4.s43
1.144

Special Subject: Building Technology — Applied Category Theory for Engineering Design

Considers the multiple trade-offs at various abstraction levels and scales when designing complex, multi-component systems. Covers topics from foundational principles to advanced applications, emphasizing the role of compositional thinking in engineering. Introduces category theory as a mathematical framework for abstraction and composition, enabling a unified and modular approach to modeling, analyzing, and designing interconnected systems. Showcases successful applications in areas such as dynamical systems and automated system design optimization, with a focus on autonomous robotics and mobility. Offers students the opportunity to work on their own application through a dedicated project in the second half of the term. 

Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

Gioele Zardini
Fall
2025
3-1-8
G
Schedule
TBA
Location
TBA
Prerequisites
Calculus, linear algebra, and dynamical systems at undergraduate level; or permission of instructor.
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
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
Fall
2025
3-0-3
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD BT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.488

Preparation for BT Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
Fall
2025
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMBT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.481

Building Technology Seminar

Fundamental research methodologies and ongoing investigations in building tehnology to support the development of student research projects. Topics drawn from low energy building design and thermal comfort, building systems analysis and control, daylighting, structural design and analysis, novel building materials and construction techniques and resource dynamics. Organized as a series of two- and three-week sessions that consider topics through readings, discussions, design and analysis projects, and student presentations.

Fall
2025
2-0-1
G
Schedule
R 3-5
Location
5-415
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS BT, SMBT, PhD BT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.463

Building Technology Systems: Structures and Envelopes

Addresses advanced structures, exterior envelopes, and contemporary production technologies. Continues the exploration of structural elements and systems, expanding to include more complex determinate, indeterminate, long-span, and high-rise systems. Topics include reinforced concrete, steel and engineered-wood design, and an introduction to tensile systems. The contemporary exterior envelope is discussed with an emphasis on the classification of systems, performance attributes, and analysis techniques, material specifications and novel construction technologies.

Fall
2025
3-2-4
G
Schedule
Lecture: MW 9:30-11
Lab/Recitation: F 10-12
Location
Lecture: 5-234
Lab/Recitation: 3-133
Prerequisites
4.462 or 4.440 or permission of instructor
Required Of
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.401
4.464

Environmental Technologies in Buildings

4.401 U (GIR Lab) / 4.464J, 1.564J G

Introduction to the study of the thermal and luminous behavior of buildings. Examines the basic scientific principles underlying these phenomena and introduces students to a range of technologies and analysis techniques for designing comfortable indoor environments. Challenges students to apply these techniques and explore the role energy and light can play in shaping architecture.

Additional work required of students taking the graduate version.

Fall
2025
3-2-7
U
3-2-4
G
Schedule
Lecture for all: MW 11-12:30
4.401 lab: F 11-12
4.464 lab: F 10-11
Location
Lecture: 9-354
4.401 lab: 3-442
4.464 lab: 1-134
Required Of
4:401: BSA; 4.464: MArch
Restricted Elective
Architecture minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
IAP-Non-Credit

Crafting Softness: A hands on splicing workshop with artist Janet Echelman

In this multi-day workshop participants will learn about the basics of rope splicing and the role of this craft method in the work of artist Janet Echelman. The workshop will begin with a talk from artist Janet Echelman followed by a tutorial on rope splicing techniques. The remainder of the workshop will be focused on constructing a full-scale prototype of a fragment of a site-specific sculpture that is scheduled to be installed in the MIT Museum in the fall of 2025. The workshop will end with a test fit of the fragment on site in the MIT Museum.

Adam Burke
Janet Echelman
IAP
2025
N/A
Schedule
January 13-16, 2025: MTWR 10-4
Location
MIT Museum, Sharp Room
Prerequisites
None
Enrollment
Limited to 20
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
IAP
2025
3-0-3
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD BT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.488

Preparation for BT Thesis

Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty.

Advisor
IAP
2025
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
SMBT
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes