Studies theoretical and historiographical works pertaining to the fields of art and architectural history. Members of seminar pursue work designed to examine their own presuppositions and methods.

This course offers a wide review of the history of Islamic architecture, tracing fifteen centuries of development across three continents — Asia, Africa, and Europe. Beginning with the House of the Prophet in Medina in the 7th century and culminating with the skyline of contemporary Dubai, the course presents architecture as both a material record and a cultural expression of the historical conditions in which Islam was formed, practiced, and continually reinterpreted.

Each session centers on a city, monument, or building type, while keeping sight of the larger narrative that links diverse regions and periods into a coherent story.  Lectures analyze form, construction techniques, materials, style, ornament, and decoration, as well as the social, religious, political, and cultural frameworks that shaped architectural production.  Particular emphasis is placed on the role of patronage and on the ways architecture served as a stage for identity, power, and community.

Cross-cultural exchanges are examined throughout, from the absorption of Late Antique traditions in early Islam to encounters with the West during the colonial and postcolonial eras. The course concludes by exploring the revival and reinvention of Islamic architecture in the modern age of nation-building, globalization, and rapid urban development.

4.603 UG / 4.604 G

Examines modern architecture, art, and design in the context of the political, economic, aesthetic, and cultural changes that occurred in the twentieth century. Presents foundational debates about social and technological aspects of modern architecture and the continuation of those debates into contemporary architecture. Incorporates varied techniques of historical and theoretical analysis to interpret exemplary objects, buildings, and cities of modernity.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

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

Students select thesis topic, define method of approach, and prepare thesis proposal for SMArchS Computation degree. Faculty supervision on a group basis. Intended for SMArchS Computation program students, prior to registration for 4.ThG.

Explores the varied nature, history and practice of computation in design through lectures, readings, small projects, discussions, and guest visits by Computation group faculty and others. Topics may vary from year to year. Aims to help students develop a critical awareness of different approaches to and assumptions about computation in design beyond the specifics of techniques and tools, and to open avenues for further research.

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.

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. 

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.