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Course 4: Architecture |
 | | | Architecture Design | | | Architecture Studies | | | Art, Culture and Technology | | | Building Technology | | | Computation | | | History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art | | | Thesis and UROP | | |  |
Computation4.500 Design Computation: Art, Objects and Space
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(Subject meets with 4.505) Prereq: None Units: 2-2-8 Lecture: T9-10.30 (1-150) Recitation: W9-10.30 (1-132) or R9-10.30 (1-132) 
Introduces 3-D CAD modeling to students with little or no experience in design or computation. Teaches surface, solid and mesh modeling techniques combined with a variety of modeling applications, from 3D printing to CNC fabrication and 3D rendering. Includes weekly modeling assignments leading up to a final project. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. L. Sass No required or recommended textbooks 4.501 Tiny Fab: Advancements in Rapid Design and Fabrication of Small Homes
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(Subject meets with 4.511) Prereq: 4.500 Units: 2-3-7
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; preference to Course 4 majors and minors. L. Sass 4.502 Advanced Visualization: Architecture in Motion Graphics
()
(Subject meets with 4.562) Prereq: 4.500 or permission of instructor Units: 3-2-7 Lecture: M12.30-3 (1-371) Recitation: M EVE (7-8.30 PM) (1-379) +final
Advanced projects in architectural visualization with an emphasis on the use of computer graphics animation, interactive media, and video production tools. Introduces advanced visualization software and teaches exploration of spatial expressions in motion graphics format. Review and discussion of selected literature and video materials on architecture and film. Additional work required of students taking the graduate version. Preference to Course 4 and 4-B majors and Design and Architecture minors. T. Nagakura No required or recommended textbooks 4.505 Design Computation: Art, Objects, and Space
 ()
(Subject meets with 4.500) Prereq: None Units: 2-2-8 Lecture: T9-10.30 (1-150) Recitation: W9-10.30 (1-132) or R9-10.30 (1-132)
Introduces 3-D CAD modeling to students with little or no experience in design or computation. Teaches surface, solid, and mesh modeling techniques combined with a variety of modeling applications — from 3D printing to CNC fabrication and 3D rendering. Includes weekly modeling assignments leading up to a final project. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. L. Sass No required or recommended textbooks 4.507 Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture
()
(Subject meets with 4.567) Prereq: None Units: 3-2-7
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. T. Nagakura 4.511 Tiny Fab: Advancements in Rapid Design and Fabrication of Small Homes
()
(Subject meets with 4.501) Prereq: 4.105 or permission of instructor Units arranged
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; preference to MArch students. L. Sass 4.520 Visual Computing
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(Subject meets with 4.521) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
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. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 4 majors and minors. T. Knight 4.521 Visual Computing
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(Subject meets with 4.520) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-6
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. Enrollment limited; preference to MArch students. Consult T. Knight 4.540 Introduction to Shape Grammars I
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-6 Lecture: M9.30-12.30 (1-132)
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. G. Stiny No required or recommended textbooks 4.541 Introduction to Shape Grammars II
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Prereq: 4.540 Units: 3-0-6
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. G. Stiny 4.542 Background to Shape Grammars
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Prereq: 4.541 or permission of instructor Units: 3-0-6
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. Can be repeated with permission of instructor. G. Stiny 4.550 Computational Design Lab
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(Subject meets with 4.570) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
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. T. Nagakura 4.557J City Science
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(Same subject as MAS.552[J]) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: W2-5 (E15-341)
Focuses on innovative propositions for shaping the cities of tomorrow, responding to emerging trends, technologies, and ecological imperatives. Students take part in "what-if?" scenarios to tackle real-world challenges. Through collaborative, project-based learning in small teams, students are mentored by researchers from the City Science group. Projects focus on the application of these ideas to case study cities and may include travel. Invited guests from academia and industry participate. Repeatable for credit with permission of instructor. Fall: K. Larson Spring: K. Larson No textbook information available 4.562 Advanced Visualization: Architecture in Motion Graphics
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(Subject meets with 4.502) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-2-7 Lecture: M12.30-3 (1-371) Recitation: M EVE (7-8.30 PM) (1-379) +final
Advanced projects in architectural visualization with an emphasis on the use of computer graphics animation, interactive media, and video production tools. Introduces advanced visualization software and teaches exploration of spatial expressions in motion graphics format. Review and discussion of selected literature and video materials on architecture and film. Additional work required of students taking the graduate version. Preference to Course 4 and 4-B majors and Design and Architecture minors. Staff No required or recommended textbooks 4.566 Advanced Projects in Digital Media
()
Prereq: 4.562 or permission of instructor Units arranged Lecture: W EVE (5-7 PM) (7-304)
Develop independent projects in the study of digital media as it relates to architectural design. Students propose a project topic such as digital design tool, modeling and visualization, motion graphics, interactive design, design knowledge representation and media interface. Limited to 5. T. Nagakura No required or recommended textbooks 4.567 Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture
()
(Subject meets with 4.507) Prereq: None Units arranged
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. Preference given to MArch students. T. Nagakura 4.570 Computational Design Lab
()
(Subject meets with 4.550) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
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. T. Nagakura 4.580 Inquiry into Computation and Design
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: T9.30-12.30 (5-231)
Explores the varied nature, history and practice of computation in design through lectures, readings, small projects, discussions, and guest visits by Computation group faculty and others. Topics may vary from year to year. Aims to help students develop a critical awareness of different approaches to and assumptions about computation in design beyond the specifics of techniques and tools, and to open avenues for further research. T. Knight No required or recommended textbooks 4.581 Proseminar in Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-9 [P/D/F] Lecture: T9.30-12.30 (5-232)
Introduction to traditions of research in design and computation scholarship. G. Stiny No required or recommended textbooks 4.582 Research Seminar in Computation
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Prereq: 4.580 or permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] TBA.
In-depth presentations of current research in design and computation. Fall: G. Stiny Spring: G. Stiny No required or recommended textbooks 4.583 Forum in Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-0 [P/D/F] Lecture: M EVE (5.30-7 PM) (5-216)
Group discussions and presentation of ongoing graduate student research in the Computation program. T. Knight No required or recommended textbooks 4.587 SMArchS Computation Pre-Thesis Preparation
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Prereq: 4.221 or permission of instructor Units: 3-0-3 [P/D/F]
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. T. Knight 4.588 Preparation for SMArchS Computation Thesis
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Prereq: None Units arranged [P/D/F] Lecture: R3-5 (3-329)
Students select thesis topic, define method of approach, and prepare thesis proposal for SMArchS Computation degree. Faculty supervision on a group basis. Intended for SMArchS Computation program students, prior to registration for 4.ThG. Limited to SMArchS Computation students. Fall: Lawrence Sass Spring: T. Haynes No textbook information available (Summer 2024); No required or recommended textbooks (Fall 2024) 4.589 Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] Lecture: TBA
Selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation of thesis proposal in computation. Independent study supplemented by individual conference with faculty. Fall: T. Haynes Spring: T. Haynes No textbook information available (Summer 2024); No required or recommended textbooks (Fall 2024) 4.591 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
(,  , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged TBA.
Supplementary work on individual or group basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. Fall: T. Haynes IAP: T. Haynes Spring: T. Haynes No required or recommended textbooks 4.592 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] TBA.
Supplementary work on individual or group basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. Fall: T. Haynes IAP: T. Haynes Spring: T. Haynes No required or recommended textbooks 4.593 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
(, , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged TBA.
Supplementary work on individual basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. Fall: T. Haynes IAP: T. Haynes Spring: T. Haynes No required or recommended textbooks 4.594 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
(, , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] TBA.
Supplementary work on individual basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. Fall: T. Haynes IAP: T. Haynes Spring: T. Haynes No required or recommended textbooks 4.S50 Special Subject: Architectural Computation
() Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units arranged
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Staff 4.S51 Special Subject: Architectural Computation
(, ) Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units arranged [P/D/F]
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Staff 4.S52 Special Subject: Architectural Computation
() Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Staff 4.S53 Special Subject: Architectural Computation
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Staff 4.S54 Special Subject: Architectural Computation
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F]
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Sandy Curth, Oliver Moldow 4.S55 Special Subject: Digital Fabrication
(, ) Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Staff 4.S56 Special Subject: Shape Grammars
(, ) Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
Seminar or lecture on a topic in computation and design that is not covered in the regular curriculum. Requires original research and presentation of oral and written reports and/or design projects, varying at the discretion of the instructor. Staff |
| | | Architecture Design | | | Architecture Studies | | | Art, Culture and Technology | | | Building Technology | | | Computation | | | History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art | | | Thesis and UROP | | | |
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