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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 
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. Lab fee required. Limited to 12 for versions meeting together; preference to Course 4 majors and design minors. M. Popescu 4.501 Tiny Fab: Advancements in Rapid Design and Fabrication of Small Homes
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Prereq: 4.500 Units: 2-3-7 URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes  Lecture: T9-12 (1-136)
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. Lab fee required. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 4 majors and minors. Consult L. Sass No textbook information available 4.502 Advanced Visualization: Architecture in Motion Graphics
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(Subject meets with 4.562) Prereq: 4.500 or permission of instructor Units: 3-2-7
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 4.505 Design Computation: Art, Objects, and Space
 ()
(Subject meets with 4.500) Prereq: None Units: 2-2-8
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. Lab fee required. Limited to 12 for versions meeting together; preference to Course 4 majors and design minors. L. Sass 4.507 Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture
()
(Subject meets with 4.567) Prereq: None Units: 3-2-7 URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: R9-12 (1-132)
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 No textbook information available 4.511 Tiny Fab: Advancements in Rapid Design and Fabrication of Small Homes
()
Prereq: 4.105 or permission of instructor Units arranged URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: T9-12 (1-136)
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. Lab fee required. Enrollment limited; preference to MArch students. L. Sass No textbook information available 4.520 Visual Computing
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(Subject meets with 4.521) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: T9.30-12.30 (9-451) +final
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. Consult T. Knight No textbook information available 4.521 Visual Computing
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(Subject meets with 4.520) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-6 URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: T9.30-12.30 (9-451) +final
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 No textbook information available 4.540 Introduction to Shape Grammars I
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Prereq: None 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 4.541 Introduction to Shape Grammars II
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Prereq: 4.540 Units: 3-0-6 URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: M9.30-12.30 (5-231)
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. Consult G. Stiny No textbook information available 4.542 Background to Shape Grammars
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Prereq: 4.541 or permission of instructor Units: 3-0-6 URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: T9.30-12.30 (2-103)
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. Consult G. Stiny No textbook information available 4.550 Computational Design Lab
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(Subject meets with 4.570) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged URL: 4.550: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes 4.550: Lecture: M11-2 (8-119) Lab: T EVE (7-8.30 PM) (5-216)
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 4.550: No textbook information available 4.557[J] City Science
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(Same subject as MAS.552[J]) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-9
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. K. Larson 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
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. Consult T. Nagakura 4.566 Advanced Projects in Digital Media
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged
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 4.567 Introduction to Building Information Modeling in Architecture
()
(Subject meets with 4.507) Prereq: None Units arranged URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: R9-12 (1-132)
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 No textbook information available 4.570 Computational Design Lab
()
(Subject meets with 4.550) Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: M11-2 (8-119) Lab: T EVE (7-8.30 PM) (5-216)
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 No textbook information available 4.580 Inquiry into Computation and Design
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-9
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. L. Sass 4.581 Proseminar in Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-9 [P/D/F]
Introduction to traditions of research in design and computation scholarship. G. Stiny 4.582 Research Seminar in Computation
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Prereq: 4.580 or permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: T9.30-12.30 (2-103)
In-depth presentations of current research in design and computation. Fall: G. Stiny Spring: G. Stiny No textbook information available 4.583 Forum in Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units: 3-0-0 [P/D/F]
Group discussions and presentation of ongoing graduate student research in the Computation program. L. Sass 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] URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes Lecture: R EVE (4-6 PM) (1-136)
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, T. Nagakura No textbook information available 4.588 Preparation for SMArchS Computation Thesis
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Prereq: None Units arranged URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes TBA.
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: Consult L. Sass Spring: Consult L. Sass Summer: Consult L. Sass No textbook information available 4.589 Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes 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: Computation Staff Summer: Computation Staff No textbook information available 4.591 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged IAP:  TBA.
Spring: 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 textbook information available 4.592 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] IAP: TBA.
Spring: 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 textbook information available 4.593 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
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Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged IAP: TBA.
Spring: 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 textbook information available 4.594 Independent Study in Architectural Computation
(, , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] IAP: TBA.
Spring: 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 textbook information available 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
() 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.S54 Special Subject: Architectural Computation
() Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: Permission of instructor Units arranged [P/D/F] URL: IAP URL: https://architecture.mit.edu/classes
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. Computation Staff 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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