Classes

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

8/25/23 - note schedule change to TR 9-10:30

4.500 U / 4.505 G

Introduces digital fabrication as a method of home, hut, and shelter delivery/construction. Explores the progression of industrial-based building production from prefab to digital fab. Examines new computational techniques for rapid construction, as well as the basics of tiny building design, 3D modeling systems, scalable ways to prototype, and computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication. Students use lab time to design a prototype of a small building as a single packaged product. Additional work required of students taking graduate version. Lab fee required. 

4.500 U / 4.505 G

Introduces digital fabrication as a method of home, hut, and shelter delivery/construction. Explores the progression of industrial-based building production from prefab to digital fab. Examines new computational techniques for rapid construction, as well as the basics of tiny building design, 3D modeling systems, scalable ways to prototype, and computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication. Students use lab time to design a prototype of a small building as a single packaged product. Additional work required of students taking graduate version. Lab fee required. 

4.500 U / 4.505 G

Introduces 3-D CAD modeling to students with little or no experience in design or computation. Teaches surface, solid and mesh modeling techniques combined with a variety of modeling applications, from 3D printing to CNC fabrication and 3D rendering. Includes weekly modeling assignments leading up to a final project. 

UG: 4.501; Grad: 4.511

This course introduces digital fabrication as a method of home, hut, and shelter delivery (construction). The class explores industrial-based building production from prefab to digital fab. Most important we explore new computational techniques for rapid construction. We will explore the basics of tiny building design, different types of 3D modeling systems, scalable ways to prototype and CNC fabrication. The focus is on learning by doing. The class result will be a well-designed prototype of a small building as a single packaged product. 

Additional work required of graduate students.

The need for affordable housing throughout North America is a never-ending problem. The need for affordable housing has been in crisis since the beginning of time. This is especially the case with the growing need for replacement, rescue and replenishment of housing is greater than it has ever been.  The greatest need at the moment, is in rural environments. Labor shortage and low interest in carpentry means that we need to discover new ways to deliver products.

What is new is that the computation, digital fabrication and robotics offers a new promise for design and delivery of affordable, permanent housing. We will explore the idea digital delivery through the production of Tiny Housing.

This course starts with five critical exercises for digital fabrication and design computing. We will explore varying areas of geometry as curved, folded and planar shapes. These exercises will provide points of entry towards a deeper understanding of surface, mesh & solid modeling and machine control. Simultaneously, traditional methods of construction will be presented as case studies with an in-depth overview of past and present industrial-based systems of home production.

The second half of the course will support student projects with weekly presentations and lab sessions focused on application of new digital techniques. Course deliverables will be four design exercises and a final research question and project.

Additional work required of graduate students.

UG: 4.501; Grad: 4.511

This course introduces digital fabrication as a method of home, hut, and shelter delivery (construction). The class explores industrial-based building production from prefab to digital fab. Most important we explore new computational techniques for rapid construction. We will explore the basics of tiny building design, different types of 3D modeling systems, scalable ways to prototype and CNC fabrication. The focus is on learning by doing. The class result will be a well-designed prototype of a small building as a single packaged product. 

Additional work required of graduate students.

4.502 U / 4.562 G

Class website

Advanced projects in architectural visualization with an emphasis on the use of computer graphics animation, interactive media, and video production tools. Introduces advanced visualization software and teaches exploration of spatial expressions in motion graphics format. Review and discussion of selected literature and video materials on architecture and film.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

Class website

4.502 U / 4.562 G

Class website

Advanced projects in architectural visualization with an emphasis on the use of computer graphics animation, interactive media, and video production tools. Introduces advanced visualization software and teaches exploration of spatial expressions in motion graphics format. Review and discussion of selected literature and video materials on architecture and film.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

Class website

4.502 U / 4.562 G

Class website

Advanced projects in architectural visualization with an emphasis on the use of computer graphics animation, interactive media, and video production tools. Introduces advanced visualization software and teaches exploration of spatial expressions in motion graphics format. Review and discussion of selected literature and video materials on architecture and film.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

UG: 4.507 G: 4.567

Addresses fundamental methods, theories, and practices that engage contemporary modeling tools in the context of architectural design. Introduces selected academic and professional topics through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments. Topics include parametric modeling, component types and assembly, prototyping, scripting, and simulations. Initiates intellectual explorations in the use of building information modeling in research projects and design practices.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

See class website.

UG: 4.507 G: 4.567

Class website

Addresses fundamental methods, theories, and practices that engage contemporary modeling tools in the context of architectural design. Introduces selected academic and professional topics through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments. Topics include parametric modeling, component types and assembly, prototyping, scripting, and simulations. Initiates intellectual explorations in the use of building information modeling in research projects and design practices.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

Introduces a visual-perceptual, rule-based approach to design using shape grammars. Covers grammar fundamentals through lectures and in-class exercises. Focuses on shape grammar applications, from stylistic analysis to creative design, through presentations of past applications and through short student exercises and projects. Presents computer programs for automating shape grammars.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

UG: 4.520 G: 4.521

Introduces a visual-perceptual, rule-based approach to design using shape grammars. Covers grammar fundamentals through lectures and in-class, exercises. Focuses on shape grammar applications, from stylistic analysis to creative design, through presentations of past applications and through short student exercises and projects. Presents computer programs for automating shape grammars.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

4.520/4.521 Syllabus (MIT Certificate protected)