UG: 4.507 G: 4.567
Class canceled for Spring 2023.
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.
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.
This class is a pre-approved Computation elective for Spring 2023.
Focuses on applications of machine learning (ML) for creative design generation and data-informed design exploration, with an emphasis on visual and 3-D generative systems. Explores how recent advances in artificial intelligence, and specifically machine learning, can offer humans more natural, performance-driven design processes. Covers a wide range of machine learning algorithms and their applications to design, with topics including neural networks, generative adversarial networks, variational autoencoders, dimensionality reduction, geometric deep learning, and other ML techniques. Includes an open-ended, applied research or design project demonstrating an original, creative use of machine learning for design, architecture, engineering, or art.
UG: 4.441; Grad: 4.442
Provides necessary historic awareness and technical skills for becoming agents of change for a carbon neutral building sector by further merging the fields of architectural design and environmental performance analysis. Students are presented with a "typical" building and explore various interventions, from envelope improvements to reduced internal lighting and equipment loads, ventilation and HVAC upgrades as well as onsite deployment of photovoltaics. Discusses which energy flows to pay attention to for different building types and how to productively work with the local microclimate, knowledge which can later promote elevated discussions between architect and environmental consultant.
Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Note: 3/8/23 - 4.462 lab schedule changed to W 5-7 in room 8-205
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.
Consensus understanding of climate change identifies a need to drastically reduce anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases in coming decades, including those associated with buildings. In this course, we seek a thermofluids understanding of the basics of natural and mechanical systems for conditioning high-performance buildings and will develop and assess systems based on this understanding. We will for new and existing buildings. Can these and other buildings, large or small, meet municipal and global goals for decarbonization? Should they simply depend on a decarbonized grid or can energy consumption be substantially reduced relative to current practice? Can they be maintained at a comfortable temperature with little or no use of mechanical systems? Can waste heat at building or community scale be effectively captured and reused – or, at last resort, transferred to the environment with minimal environmental and financial cost?
Topics include the thermal and fluid dynamics of airflow in buildings, application to multi-zone wind- and buoyancy-driven airflows. Building cooling strategies will be motivated by mapping conventional and innovative cooling systems on the psychrometric chart. First-principles analysis and simulations with an equation-based language, Modelica, and with EnergyPlus will be used to quantify the performance of energy recovery systems, membrane- and desiccant-based dehumidification, evaporative cooling, thermal storage at diurnal (building materials) and annual (ground-coupled heat pumps) scales and radiant cooling and heat-rejection systems. Current-practice and advanced district heating and cooling systems will be explored. Working in groups and making use of design workflows under development at MIT and Harvard, we will assess climate- and building-specific systems based on thermal comfort, energy consumption, carbon emissions and resilience to climate change. Project-based testing of speculative proposals, based on natural or man-made systems, will be encouraged.
Explores the theory and criticism of intersections between art, culture, and technology in relation to contemporary artistic practice, critical design, and media. Students consider methods of investigation, documentation, and display and explore modes of communication across disciplines. Students develop projects in which they organize research methods and goals, engage in production, cultivate a context for their practice, and explore how to compellingly communicate, display, and document their work. Regular presentation and peer-critique sessions, as well as reviews involving ACT faculty and fellows, and external guest reviewers provide students with ample feedback as their projects develop.
Aids students in the selection of a thesis topic, development of an approach method, preparation of a proposal that includes an outline for their thesis. Explores artistic practice as a method of critical inquiry and knowledge production/dissemination. Students examine artist writings and consider academic formats and standards. Regular group meetings, including peer reviews, are supplemented by independent study and individual conferences with faculty.
