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
4.053

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
4.031

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
4.023

Architecture Design Studio I

Provides instruction in architectural design and project development within design constraints including architectural program and site. Students engage the design process through various 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional media. Working directly with representational and model making techniques, students gain experience in the conceptual, formal, spatial and material aspects of architecture. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided.

Fall
2023
0-12-12
U
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio 7-434
Prerequisites
4.022
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
Architecture Minor
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.022

Design Studio: Introduction to Design Techniques and Technologies: Thinking through Making

Cancelled

Canceled for Fall 2023.  Two sections will be offered in Spring 2024.

Fall
2023
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 2-5
Location
studio
Prerequisites
4.021 or 4.02A
Required Of
BSA, BSAD, Architecture Minor
Preference Given To
Course 4 and 4B majors; Design/Arch minors; and 1st- and 2nd-year students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.021

Design Studio: How to Design

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.

Fall
2023
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 2-5
Location
N52-342C
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
BSA, BSAD and Architecture Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 25
HASS
A
Preference Given To
BSA, BSAD, Arch minor; 1st- and 2nd-year students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.THG

Graduate Thesis

Program of research and writing of thesis; to be arranged by the student with supervising committee. 

Advisor
Fall
2022
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
All graduate degrees except SMACT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.s52

Special Subject: Architectural Computation — Feeling Architectural Heritage

The course is an introduction to the research field of digital cultural heritage through the spatial and emotional experience through immersive technologies. The course gives an overview of theories and principles in experiencing art/culture and design, affective computing such as wearable technologies/biosensors, immersive technologies such as AR/VR/XR and gamification, as well as providing a practical exploration of research methods in three areas related to digital humanities: collection/management, visualization/immersion, analysis/ interpretation.

Fall
2022
2-1-7
G
Schedule
W 2-5
Location
9-450
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.184

Architectural Design Workshop

Note: More detailed description coming soon.

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.

Fall
2022
2-0-4
G
Schedule
T 10-12
Location
N52-399
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.THT
11.THT

Thesis Research Design Seminar

Designed for students writing a thesis in Urban Studies and Planning or Architecture. Develop research topics, review relevant research and scholarship, frame research questions and arguments, choose an appropriate methodology for analysis, and draft introductory and methodology sections.

Cherie Abbanat
Fall
2022
3-0-9
U
Schedule
W 12:30-3
Location
9-217
Required Of
BSAD
Enrollment
GIR: CI-M
HASS
CI
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes