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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4.109

Materials and Fabrication for Architecture

Provides the material system knowledge and fabrication process skills to successfully engage with all areas of the shop, from precision handwork to multi-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining. Progresses through a series of basic exercises that introduce the material and workflow, concluding with more complex problems that explore opportunities and issues specific to architecture.

IAP
2025
0-3-6
G
Schedule
MTWRF 12:30-5:30
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.109

Materials and Fabrication for Architecture

Provides the material system knowledge and fabrication process skills to successfully engage with all areas of the shop, from precision handwork to multi-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining. Progresses through a series of basic exercises that introduce the material and workflow, concluding with more complex problems that explore opportunities and issues specific to architecture.

IAP
2023
0-3-6
G
Schedule
(tent.) MTWRF 12:30-5:30
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.109

Materials and Fabrication for Architecture

Provides the material system knowledge and fabrication process skills to successfully engage with all areas of the shop, from precision handwork to multi-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining. Progresses through a series of basic exercises that introduce the material and workflow, concluding with more complex problems that explore opportunities and issues specific to architecture.

IAP
2024
0-3-6
G
Schedule
MTWRF 12:30-5:30
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.110

Design Across Scales

Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames' canonical Powers of Ten, explores the relationship between science and engineering through the lens of design. Examines how transformations in science and technology have influenced design thinking and vice versa. Provides interdisciplinary skills and methods to represent, model, design and fabricate objects, machines, and systems using new computational and fabrication tools. Aims to develop methodologies for design research of interdisciplinary problems.

Jessica Helfand
Spring
2022
3-2-8
U
Schedule
M 10-12
W 7-9
Location
7-429
1-379
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
Architecture and Design Minors
HASS
A
Preference Given To
BSAD, Course 4 Minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.110

Design Across Scales and Disciplines

Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames' canonical Powers of Ten, explores the relationship between science and engineering through the lens of design. Examines how transformations in science and technology have influenced design thinking and vice versa. Provides interdisciplinary skills and methods to represent, model, design and fabricate objects, machines, and systems using new computational and fabrication tools. Aims to develop methodologies for design research of interdisciplinary problems.

Spring
2025
2-2-8
U
Schedule
Lecture: T 10-12
Recitation: W 7-9
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
HASS
A
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.110

Design Across Scales

2/7/23: Note, recitation room for all is now 9-451

Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames' canonical Powers of Ten, explores the relationship between science and engineering through the lens of design. Examines how transformations in science and technology have influenced design thinking and vice versa. Provides interdisciplinary skills and methods to represent, model, design and fabricate objects, machines, and systems using new computational and fabrication tools. Aims to develop methodologies for design research of interdisciplinary problems.

Spring
2023
2-2-8
U
Schedule
Lecture: M 10-12
Recitations 1 & 2: W 7-9
Location
E14-633 (tentative)
Rec. 1: 9-450A
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
HASS
A
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.110

Design Across Scales

Note: Room for lab has changed from 9-451 to N52-337 (same room as lecture section)

Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames' canonical Powers of Ten, explores the relationship between science and engineering through the lens of design. Examines how transformations in science and technology have influenced design thinking and vice versa. Provides interdisciplinary skills and methods to represent, model, design and fabricate objects, machines, and systems using new computational and fabrication tools. Aims to develop methodologies for design research of interdisciplinary problems.

Spring
2024
2-2-8
U
Schedule
Lecture: M 10-12
Recitation: W 7-9
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
HASS
A
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.117
4.118

Creative Computation

UG: 4.118, G: 4.117

Dedicated to bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, the subject embraces modes of computation that hold resonance with materials and methods that beg to be computed. Students engage in bi-weekly exercises to solve complex design problems. Each exercise is dedicated to a different computation approach (recursion, parametric, genetic algorithms, particle-spring systems, etc.) that is married to a physical challenge, thereby learning the advantages and disadvantages to each approach while verifying the results in physical and digitally fabricated prototypes. Through the tools of computation and fabrication, it empowers students to design as architects, engineers and craftspeople. 

Additional work required of student taking for graduate credit. 

Spring
2024
3-0-6
G
3-0-9
U/G
Schedule
W 2-5
Location
3-442
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
4.117: MArch; 4.118: Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
Preference Given To
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.117
4.118

Creative Computation

Dedicated to bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, the subject embraces modes of computation that hold resonance with materials and methods that beg to be computed. Students engage in bi-weekly exercises to solve complex design problems. Each exercise is dedicated to a different computation approach (recursion, parametric, genetic algorithms, particle-spring systems, etc.) that is married to a physical challenge, thereby learning the advantages and disadvantages to each approach while verifying the results in physical and digitally fabricated prototypes. Through the tools of computation and fabrication, it empowers students to design as architects, engineers and craftspeople.

Additional work required of students taking for graduate credit.

Spring
2022
3-0-6
G
3-0-9
U
Schedule
W 2-5
Location
3-442
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
Design Minor, MArch
Enrollment
UG: 4.118, G: 4.117
Preference Given To
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.117
4.118

Creative Computation

UG: 4.118, G: 4.117

Dedicated to bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, the subject embraces modes of computation that hold resonance with materials and methods that beg to be computed. Students engage in bi-weekly exercises to solve complex design problems. Each exercise is dedicated to a different computation approach (recursion, parametric, genetic algorithms, particle-spring systems, etc.) that is married to a physical challenge, thereby learning the advantages and disadvantages to each approach while verifying the results in physical and digitally fabricated prototypes. Through the tools of computation and fabrication, it empowers students to design as architects, engineers and craftspeople. 

Additional work required of student taking for graduate credit. 

Spring
2025
3-0-6
G
3-0-9
U/G
Schedule
W 2-5
Location
3-442
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
4.117: MArch; 4.118: Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
Preference Given To
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.117
4.118

Creative Computation

UG: 4.118, G: 4.117

 

Dedicated to bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, the subject embraces modes of computation that hold resonance with materials and methods that beg to be computed. Students engage in bi-weekly exercises to solve complex design problems. Each exercise is dedicated to a different computation approach (recursion, parametric, genetic algorithms, particle-spring systems, etc.) that is married to a physical challenge, thereby learning the advantages and disadvantages to each approach while verifying the results in physical and digitally fabricated prototypes. Through the tools of computation and fabrication, it empowers students to design as architects, engineers and craftspeople.

Additional work required of student taking for graduate credit.

Spring
2023
3-0-6
G
3-0-9
U/G
Schedule
W 2-5
Location
3-442
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
4.117: MArch; 4.118: Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
Preference Given To
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.120

Furniture Making Workshop

Provides instruction in designing and building a functional piece of furniture from an original design. Develops woodworking techniques from use of traditional hand tools to digital fabrication. Gives students the opportunity to practice design without using a building program or code. Surveys the history of furniture making. 

Spring
2025
2-2-5
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
Course 4 students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.120

Furniture Making Workshop

Provides instruction in designing and building a functional piece of furniture from an original design. Develops woodworking techniques from use of traditional hand tools to digital fabrication. Gives students the opportunity to practice design without using a building program or code. Surveys the history of furniture making. 

Sasha McKinlay
Spring
2023
2-2-5
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
Course 4 students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.120

Furniture Making Workshop

Provides instruction in designing and building a functional piece of furniture from an original design. Develops woodworking techniques from use of traditional hand tools to digital fabrication. Gives students the opportunity to practice design without using a building program or code. Surveys the history of furniture making. 

Additional work required of students taking for graduate credit.

Spring
2024
2-2-5
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
Course 4 students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.120

Furniture Making Workshop

Provides instruction in designing and building a functional piece of furniture from an original design. Develops woodworking techniques from use of traditional hand tools to digital fabrication. Gives students the opportunity to practice design without using a building program or code. Surveys the history of furniture making. 

Additional work required of students taking for graduate credit. 

Sasha McKinlay
Spring
2022
2-2-5
G
Schedule
WF 9:30-11
Location
N51-160
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Enrollment
Limited to 12
Preference Given To
Course 4 students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.123

Architectural Assemblies

Fosters a holistic understanding of the architectural-building cycle, enabling students to build upon the history of design and construction to make informed decisions towards developing innovative building systems. Includes an overview of materials, processing methods, and their formation into building systems across cultures. Looks at developing innovative architectural systems focusing on the building envelope. Seeks to adapt processes from the aerospace and automotive industries to investigate buildings as prefabricated design and engineering assemblies. Synthesizes knowledge in building design and construction systems, environmental and structural design, and geometric and computational approaches.

Spring
2023
2-2-5
G
Schedule
F 9-12
Location
3-133
Required Of
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.123

Architectural Assemblies

Fosters a holistic understanding of the architectural-building cycle, enabling students to build upon the history of design and construction to make informed decisions towards developing innovative building systems. Includes an overview of materials, processing methods, and their formation into building systems across cultures. Looks at developing innovative architectural systems focusing on the building envelope. Seeks to adapt processes from the aerospace and automotive industries to investigate buildings as prefabricated design and engineering assemblies. Synthesizes knowledge in building design and construction systems, environmental and structural design, and geometric and computational approaches.

Spring
2024
2-2-5
G
Schedule
F 9-12
Location
3-133
Required Of
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.123

Architectural Assemblies

Fosters a holistic understanding of the architectural-building cycle, enabling students to build upon the history of design and construction to make informed decisions towards developing innovative building systems. Includes an overview of materials, processing methods, and their formation into building systems across cultures. Looks at developing innovative architectural systems focusing on the building envelope. Seeks to adapt processes from the aerospace and automotive industries to investigate buildings as prefabricated design and engineering assemblies. Synthesizes knowledge in building design and construction systems, environmental and structural design, and geometric and computational approaches.

Spring
2022
2-2-5
G
Schedule
F 9-12
Location
3-133
Required Of
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.123

Architectural Assemblies

Fosters a holistic understanding of the architectural-building cycle, enabling students to build upon the history of design and construction to make informed decisions towards developing innovative building systems. Includes an overview of materials, processing methods, and their formation into building systems across cultures. Looks at developing innovative architectural systems focusing on the building envelope. Seeks to adapt processes from the aerospace and automotive industries to investigate buildings as prefabricated design and engineering assemblies. Synthesizes knowledge in building design and construction systems, environmental and structural design, and geometric and computational approaches.

Spring
2025
2-2-5
G
Schedule
F 9-12
Location
3-133
Required Of
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.130

Architectural Design Theory and Methodologies

Cancelled

Note: Subject 4.228 will fulfill the requirement for 4.130 for Fall 2022.

Fall
2022
3-3-6
G
Required Of
SMArchS Design
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.130

Architectural Design Theory and Methodologies

Studies design as an interrogative technique to examine material sciences, media arts and technology, cultural studies, computation and emerging fabrication protocols. Provides in-depth, theoretical grounding to the notion of 'design' in architecture, and to the consideration of contemporary design methodologies, while encouraging speculation on emerging design thinking. Topical focus varies with instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of department.

Fall
2024
3-3-6
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
5-232
Required Of
SMArchS Design
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.130

Architectural Design Theory and Methodologies

Studies design as an interrogative technique to examine material sciences, media arts and technology, cultural studies, computation and emerging fabrication protocols. Provides in-depth, theoretical grounding to the notion of 'design' in architecture, and to the consideration of contemporary design methodologies, while encouraging speculation on emerging design thinking. Topical focus varies with instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of department.

Fall
2023
3-3-6
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
5-231
Required Of
SMArchS Design
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.140
MAS.863
6.9020

How to Make (Almost) Anything

Provides a practical hands-on introduction to digital fabrication, 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, and wired and wireless communications. Develops an understanding of these capabilities through projects using them individually and jointly to create functional systems.

Neil Gershenfeld
Fall
2024
3-9-6
G
Schedule
Lecture: W 1-4
Lab: R 5-7
Location
E14-633
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.140
MAS.863
6.9020

How to Make (Almost) Anything

Provides a practical hands-on introduction to digital fabrication, 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, and wired and wireless communications. Develops an understanding of these capabilities through projects using them individually and jointly to create functional systems.

Neil Gershenfeld
Jen O'Brien
Fall
2023
3-9-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: W 1-4
Lab: R 5-7
Location
E14-633
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.140
MAS.863
6.9020

How to Make (Almost) Anything

Provides a practical hands-on introduction to digital fabrication, 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, and wired and wireless communications. Develops an understanding of these capabilities through projects using them individually and jointly to create functional systems.

Neil Gershenfeld
Jen O'Brien
Fall
2022
3-9-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: W 1-4
Lab/Recitation: R 5-9
Location
E14-633
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No