction Intelligence

UG: 4.043, G: 4.044

Overview of core principles and techniques for the design of interaction, behavior, and intelligence across objects and spaces. In a studio environment, students develop low and high-fidelity interactive prototypes that can be deployed and experienced by real users. Lectures cover the history and principles of human-computer interaction, behavior prototyping, physical and graphical user interfaces, machine intelligence, neural networks, and large language models. Provides a foundation in technical skills, such as physical prototyping, coding, and electronics, as well as how to collect data, train, and deploy their own neural network models. Students complete a series of small interaction exercises and a portfolio-level final project. 

Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 

Spring
2025
3-3-6
U/G
3-3-3
G
Schedule
Lecture: F 2-5
Lab: W 3-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
UG: 4.031 | G: permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.043
4.044

Design Studio: Interaction Intelligence

UG: 4.043, G: 4.044

Overview of core principles and techniques for the design of interaction, behavior, and intelligence across objects and spaces. In a studio environment, students develop low and high-fidelity interactive prototypes that can be deployed and experienced by real users. Lectures cover the history and principles of human-computer interaction, behavior prototyping, physical and graphical user interfaces, machine intelligence, neural networks, and large language models. Provides a foundation in technical skills, such as physical prototyping, coding, and electronics, as well as how to collect data, train, and deploy their own neural network models. Students complete a series of small interaction exercises and a portfolio-level final project.

Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 

Spring
2023
3-3-6
U/G
3-3-3
G
Schedule
Lecture: F 2-5
Lab: T 7-9
Location
Lecture + Lab: N52-342C
Prerequisites
4.043: 4.031; 4.044: permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.051

The Human Factor in Innovation and Design Strategy

Cancelled

Canceled for Fall 2022

Fall
2022
2-2-8
U
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 20
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.053

Visual Communication Fundamentals

Provides an introduction to visual communication, emphasizing the development of a visual and verbal vocabulary. Presents the fundamentals of line, shape, color, composition, visual hierarchy, word/image relationships and typography as building blocks for communicating with clarity, emotion, and meaning. Students develop their ability to analyze, discuss and critique their work and the work of the designed world. 

Bo-Won Keum
Fall
2022
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: T 9-12
Lab/Recitation: R 7-10
Location
N52-337
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.053

Visual Communication Fundamentals

Provides an introduction to visual communication, emphasizing the development of a visual and verbal vocabulary. Presents the fundamentals of line, shape, color, composition, visual hierarchy, word/image relationships and typography as building blocks for communicating with clarity, emotion, and meaning. Students develop their ability to analyze, discuss and critique their work and the work of the designed world. 

Fall
2024
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 9-12
Location
N52-337
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.053

Visual Communication Fundamentals

8/25/23: Note schedule change to: Lecture R 7-10, Lab: W 9-12

Provides an introduction to visual communication, emphasizing the development of a visual and verbal vocabulary. Presents the fundamentals of line, shape, color, composition, visual hierarchy, word/image relationships and typography as building blocks for communicating with clarity, emotion, and meaning. Students develop their ability to analyze, discuss and critique their work and the work of the designed world. 

Fall
2023
3-3-6
U
Schedule
M 7-10
W 9-12
Location
N52-337
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.090

Practical Experience in Architecture for Undergraduates

Practical experience through summer and January IAP internships secured by the student in the field of architecture, urbanism, digital design, art, or building technology. Before registering for this subject, students must have an offer from a company or organization and complete the Department of Architecture application signed by the advisor. Upon completion of the internship, students must submit an evaluation form available from the departmental academic office. Students are limited to a total of three approved experiences. 

Internship Supervisor
IAP
2024
0-1-0
U
Schedule
N/A
Location
N/A
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Open Only To
Course 4 undergraduates
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.090

Practical Experience in Architecture for Undergraduates

Practical experience through summer and January IAP internships secured by the student in the field of architecture, urbanism, digital design, art, or building technology. Before registering for this subject, students must have an offer from a company or organization and complete the Department of Architecture application signed by the advisor. Upon completion of the internship, students must submit an evaluation form available from the departmental academic office. Students are limited to a total of three approved experiences. 

Internship Supervisor
IAP
2025
0-1-0
U
Schedule
N/A
Location
N/A
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Open Only To
Course 4 undergraduates
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.090

Practical Experience in Architecture for Undergraduates

Practical experience through summer and January IAP internships secured by the student in the field of architecture, urbanism, digital design, art, or building technology. Before registering for this subject, students must have an offer from a company or organization and complete the Department of Architecture application signed by the advisor. Upon completion of the internship, students must submit an evaluation form available from the departmental academic office. Students are limited to a total of three approved experiences. 

Internship Supervisor
IAP
2023
0-1-0
U
Schedule
N/A
Location
N/A
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Open Only To
Course 4 undergraduates
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.105

Cultures of Form

Introduction to cultures of form in architectural design, representation, and production, including material cultures, geometric discourse and analysis, Western and non-Western modes of perception and representation. Through a series of acts of forming and making, provides a primer and venue to rehearse skills such as 3D modeling and the reciprocity between representation and materialization. Exercises accompanied by lectures from practitioners, who each represent a highly articulated relationship between form and material in a body of design research or built work.

Fall
2024
2-2-5
G
Schedule
R 9:30-12:30
Location
5-234
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.105

Geometric Disciplines and Architecture Skills

Intensive introduction to architectural design tools and process, taught through a series of short exercises. Covers a broad range of topics relating to the discourse of geometry as the basis of architectural design process. Focuses on projective drawings, explicit 3D modeling, and the reciprocity between representation and materialization. Lectures, workshops, and pin-ups address the architectural arguments intrinsic to geometry and its representation. 

Fall
2023
2-2-5
G
Schedule
R 10-1
Location
5-234
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.105

Geometric Disciplines and Architecture Skills

Intensive introduction to architectural design tools and process, taught through a series of short exercises. Covers a broad range of topics relating to the discourse of geometry as the basis of architectural design process. Focuses on projective drawings, explicit 3D modeling, and the reciprocity between representation and materialization. Lectures, workshops, and pin-ups address the architectural arguments intrinsic to geometry and its representation. 

Fall
2022
2-2-5
G
Schedule
R 10-1
Location
1-246
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads