4.389

Thesis III: SMACT Thesis Tutorial

9/12/23 note: Schedule change to F 10-12

Series of tutorials that includes regular presentations of student writing in group critiques and supports independent thesis research and development by providing guidance on research strategy and written presentation. Sessions supplemented by regular individual conferences with thesis committee members.

4.387 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Fall
2023
3-0-6
G
Schedule
F 10-12
Location
E15-207
Prerequisites
4.388
Open Only To
2nd-year SMACT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.387

Thesis I: Art, Culture, and Technology Theory and Criticism Colloquium

9/12/23 note: Schedule change to F 10-12

Introduces foundational texts in contemporary theory and criticism at the intersection of art, culture, and technology. Through presentations and discussions, students explore the necessary methodological perspectives required of an interdisciplinary approach to artistic practices.

Fall
2023
3-0-6
G
Schedule
F 10-12
Location
E15-207
Required Of
SMACT
Open Only To
SMACT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.301

Introduction to Artistic Experimentation

Introduces artistic practice and critical visual thinking through three studio-based projects using different scales and media, for instance, "Body Extension," "Shaping Time," "Public Making," and/or "Networked Cultures." Each project concludes with a final presentation and critique. Students explore sculptural, architectural, performative artistic methods; video and sound art; site interventions and strategies for artistic engagement in the public realm. Lectures, screenings, guest presentations, field trips, readings, and debates supplement studio practice. Also introduces students to the historic, cultural, and environmental forces affecting both the development of an artistic vision and the reception of a work of art.

4.301 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Erin Genia
Fall
2023
3-3-6
U
Schedule
TR 9:30-12:30
Location
E15-283A
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
Restricted elective for BSAD, A Minor, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 20
HASS
A
Open Only To
Undergraduates
Lab Fee
Per-term $75 fee after Add Date; SMACT students are exempt
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.288

Preparation for SMArchS Thesis

Note: Computation students now register for 4.588 instead of 4.288

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.

Fall
2023
3-0-6
G
Schedule
T 9-12 (Design + Urbanism)
Location
5-233
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS
Open Only To
SMArchS
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
Document Uploads
4.228

Contemporary Urbanism Proseminar: Theory and Representation

Critical introduction to key contemporary positions in urbanism to the ends of researching, representing, and designing territories that respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Provides an overview of contemporary urban issues, situates them in relation to a genealogy of urban precedents, and constructs a theoretical framework that engages the allied fields of architecture, landscape architecture, political ecology, geography, territorial planning, and environmental humanities. Comprised of three sections, first section articulates a framework on the urban as both process and form, shifting the emphasis from city to territory. Second section engages a series of related urban debates, such as density/sprawl, growth/shrinkage, and codes/exception. Third section calls upon urban agency in the age of environment through the object of infrastructures of trash, water, oil, and food.

4.228 Syllabus (MIT Certificate Protected)

Fall
2023
3-0-6
G
3-0-9
G
Schedule
T 9-12
Location
4-144
Required Of
SMArchS Urbanism, PhD Adv Urbanism
Enrollment
Limited to 25
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.222

Professional Practice

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. Emphasis on facilitating design excellence and strengthening connections between the profession and academia. 

Fall
2023
3-0-3
G
Schedule
F 9-12
Location
1-135
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.221

Architecture Studies Colloquium

Aims to create a discourse across the various SMArchS discipline groups that reflects current Institute-wide initiatives; introduce SMarchS students to the distinct perspective of the different SMarchS discipline groups; and provide a forum for debate and discussion in which the SMarchS cohort can explore, develop and share ideas. Engages with interdisciplinary thinking, research, and innovation that is characteristic of MIT's culture and can form a basis for their future work. 

Fall
2023
2-0-1
G
Schedule
W 9-11
Location
7-429
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS
Open Only To
1st-year SMArchS
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.210

Positions: Cultivating Critical Practice

Through formal analysis and discussion of historical and theoretical texts, seminar produces a map of contemporary architectural practice. Examines six pairs of themes in terms of their recent history: city and global economy, urban plan and map of operations, program and performance, drawing and scripting, image and surface, and utopia and projection.

Fall
2023
3-0-6
G
Schedule
W 2-5
Location
9-217
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.163
11.332
11.S942

Urban Design Studio: Rising Phoenix: Intergenerational Housing + Autonomous Universal Access in America's Hottest City

This joint urban studio will focus on one of the most urgent climate, environmental, and urban challenges we face today: heat and urban growth.  

Combining research and design, the studio presents a pedagogical model that brings together designers  - SMArchS Urbanism  (ARCH) and planners (DUSP students) to work together around a shared urban challenge where professional lines are blurred.  

The City of Phoenix, and its Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, have asked us to consider three wicked problems facing sunbelt cities as they continue to rapidly grow: affordable infill housing, heat island effects,  

and better access to multiple modes of transportation. Students will conduct group planning research as well as site analysis and urban design to comprehensively innovate around the nexus of urban heat--intergenerational housing--autonomous mobility  

and universal access design. The goal is to create a new set of block and streetscape typologies for cooler, intergenerational, autonomous living in Phoenix’s South Central neighborhoods. 

Alan Berger
Fall
2023
0-10-11
G
Schedule
TR 2-6
Location
10-485 studio
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchs (Urbanism)
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.189

Preparation for MArch Thesis

Preparatory research development leading to a well-conceived proposition for the MArch design thesis. Students formulate a cohesive thesis argument and critical project using supportive research and case studies through a variety of representational media, critical traditions, and architectural/artistic conventions. Group study in seminar and studio format, with periodic reviews supplemented by conference with faculty and a designated committee member for each individual thesis.

Advisor
Fall
2023
3-1-5
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No