U: 4.s40 | G: 4.s42

Architects today face a rapidly changing climate, with intensifying heatwaves and escalating risks of flooding and fire. At the same time, adding intermittent renewable energy to a constrained electricity grid—while meeting growing demand—presents one of society’s biggest challenges. The electrification of heating systems, essential for decarbonization, is reshaping utility and construction cost paradigms that underpin even passive building design strategies. This evolving energy landscape brings both challenges, such as threatening peak demands, and opportunities, such as periods of energy abundance that would otherwise lead to renewable power curtailment. In this research seminar, students will explore how building design can address such emerging issues in an evolving context.

Students will complete a research project or evidence-based design project of their choice, with support in developing skills, as needed, such as building energy simulation or data analysis. Prior completion of 4.401/4.464 Environmental Technologies in Buildings or a similar course is recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduces advanced topics in building simulation for design and control of envelope and thermal systems for architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and beyond. Students will gain conceptual knowledge and technical skills to drive design decisions based on environmental performance. The focus of final design projects will be to reduce operational energy usage and carbon intensity. Course format will include a combination of traditional lectures, hands-on exercises, and design project development.