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.

GIR LAB (4.440)

Spring
2026
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: 3-442
Prerequisites
4.440: 18.02, 4.462: permission of instructor
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
Arch Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.432
4.433

Modeling Urban Energy Flows for Sustainable Cities and Neighborhoods

Studies energy flows in and around groups of buildings from individual buildings to complete large-scale neighborhoods. Students use emerging digital techniques to analyze and influence building design interventions in relation to energy use for construction (embodied energy) and operation, access to daylight, and assessing walkability and outdoor comfort at the neighborhood scale. Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

Spring
2026
3-2-7
U
3-2-4
G
Schedule
TR 9:30-11
Location
1-150
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Restricted Elective
BSA, A 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.

Benjamin Markham
Spring
2026
3-0-6
G
Schedule
W 11-2
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
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.

GIR LAB (4.440)

Spring
2025
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: 3-442
Prerequisites
4.440: 18.02, 4.462: permission of instructor
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
Arch Minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
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
2026
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD BT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.488

Preparation for SMBT 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
2026
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMBT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes