4.550
4.570

Computation Design Lab

UG: 4.550 G: 4.570

Class website

Provides students with an opportunity to explore projects that engage real world problems concerning spatial design, technology, media, and society. In collaboration with industry partners and public institutions, students identify topical issues and problems, and also explore and propose solutions through the development of new ideas, theories, tools, and prototypes. Industry and academic collaborators act as a source of expertise, and as clients and critics of projects developed during the term. General theme of workshop varies by semester or year. Open to students from diverse backgrounds in architecture and other design-related areas.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

Spring
2024
4.550: 3-2-7
U
4.570: 2-2-8
G
Schedule
Lecture: M 11-2
Lab: T 7-8:30
Location
Lecture: 8-119
Lab: 5-216
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.542
4.582

Background to Shape Grammars/Research Seminar in Computation

Note: as of 2/7/2024 the room for subjects 4.542/4.582 has changed to 2-103

4.542:

An advanced examination of the shape grammar formalism and its relationship to some key issues in a variety of other fields, including art and design, philosophy, history and philosophy of science, linguistics and psychology, literature and literary studies, logic and mathematics, and artificial intelligence. Student presentations and discussion of selected readings are encouraged. Topics vary from year to year.

4.582:

In-depth presentations of current research in design and computation.

Spring
2024
4.542: 3-0-6
G
4.582: 3-0-9
G
Schedule
T 9:30-12:30
Location
2-103
Prerequisites
4.542: 4.541 or permission of instructor; for 4.582: 4.580 or permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.541

Introduction to Shape Grammars II

An in-depth introduction to shape grammars and their applications in architecture and related areas of design. Shapes in the algebras Ui j, in the algebras Vi j and Wi j incorporating labels and weights, and in algebras formed as composites of these. Rules and computations. Shape and structure. Designs.

Topics vary from year to year. Can be repeated with permission of instructor.

Spring
2024
3-0-6
G
Schedule
M 9:30-12:30
Location
5-231
Prerequisites
4.540
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.520
4.521

Visual Computing

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)

Spring
2024
4.520: 3-0-9
U
4.521: 3-0-6
G
Schedule
T 9:30-12:30
Location
9-255
Required Of
BSA, BSAD, A minor, D minor, MArch
Restricted Elective
BSA, BSAD Arch and Design Minors
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors, MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.507
4.567

Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture

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.

Spring
2024
3-2-7
U/G
3-2-4
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
1-132
Required Of
4.567: MArch
Restricted Elective
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.501
4.511

Tiny Fab: Advancements in Rapid Design and Fabrication of Small Homes

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.

Spring
2024
4.501: 2-3-7
U
4.511: 2-3-4 or 2-3-7
G
Schedule
T 9-12
Location
1-136
Prerequisites
4.501: 4.500 permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
4.501: BSA, BSAD, Arch Minor, Design Minor; 4.511: MArch
Enrollment
Limited
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Lab Fee
$120
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.489

Preparation for Building Technology PhD Thesis

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

Advisor
Spring
2024
3-0-3
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD BT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.488

Preparation for BT Thesis

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

Advisor
Spring
2024
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMBT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.440 J
1.056 J
4.462

Introduction to Structural Design

UG: 4.440, 1.056; Grad: 4.462

Introduces the design and behavior of large-scale structures and structural materials. Emphasizes the development of structural form and the principles of structural design. Presents design methods for timber, masonry, concrete and steel applied to long-span roof systems, bridges, and high-rise buildings. Includes environmental assessment of structural systems and materials. In laboratory sessions, students solve structural problems by building and testing simple models. 

Graduate and undergraduate students have separate lab sections.

Spring
2024
4.440: 3-3-6
U
4.462: 3-2-4
G
Schedule
MW 9:30-11
4.440 Lab: F 10-12
4.462 Lab: W 5-7
Location
Lecture: 3-333
4.440 Lab: 5-233
4.462 Lab: 8-205
Prerequisites
4.440: 18.02, 4.462: permission of instructor
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
Arch Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.431

Architectural Acoustics

Describes interactions between people and sound, indoors and outdoors, and uses this information to develop acoustical design criteria for architecture and planning. Principles of sound generation, propagation, and reception. Properties of materials for sound absorption, reflection, and transmission. Design implications for performance and gathering spaces. Use of computer modeling techniques.

Spring
2024
3-0-6
G
Schedule
W 11-2
Location
5-231
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No