4.154

Architecture Design Option Studio

Individual listings for each section of 4.154 will be posted once closer to the start of the Fall 2025 term.

Mandatory lottery process.

Fall
2025
0-10-11
G
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio
Prerequisites
4.153
Required Of
MArch
Enrollment
mandatory lottery process
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.153

Architecture Design Core Studio III

Interdisciplinary approach to design through studio design problems that engage the domains of building technology, computation, and the cultural/historical geographies of energy. Uses different modalities of thought to examine architectural agendas for 'sustainability'; students position their work with respect to a broader understanding of the environment and its relationship to society and technology. Students develop a project with a comprehensive approach to programmatic organization, energy load considerations, building material assemblies, exterior envelope and structure systems.

Fall
2025
0-12-9
G
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio
Prerequisites
4.152
Open Only To
2nd-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.151

Architecture Design Core Studio I

Explores the foundations of design through a series of bracketed methods of production. These methods exercise topics such as form, space, organization, structure, circulation, use, tectonics, temporality, and experience. Students develop methods of representation that span from manual to virtual and from canonical to experimental. Each method is evaluated for what it offers and privileges, supplying a survey of approaches for design exercises to follow. First in a sequence of design subjects, which must be taken in order.

Fall
2025
0-12-9
G
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.140
MAS.863
6.9020

How to Make (Almost) Anything

Provides a practical hands-on introduction to digital fabrication, including CAD/CAM/CAE, NC machining, 3-D printing and scanning, molding and casting, composites, laser and waterjet cutting, PCB design and fabrication; sensors and actuators; mixed-signal instrumentation, embedded processing, and wired and wireless communications. Develops an understanding of these capabilities through projects using them individually and jointly to create functional systems.

Neil Gershenfeld
Fall
2025
3-9-6
G
Schedule
Lecture: W 1-4
Lab: R 5-7
Location
E14-633
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.130

Architectural Design Theory and Methodologies

Studies design as an interrogative technique to examine material sciences, media arts and technology, cultural studies, computation and emerging fabrication protocols. Provides in-depth, theoretical grounding to the notion of 'design' in architecture, and to the consideration of contemporary design methodologies, while encouraging speculation on emerging design thinking. Topical focus varies with instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of department.

Fall
2025
3-3-6
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
5-232
Required Of
SMArchS Design
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.105

Cultures of Form

Introduction to cultures of form in architectural design, representation, and production, including material cultures, geometric discourse and analysis, Western and non-Western modes of perception and representation. Through a series of acts of forming and making, provides a primer and venue to rehearse skills such as 3D modeling and the reciprocity between representation and materialization. Exercises accompanied by lectures from practitioners, who each represent a highly articulated relationship between form and material in a body of design research or built work.

TBA
Fall
2025
2-2-5
G
Schedule
R 9:30-12:30
Location
5-234
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.053

Visual Communication Fundamentals

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
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: M 10-1
Lab: R 2-5
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
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
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: W 3-5
Lab: F 2-5
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
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
2025
0-12-12
U
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio
Prerequisites
4.022
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
Architecture Minor
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
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
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 2-5
Location
TBA
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