This workshop explores movable architectural strategies to reduce indoor overheating and improve energy efficiency in response to extreme future climates with large daily temperature swings. Investigated strategies could examine movable and adjustable architectural features that selectively promote or limit heat exchange between the building and its occupants, its surroundings (including the night sky), or other passive heat sinks--in response to daily and seasonal cycles.

Students will analyze precedents across two scales: vernacular and low-cost solutions (to understand principles and constraints) and high-tech solutions (to explore material possibilities and architectural control strategies). The class will draw inspiration from researchers in related fields. Students will also explore materials and technologies not typically used in buildings, such as geotextiles, phase-change materials, automated wall panels, or motorized zippers.

This workshop is related to a studio to be offered starting in Fall 2027. Students in this course may also optionally take the fall studio, but neither course is required for the other.

4.432 UG | 4.433 Graduate

Given their outsized contribution to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and their critical role in sheltering occupants from climate extremes, buildings are a key lever for both climate mitigation and adaptation. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, many buildings will become increasingly unable to protect human health and economic well-being, contributing to an estimated 14.5 million premature deaths and US$12.5 trillion in economic losses by 2050. Yet, despite these mounting risks, we have surprisingly limited climate-actionable information about individual buildings worldwide. In this course, climate-actionable information encompasses three key dimensions: (1) a building’s ability to protect occupants' health during extreme heat waves and cold spells; (2) its potential for retrofits that reduce operational carbon emissions and energy costs; and (3) its capacity to support the long-term economic security and well-being of owners and occupants.

This hands-on, interdisciplinary course equips students with the tools to generate and explore climate analytics for thousands of existing and proposed buildings across multiple cities and regions. Students will use this evidence to formulate long-term health, environmental, and economic policy goals and collaborate with local policymakers to develop realistic implementation strategies. Working in small teams, students will focus on selected case study regions, drawing on established partnerships with local stakeholders and existing urban datasets to translate building-scale analysis into actionable climate policies.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

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.

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.

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)