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
2023
0-12-9
G
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio 3-415
Prerequisites
4.152
Open Only To
2nd-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
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
2023
0-12-9
G
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
studio 7-434
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
MArch
Open Only To
1st-year MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
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
Jen O'Brien
Fall
2023
3-9-6
U
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
2023
3-3-6
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
5-231
Required Of
SMArchS Design
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
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