4.587

SMArchS Computation Pre-Thesis Preparation

Preliminary study in preparation for the thesis for the SMArchS degree in Computation. Topics include literature search, precedents examination, thesis structure and typologies, and short writing exercise.

Spring
2026
3-0-3
G
Schedule
R 4-6
Location
1-136
Prerequisites
4.221 or permission of instructor
Required Of
SMArchS Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.550
4.570

Computation Design Lab

UG: 4.550 G: 4.570

Class website

Provides students with an opportunity to explore projects that engage real world problems concerning spatial design, technology, media, and society. In collaboration with industry partners and public institutions, students identify topical issues and problems, and also explore and propose solutions through the development of new ideas, theories, tools, and prototypes. Industry and academic collaborators act as a source of expertise, and as clients and critics of projects developed during the term. General theme of workshop varies by semester or year. Open to students from diverse backgrounds in architecture and other design-related areas.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

Spring
2026
UG: 3-2-7
U
G: 2-2-8
G
Schedule
Lecture: M 11-2
Lab: T 7-8:30
Location
Lecture: 8-119
Lab: 5-216
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.542
4.582

Background to Shape Grammars/Research Seminar in Computation

4.542: An advanced examination of the shape grammar formalism and its relationship to some key issues in a variety of other fields, including art and design, philosophy, history and philosophy of science, linguistics and psychology, literature and literary studies, logic and mathematics, and artificial intelligence. Student presentations and discussion of selected readings are encouraged. Topics vary from year to year.

4.582: In-depth presentations of current research in design and computation.

Spring
2026
4.542: 3-0-6
G
4.582: 3-0-9
G
Schedule
T 9:30-12:30
Location
2-103
Prerequisites
4.542: 4.541 or permission of instructor; for 4.582: 4.580 or permission of instructor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.541

Introduction to Shape Grammars II

An in-depth introduction to shape grammars and their applications in architecture and related areas of design. Shapes in the algebras Ui j, in the algebras Vi j and Wi j incorporating labels and weights, and in algebras formed as composites of these. Rules and computations. Shape and structure. Designs.

Topics vary from year to year. Can be repeated with permission of instructor.

Spring
2026
3-0-6
G
Schedule
M 9:30-12:30
Location
5-231
Prerequisites
4.540
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.520
4.521

Visual Computing

UG: 4.520 G: 4.521

Introduces a visual-perceptual, rule-based approach to design using shape grammars. Covers grammar fundamentals through lectures and in-class, exercises. Focuses on shape grammar applications, from stylistic analysis to creative design, through presentations of past applications and through short student exercises and projects. Presents computer programs for automating shape grammars.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

Spring
2026
3-0-9
U
3-0-6
G
Schedule
T 9:30-12:30
Location
9-450A
Required Of
MArch
Restricted Elective
BSA, BSAD Arch and Design Minors
Enrollment
Limited
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors, MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.507
4.567

Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture

UG: 4.507 G: 4.567

Addresses fundamental methods, theories, and practices that engage contemporary modeling tools in the context of architectural design. Introduces selected academic and professional topics through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments. Topics include parametric modeling, component types and assembly, prototyping, scripting, and simulations. Initiates intellectual explorations in the use of building information modeling in research projects and design practices.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

See class website.

Spring
2026
3-2-7
U/G
3-2-4
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
1-132
Required Of
4.567: MArch
Restricted Elective
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.507
4.567

Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture

UG: 4.507 G: 4.567

Addresses fundamental methods, theories, and practices that engage contemporary modeling tools in the context of architectural design. Introduces selected academic and professional topics through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments. Topics include parametric modeling, component types and assembly, prototyping, scripting, and simulations. Initiates intellectual explorations in the use of building information modeling in research projects and design practices.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

See class website.

Spring
2025
3-2-7
U/G
3-2-4
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
1-132
Required Of
4.567: MArch
Restricted Elective
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.507
4.567

Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture

UG: 4.507 G: 4.567

Addresses fundamental methods, theories, and practices that engage contemporary modeling tools in the context of architectural design. Introduces selected academic and professional topics through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments. Topics include parametric modeling, component types and assembly, prototyping, scripting, and simulations. Initiates intellectual explorations in the use of building information modeling in research projects and design practices.

Additional work required of students taking graduate version.

See class website.

Spring
2025
3-2-7
U/G
3-2-4
G
Schedule
R 9-12
Location
1-132
Required Of
4.567: MArch
Restricted Elective
MArch
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.501

Tiny Fab: Advancements in Rapid Design and Fabrication of Small Homes

Introduces digital fabrication as a method of home, hut, and shelter delivery/construction. Explores the progression of industrial-based building production from prefab to digital fab. Examines new computational techniques for rapid construction, as well as the basics of tiny building design, 3D modeling systems, scalable ways to prototype, and computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication. Students use lab time to design a prototype of a small building as a single packaged product. Additional work required of students taking graduate version. Lab fee required. Enrollment limited.

Spring
2026
4.501: 2-3-7
U
Schedule
T 9-12
Location
1-136
Prerequisites
UG: 4.500
Restricted Elective
UG: BSA, BSAD, Arch Minor, Design Minor
Enrollment
Limited
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Lab Fee
Required
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.589

Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis

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

Advisor
Spring
2026
TBA
G
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
permission of instructor
Required Of
PhD Comp
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes