Architecture
Design Studio: Master of Architecture ProgramThe following faculty members teach or have recently taught in the design studios: Diana Agrest, Stan Allen, Tadao Ando, Wiel Arets, Ben van Berkel, Neil Denari, Keller Easterling, Kenneth Frampton, Massimiliano Fuksas, Zaha Hadid, Thomas Hanrahan, Laurie Hawkinson, Klaus Herdeg, Steven Holl, Paola Iacucci, Toyo Ito, Sulan Kolatan, Greg Lynn, William MacDonald, Scott Marble, Robert Marino, Mary McLeod, Eric Miralles, Richard Plunz, James Stewart Polshek, Hani Rashid, Jessie Reiser, Robert Stern, Peter Testa, Bernard Tschumi, Lauretta Vinciarelli, and Lebbeus Woods.
Architecture A4001
Core studio, I. 9 pts
The staff.
Fundamental architectural issues are examined through a series of interconnected problems designed to develop a capacity for conceiving architectural form as a hierarchical spatial sequence and focusing on the elemental constructive forms of line, plane, and volume.
Architecture A4002
Core studio, II. 9 pts
The staff.
The intention of this studio is to investigate increasingly complex architectural problems, developing the issues of the first term (dwelling, movement sequence, spatial definition, fundamental elements, and craftsmanship) as they respond to specific sites and activities. Two projects are investigated in the second term: a small public building in an urban context and a small public building in a suburban context. Both projects seek to intensify awareness of multiple considerations in design and to expand conceptual capabilities for confronting and integrating competing demands.
Architecture A4003
Core studio, III. 9 pts
The staff.
The third term core studio focuses on the design of housing and the residential fabric of the city. Students develop designs from ideas of individual, social, and urban life. The housing project, as a design that both determines and is determined by a collective community, requires the student to explore the social and cultural consequences of his or her individual design decisions. Architecture as a presentation of cultural and social meaning will be emphasized, as well as the place of daily private life. The program of housing is investigated and redefined by each student; the cycles of daily life, the dynamics of the neighborhood, and the precedents of historical and contemporary housing projects will be investigated. A primary focus of the design effort involves the balance between unique, individual units and modular, repetitive housing groupings.
Architecture A4004
Advanced studio, IV. 9 pts
The staff.
During the first semester of the Advanced Studios (fourth semester, spring, for M.Arch. students; first semester, summer, for M.S. Building Design and M.S. Urban Design students), a student is expected to find imaginative and realistic solutions to a specific program proposed by the individual studio critic. This program normally entails a choice of medium-sized public buildings in the city and common presentation requirements for all students in the semester.
Architecture A4005
Advanced studio, V.
9 ptsThe staff.
In this semester, a form of specialization takes place. Instructors are encouraged to propose themes or programs with distinct emphasis in a particular area of architectural knowledge. These programs may coincide with the research of the individual faculty member. Hence, programs are offered with a focus on urban design, on historic preservation, on particular cultures or climates, on low-cost housing, etc.
Architecture A4006
Advanced studio, VI. 9 pts
The staff.
The final semester (spring) provides students with a unique opportunity to make clear statements about their own attitudes toward the world they are about to enter. Within the general or specific theme of investigation proposed by the studio critic, the student is expected to design a key piece of work that addresses relevant architectural and urban issues.
History/Theory
Architecture A4229
Studies in tectonic culture. 3 pts
Mr. Frampton.
An examination of the emergence of the tectonic idea in the evolution of modern architecture and the role played by structure and construction in the development of modern form; the autonomy of architecture from the standpoint of a poetics of construction as this has made itself manifest over the past 150 years.
Architecture A4303
Critical positions in contempor aryarchitecture.
3 pts.Ms. Ockman.
Seminar analyzing the relationship between theory and practice in contemporary architecture and exploring the problems of critical discourse within the context of postmodern culture.
Architecture A4330
Urban history, I. 3 pts
Ms. Wright.
Urban morphology and city life in Western cities from antiquity through the capital cities of mid-18th-century Europe, showing connecting trends in architecture and urban form; the discourse on cities; civic culture and civic ritual; public and private space; the role of the architect and urban planner; cultural and formal complexity; and adaptation to change.
Architecture A4331Urban history, II. 3 pts
Ms. Wright.
Continuation of Architecture A4330 ; examination of patterns in Western cities from 1850 to 1950.
Architecture A4336
Architecture culture: 1943 1968. 3 pts
Ms. Ockman.
Seminar examining the post World War II period from the standpoint of architecture s relationship to broader social, political, and cultural developments.
Architecture A4337
Politics of space: cities, institutions, and space. 3 pts
Ms. McLeod.
This seminar explores the relations between space, power, and politics in the urban environment from the Enlightenment period to the present. The first third of the seminar is devoted to a general theoretical introduction, in particular examining the work of Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault. The following classes examine specific aspects of the urban environment institutions, public/private dichotomies, urban monuments, events to consider the relation between space and power in actual situations. These case studies are roughly chronological, moving from those institutions that gained identity in the 18th century prisons, asylums, clinics to contemporary situations of spectacle and consumption, such as Disneyland and Los Angeles.
Architecture A4341
American architecture from 1876 to 1976. 3 pts
Mr. Stern.
A continuation of Architecture A6730. Guiding ideals in American architecture from the centennial to around 1960. The evolution of modernism in America is contrasted with European developments and related to local variants.
Architecture A4342
Modern Japanese architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Kudo.
A seminar on 20th-century Japanese architecture, examining how Japan imported Western technology and styles and how Western society responded to the minimalism of traditional Japanese culture. Critical perspectives of reciprocal influence in architecture. Introductory lectures by the professor, student presentations, and a research paper.
Architecture A4344
Traditional Japanese architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Kudo.
This seminar examines the contemporary validity of Japanese classic aesthetics through the study of ancient architectural design. Japan has developed her art depending on feeling rather than reason. This obsession has reached the ontological ground. Her goal of art was the realization of what nature desires to be. The intention in the course is to reexperience the unique structure of perception and signification in Japanese architecture and related arts. In the first part, basic knowledge about Japanese architecture is provided its history, building typologies, and construction methods. In the second part, students read fundamental literature about Japanese aesthetics and ethics. In the last part, the formative analysis of the selected structures and spaces takes place.
Architecture A4348
History of architecture, I: 1750 1850. 3 pts
Ms. McLeod.
The two-term sequence History of architecture provides students with a basic critical understanding of significant developments in architecture history during the modern period. The emphasis is on moments of significant change in architecture, whether they be theoretical, economic, technological, or institutional in nature. Each lecture generally focuses on a theme, such as positive versus arbitrary beauty, enlightenment urban planning, historicism, structural rationalism, the housing reform movement, iron and glass technology, etc.
Architecture A4349
History of architecture, II: 1850 1930. 3 pts
Mr. Frampton.
Continuation of Architecture A4348 ; examination of transformations in Western architecture.
Architecture A4351
Formal structure in Central Asian architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Herdeg.
Research seminar on the nature of formal structures of Central Asian architecture, with emphasis on Islamic examples. Predominance of examples from Iran, Turkestan (ex-USSR and China), and India. Some contrapuntal examples of traditional Chinese architectu re. Individual research within a small seminar group.
Architecture A4353
Le Corbusier and the evolution of modern architecture.
3 pts
Mr. Frampton.
Lectures relating the evolution of the work and thought of Le Corbusier to the development of European architecture as a whole. Projects and built works are examined in the context of Northern European and Mediterranean traditions, technological and cultural transformations, ideology and cultural critique, and antique forms and modern order, as well as through more specific aspects of Le Corbusier's education, practice, and theory. Requirements include analytical models of selected buildings, papers on theoretical topics, and weekly readings.
Architecture A4357
Theory of architecture before the 18th century. 3 pts
Mr. Moore.
The principal themes of pre-modern architectural theory as formulated by the major Renaissance writers on architecture Albert, Francesco di Giorgio, Palladio, et al. Issues of design method, professional status, materials, typology, urban planning, etc. are explored in relation to the history of ideas and in light of built works.
Architecture A4358
Renaissance architecture and urbanism. 3 pts
Mr. Moore.
A historical and topical presentation of 15th- and 16th-century architecture and urbanism, mainly in Italy. In addition to the major figures of the period Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante, Michelangelo, Palladio, et al. lectures will describe in diachronic fashion the formation of important types, such as the palace, the centralized church, the unified piazza, the villa and garden, new towns, etc., as well as theory, design method, architectural drawing, the orders, materials and techniques, and architectural symbolism. New approaches and areas of inquiry will also be described.
Architecture A4366
Historical evolution of housing in New York City. 3 pts
Mr. Plunz.
A historical survey of the design of housing in New York City including some reference to the interrelationship with other cities in the United States and Western Europe. Major emphasis is on the period after 1850. The architecture of housing is contrasted with a broad range of income groups and modes of development, with discussion of the underlying cultural, social, and political context. Examples trace the evolution of types, to include the early high-rise apartment, the tenement, the garden apartment, the urban and suburban sing le-family house, and the tower-in-the-park.
Architecture A4374
Contemporary theory and criticism ofarchitecture: structuralism/poststructuralism 3 pts
Ms. McLeod.
Seminar on issues in architecture theory and criticism that have emerged in the past two decades. Topics discussed include semiology, postmodernism, typology, critical regionalism, deconstructionism, and Deleuzian poststructuralism.
Architecture A4382
Case studies in theory and practice. 3 pts
Mr. Allen.
A seminar devoted to the reading and analysis of key theoretical and critical texts of the recent past, serving as a point of departure for the student presentations of the work of contemporary architects in relation to theory/practice debates.
Architecture A4395
Modern architecture and critical form:1935-1985. 3 pts
Mr. Frampton.
An introduction to the late modern tradition of critical theory and practice. Concentration on European works and movements that can be seen as resisting the current tendency to reduce architecture to little more than scenography. The post-avant-gardist line in the modern movement from Aalto s organic architecture approach of the mid-thirties to the more critical aspects of current architectural practice. At midterm and at the end of the term, students submit a course notebook comprised of typed notes and commentary on the required reading. An essay is optional.
Architecture A4398
Materia: architecture as material culture. 3 pts
Mr. Testa.
A research seminar analyzing the emergence of spatial models in relation to transforming modes of material production within 20th-century architecture in Europe and the United States. Particular emphasis is placed on the convergence of the organic tradition and productivism from Wright to Fuller and Khan to Foster. The work of selected artists and filmmakers is also examined within the framework of the seminar. Lectures, readings, films, field trips, and discussion will support detailed study of buildings and assemblies.
Architecture A4402
Metropolis. 3 pts
Mr. Allen.
Course examining the phenomena of life in the modern metropolis. Study undertaken through selected readings on the urban experience, from Benjamin and Simmel to Crary.
Architecture A4410
Design attitudes in European and American urbanism: 1750 1930. 3 pts
Mr. Plunz.
A topical history of architectural approaches to urban form-making. Emphasis is placed on developments in the United States in relation to Europe and on the formation of design vocabulary in relation to political and cultural issues.
Architecture A4418
Venice, the Veneto, and Palladio:critical positions. 3 pts
Mr. Moore.
The medieval, Renaissance, and early modern history of the lagoon city and its mainland dependencies is studied as a paradigm of the pre-industrial condition of architecture and urbanism a domain with special characteristics inflected by transitional ideas. The architecture of Palladio is given particular emphasis in this investigation.
Architecture A4420
Comparative critical analysis of built form. 3 pts
Mr. Frampton.
Comparative critical team analysis used as a device for revealing both explicit and implicit intent in the design of built form, the analytical process predicated on typological categories in which buildings of the same type are compared as embodiments and expressions of differing conceptions of nature, use, production, and value. Apart from their typological arrangement, buildings are usually ordered so as to reveal also a particular historical development. The aim is threefold: (1) to reveal through analysis the capacity of built form to carry meaning, (2) to sensitize the student designer to subtle significances in spatial sequence, adjacency, detailing, etc., and (3) to see design as cultural discourse. Analytical materials are drawn from either the 19th or the 20th century.
Architecture A 4421
Avant-garde and tradition in 20th-century architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Frampton.
Lecture analyzing 20th-century architecture as being composed of two opposed yet interrelated tendencies the avant-garde, exemplified by the Russian Constructivists, the Italian Futurists, etc., and a more traditional continuation of certain aspects of Wes tern humanist architecture, exemplified by Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, etc. Both tendencies are conventionally read as being modernist, while in fact the differences prove as significant as the similarities. Modern architecture seen as a continually self-critical and non-monolithic development. Research papers or models of selected projects.
Architecture A4471
Global modernism. 3 pts
Ms. Wright
A comparative study of modern architecture and urban design during the decades immediately after World War II. The seminar will consider the forms and ideologies of modernism in such diverse situations as European reconstruction, American urban renewal, Latin American expansion, and national capitals for newly independent countries of Asia and Africa.
Architecture A4473
The Americanization of modern architecture. 3 pts
Ms. Ockman.
Seminar investigating the interchange between Europe and the United States in the development of modern architecture from the 1920s through the 1960s.
Architecture A4479
The culture of glass. 3 pts
Ms. Ockman.
Seminar exploring multiple meanings and contexts of glass in architecture from the Crystal Palace through postmodernism.
Architecture A4480
Elements of landscape architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Quennell.
Introduction to the various factors that contribute to the man-made landscape, whether it be the surroundings of a single building or the character of a region. Lectures cover three general areas of interest: the natural environment, development of landscape architecture, and techniques of landscape architecture.
Architecture A4498
Theorizing modernity: 1900 1940. 3 pts
Ms. McLeod.
This course examines primary architectural texts associated with the formation and evolution of modern architecture. The focus of the course is on a dominant lineage of modernism from Austria to Germany to France, represented and culminating in the multinational organization CIAM. Among the texts are Otto Wagner's Modern Architecture , Adolf Loos's Spoken into the Void , Paul Scheerbart s Glass Architecture, Le Corbusier's The Decorative Arts of Today, City of Tomorrow , and Precisions , and The Athens Charter.
Architecture A4499
Desire, domination, and domesticity. 3 pts
Ms. Wright.
An exploration of the ideological underpinnings of domestic space, affecting both experience and design, ranging from shelter to sexuality, from family violence to neighborhood homogeneity. Concentration on 19th- and 20th-century Europe and the United States.
Architecture A4529
Colonialism and post-colonialism. 3 pts
Ms. Wright.
Contemporary post-colonial cities must inevitably respond to the formal, cultural, and economic imprint of previous regimes not only those of colonial powers, but also those of early nationalist governments. Readings and discussions concentrate on broadly theoretical issues, while student presentations analyze succeeding stages in particular cities, including the ambiguous colonial situations in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Architecture A4547
Case studies in urban design. 3 pts
To be announced.
A seminar examining the process of inventing traditions in response to rapid social and technological transformations of existing traditions between 1850 and 1920. The theoretical foundations of these new traditions in urban design are explored through an examination of writings and projects of major figures, among them E. Haussman, C. Sitte, T. Garnier, E. Howard, D. Burnham, and B. Taut.
Architecture A4573
Islamic architecture. 3 pts
To be announced.
A seminar analyzing the evolution of urban form in major Islamic cities in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain, with reference to social, economic, political, and cultural conditions. Individual case studies of each city are combined with discussion of more general issues. Student presentations and final collected paper.
Architecture A4585
APERITO : The opening in modern architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Testa.
A research seminar investigating models of space within 19th- and 20th-century architecture. Using primary documentation, selected works from Soane to Siza will be examined in great detail, with particular attention to the liminal qualities of space and matter. Lectures, readings, films, field trips, and discussion will support individual research projects.
Architecture A6704
Architectural biography. 3 pts
Ms. Wright
This course seeks to problematize the romantic conventions of hagiographic biographies the architect's will to form, authorship and the autonomous individual, continuity throughout a career exploring both trends and individual trajectories of twentieth-century architects.
Architecture A6730
American architecture before 1876. 3 pts
To be announced.
Survey of American architecture from the 17th century to the centennial, with scrutiny of the relationship between social and cultural ideals and architectural style and form. Consideration of the influence of European high style on American building and the connection between high style and vernacular forms. Survey includes examples of domestic, religious, civic, commercial, and industrial architecture.
Architecture A6734
The classical language and literature of architecture.3 pts
Mr. Stubbs.
A detailed review of the elements of the classical language of architecture and of the literature that propagated that language from the early 15th century through the mid-19th century. The classical orders as interpreted by architectural publications in Italy, Germany, France, England, and the United States, and architects and buildings influenced by these books.
Architecture A6779
American urban design, 1920 1990: visions,texts, and realities.
3 pts
Ms. Wright.
In-depth case studies of modern American urban design, taking account of drawings, texts, and realized and unexecuted projects. Sessions are organized around two contrapuntal themes: a concern for the environment, regionalism, social distinctions, and moderation on the one hand; a desire for monumental, universality, and formal extension on the other.
Architecture A6785
Modernism in America. 3 pts
Ms. Wright.
An exploration of americanisme among Europeans, together with the varied incarnations of American modernism, both conceptual and as realized, in different arts, regions, individual philosophies, and historical conjunctures.
Planning A6769
History of the American city. 3 pts
Ms. Wright.
The process of continuity and change in American cities from the colonial period through the 20th century, covering industrialization, political conflict, reform movements, geographical and ethnic diversity, bureaucratic rationalism, and urban culture with focus on how physical form responded to or influenced social and political forces over time.
Architecture A8904
Ph.D. colloquium, I. 3 pts
The staff.
Architecture A8905Ph.D. colloquium, II. 3 pts
The staff.
Building Technologies
Architecture A4111Structures, I. 3 pts
Mr. Galdi.
Introduction to the vocabulary, graphical and analytical tools, materials, and construction techniques of contemporary structural design. The central issues of structural design are presented, followed by an introduction to the physics of structures. The remainder of the course is devoted to a study of the uses and behavior of various components and materials. Field trips and laboratory demonstrations are included. Prerequisite: One semester of undergraduate physics or two semesters of undergraduate calculus.
Architecture A4123Structures, II. 3 pts
Mr. Galdi.
This course builds on the introduction to structural components and materials provided in Structures, I. It is organized around an introduction to various structural systems, including: trusses, foundations, portal frames, diaphragms, bearing and shear walls, and platform frame construction. Systems discussed are compa red in wood, steel, or reinforced and precast concrete, as applicable. The course includes lab, demonstrations, and field trips. Prerequisite: Structures, I.
Architecture A4220
Enclosures and environments, I. 3 pts
Mr. Webster and Ms. Pawlynsky.
The evolution of the building envelope is outlined in terms of: the functions it performs; atmospheric conditions it mediates between; its relationship to other building-perimeter systems; and the principles of physics and properties of materials it employs. The environmental forces acting on envelopes are outlined. The performance criteria of contemporary enclosures are presented, including the creation of tectonically striking structures. The course includes a field trip to a curtainwall manufacturer. Prerequisite: Structures I.
Architecture A4221
Enclosures and environments, II. 3 pts
Mr. Webster and Ms. Smoller.
Introduction to habitable environments and building conditioning systems. Human environmental needs and comfort levels are outlined, as well as sources of at mospheric chemistry, light, temperature, moisture content, etc. Next, atmospheric variables and the classical physics governing their behavior are described. The rest of the course is devoted to architectural strategies for conditioning space. Man-made sys tems are compared to natural (outdoor) climate-control mechanisms. Both historical examples and contemporary case studies are used to develop an understanding of environmental control systems and their relationship to the spaces they service. The course in cludes field trips to buildings with conventional and highly efficient conditioning systems. Prerequisite: Enclosures and environments, I.
Architecture A4125
Building systems, I. 3 pts
Mr. Webster.
An overview of structural systems designed to ensure satisfactory performance of an entire building in the face of gravity, wind, and earthquake loads is presented. Framed and walled structural systems are discussed, along with arches, domes, suspension structures, shells, space-trusses, and other special structures. The structural systems studied are compared in wood, steel, reinforced concrete, precast concrete, and masonry construction. During the last half of the course, students break up into three-person groups to analyze the structural, enclosure, and environmental conditioning systems of a case study building, both in terms of how these systems work and how they interact with each other and inform the building s form and expression. Engineer-architect teams advise the students throughout this six-week project. Student research is presented to a jury of engineers and architects in the form of drawings and a technical report. Prerequisites: Structures, I and II; Enclosures and environments, I and II.
Architecture A4610
Building systems, II. 3 pts
Mr. Webster and Mr. Heintges.
A brief history of the industrial loft building, from the emergence of the daylight factory through recently completed industrial hotels, is presented, focusing on advances in structure, cladding, and environmental control. The remainder of the course is devoted to the complete preliminary design and detailing of a tightly defined, eight-story industrial loft building. The nine-week problem is addressed by three-student groups working with engineering and architectural advisers. Basic code requirements for fire safety, egress, and structural integrity are satisfied. Structural skeleton-frame systems are developed (at the student's option) in reinforced concrete, steel, precast concrete, or some combination. Cladding schemes are designed in aluminum, steel, glass, stone veneer, or masonry block, as either frame and infill or curtain wall systems. HVAC requirements are clearly defined, and students are able to choose from among a few systems. Each group of students is responsible for describing their building in terms of a technical report (including structural, cladding, and HVAC calculations) and a set of drawings describing each technical building system and its relation to the building s spatial organization and formal expression. Prerequisites: Structures, I and II; Enclosures and environments, I and II; and Building systems, I.
Architecture A4621
Design of mechanisms and deployablestructures. 3 pts
Mr. Hoberman.
A seminar and workshop on the design of mechanisms and composite structures. Mechanisms discussed include bar linkages, large displacement structures, and active structural control systems. Composite applications reviewed include aircraft and boat structures made of Kevlar, graphite reinforced resins, and mixed metals. The emphasis is on developing the student's mastery of materials and mechanisms for the design of building elements and sculptures. Enrollment is limited to 12 students. Prerequisites: Structures, I and II, and Building systems, I.
Architecture A6443
Technology transfer in architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Krueger.
A seminar course investigating advanced interactive technologies such as Smart structures and skins, active trusses, electrorhelogical fluids, shape memory alloys, variable translucent glasses, and piezoelectric ceramics. Technology transfer is presented as a technique that can be actively facilitated and managed. Emphasis is placed on developing research techniques for creative uses. Each student produces a research paper and proposal for the use of a selected technology in the field of architecture. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: Completion of the required Building Technologies curriculum.
Architecture A4136
Computers and structures. 3 pts
Mr. McCormick.
Use of the computer to solve contemporary structural problems. Hands-on use of hardware and software employed by structural consultants and architects for analysis, representation, and design of elementary structural systems. Enrollment is limited to 24 students. Prerequisites: Structures, I.
Architecture A4647
Patterns and structure. 3 pts
Mr. Nordenson.
This seminar explores, through readings and discussion, the ideas of order, form, pattern, and structure, and their interrelation in a variety of fields. The readings include the origin of geometry and its relation to as tronomy and physics, a review of symmetry and crystallography, biological form, structuralism, linguistics and its relation to critiques of political order, the relation of aesthetics and technology in the history of metals, post-war concrete shell design, structural rationalism, and chaos theory.
Architecture A4645
Philosophy of technology. 3 pts
Mr. Silman.
This course examines the history of structure and building form in the context of technology and its philosophical implications. Its intention is to assist the student in developing the capacity for critical observation and an appropriate attitude toward the application of technology. Case study analyses in a seminar setting will be used to explore various relevant topics. Appropriate reading on the philosophy of technology will be required.
Architecture A4627
Materials and methods in architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Massie.
Materials and methods of construction through hands-on experience in a shop environment, supported by research and discussion. Traditional and innovative building methods using a variety of materials are studied. Readings, site visits, workshop labs, and presentations culminate in a final project to design and build a building component or furnishing in a specific exterior environment. Presentation and discussion sessions focus on construction and materials, while site visits and labs emphasize actual work methods. Demonstrations of metalsmithing, welding, woodworking, stone carving, and casting in resinous materials and concrete take place early in the term.
Architecture A4622
Advanced environmental systems. 3 pts
The staff.
Building on concepts introduced in the Enclosures and environments series, this course compares standard building practice with design techniques that advance energy conservation, resource conservation, and user comfort. The early portion of the course explores systems and components that are rapidly changing due to environmental criteria. The latter explores design strategies that integrate the design of the architectural envelope with that of the electrical and mechanical systems, since such strategies offer the potential for greatest energy and other resource savings.
Architecture A4629
Architectural acoustics/Architectural lighting. 3 pts
Mr. Harris, Mr. Horton, and Mr. Lees.
The first half of the course will cover architectural acoustics, including: physical properties of sound; reflection, absorption, and diffraction of sound waves; sound absorptive materials and constructions; principles of room acoustics, room resonance , diffusion of sound, the decay of sound in a room; designing for optimum reverberation time; acoustical defects in rooms and auditoriums and how to avoid them; the acoustical design of rooms, lecture halls, auditoriums, and studios; noise control methods in HVAC systems, electrical systems, and piping systems; control of airborne noise in buildings (walls, slabs, double-wall construction, doors and windows, enclosures, use of sound-absorptive materials); control of solid-borne noise in buildings.
The second half of the course will cover architectural lighting, including: electrical light sources, their characteristics, uses, and misuses; principles and applications of optical design of lamps and luminaires; methods of controlling light sources, for example by lenses, louvers, screens, and dimmers; codes, standards, and specifications; lighting calculations and mockup tests; computer programs for lighting design; daylight and sunlight as sources of illumination for architectural interior spaces; predicting daylight availability; basic fenestration techniques and glazing materials; architectural materials and their effect on daylight quality; computer analysis for daylight design.
Architecture A4634
Curtain walls. 3 pts
Mr. Heintges.
An in-depth exploration of the practical technical knowledge necessary to undertake in practice the design, detailing, specification, and construction administration of the building enclosure, with an emphasis on available and emergent technologies of the curtain wall. Topics include: advanced properties of materials and finishes, government and industry standards, derivation of performance criteria, prototype mock-up testing, fabrication, and installation. While discussion of specific technical issues and methodologies will focus on those aspects that directly inform architectural design, it is the intent of this course to prepare the graduating student for the pragmatic realities of implementing that design. Prerequisites: Completion of the required Building Technologies curriculum. Limited enrollment.
Visual Studies
Architecture A4509
Architectural drawing, I: basic. 3 pts
Mr. Blood, Ms. Iacucci, and Mr. Zwigard.
Lectures with studio assignments each week.
Exercise of cognitive, technical, and aesthetic judgment in the development of skills of visual representation of three-dimensional space by selective use and drawing practice of lines, planes, and solids. Topics: geometric generation of lines, orthograpic projection on planes, stereometric representation and rotation of volumes, light on surfaces (shade and shadow), and perspective (one- and two-point).
Architecture A4511
Architectural drawing, II: advanced. 3 pts
Mr. Blood, Ms. Iacucci, and Mr. Zwigard.
Lectures with studio assignments each week. Analytical and representational freehand drawing techniques taught and utilized: shade and shadow, texture, perspective, etc., with the intention of using drawing as an analytical method of investigating structure and form, construction, the joint, material.
Methods/Practice
Architecture A4534
Advanced computer-aided design in architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Muir and Mr. O Neill.
Prerequisite: Architecture A4535. This course covers advanced 3D modeling, rendering, and video production with a strong emphasis on architectural animation. Class discussions deal with the implications of new electronic media and their impact on the architectural profession. Students are required to produce animated sequences deliverable as videos or multimedia documents.
Architecture A4535
Computer-aided design in architecture. 3 pts
Mr. Muir and Mr. O Neill.
A previous knowledge of computers is not required. An introduction to concepts, issues, and methods in computer-aided design. Topics include 3D modeling, rendering, digital image processing, and using the Internet for research and publishing navigable 3D worlds. This is not a course in 2D drafting; emphasis is placed on the use of the digital 3D tools in the architectural design process.
Architecture A4536
Development and finance. 3 pts
Mr. Bell.
An introduction to economic decision making with regard to income-producing properties, through case study examinations of the effects of feasibility studies, political restraints, pioneering, financing, methods of leverage, taxation, and investment return. Successful and unsuccessful suburban and urban multifamily housing, shopping center, rehabilitation and renovation, and office building projects.
Architecture A4560
Professional practice. 3 pts
Mr. Segal.
Turning designs into buildings. A general introduction to the business of architecture, covering architects services to owners, contractors services to owners, financial management of office and projects, and public constraints such as zoning and building codes.
Architecture A6900-A6901
Research, I and II. 2 or 3 pts
The staff.
Either term may be taken separately.
Prerequisite: a project outline and the written permission of a faculty project supervisor.
An introduction to the independent study of technical, scientific, and social aspects of architecture. Each student selects an area for investigation, plans an approach to his or her chosen subject matter, and develops an adequate presentation of findings. The project may involve experimentation, accumulation of physical data, consultation with recognized authorities, or surveys of opinion, and is expected to add significantly to the existing knowledge of the chosen subject.