A

AIA CES Credits

AV Office

Abstract Publication

Academic Affairs

Academic Calendar, Columbia University

Academic Calendar, GSAPP

Admissions Office

Advanced Standing Waiver Form

Alumni Board

Alumni Office

Architecture Studio Lottery

Assistantships

Avery Library

Avery Review

Avery Shorts

S

STEM Designation

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Scholarships

Skill Trails

Student Affairs

Student Awards

Student Conduct

Student Council (All Programs)

Student Financial Services

Student Health Services at Columbia

Student Organization Handbook

Student Organizations

Student Services Center

Student Services Online (SSOL)

Student Work Online

Studio Culture Policy

Studio Procedures

Summer Workshops

Support GSAPP

Close
This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors' experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University's usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice Group 6
ARCH4146-1 / Spring 2025

Design in Action

In his seminal 1987 text Science in Action, Bruno Latour posited that the best way to understand how scientific knowledge is constructed is to study scientists at work. In doing so, he sought to break down the black boxes that conveniently turn messy social and technical processes into established truths that can be taken for granted and relied upon.

This course will study design computation in action by following the trajectory of the designer and the lifecycle of the design project.From Latour, we know that a great deal about design computation can be learned by putting it into practice; and simultaneously, that design work can never escape the circumstances of its production. Rather than look at the design project as the outcome of a particular brief, problem, or provocation, this course will peer inside the black box of computational design to interrogate how designers conceive, organize, and structure their projects; their studio environments, tools, and software; the means by which they perform, facilitate, or automate design labor; and the social circumstances of collaboration, criticism, pedagogy, and practice.

This course seeks to follow the path of its own making. In tandem with studying the practice of design through readings and discussions, you will apply your learnings to your own design process by developing a capstone project over the course of the semester. These diverse projects will all share a common awareness of their own conditions of production. Through research, laboratories, collaborative work, and group reviews the class will attempt to synthesize a shared understanding of design computation in action. Ultimately, you should be equipped to continue pursuing your interests and develop a unique mode of practice that carries you through the conclusion of the course and the degree program and far into the future.

Location & Time

Mondays (Studio), Wednesdays (300 Buell North)

M+W 2-6PM

Session & Points

FULL SEMESTER

6 Points
Sequence
Call Number

11379

Other Semesters & Sections
Course Semester Title Student Work Instructor Syllabus Requirements & Sequence Location & Time Session & Points Call No.
ARCH4146‑1 Spring 2026
Design in Action
Catherine Griffiths, Ziv Schneider

CDP Only

600 Avery North, 300 Buell South
M, W 2 PM - 6 PM
Full Semester
6 Points
12319
ARCH4146‑1 Spring 2024
Design in Action
Screen shot 2024 05 28 at 4.42.54 pm
Screen shot 2024 05 28 at 4.38.49 pm
Screen shot 2024 05 28 at 4.45.42 pm
Seth Thompson
412 AVERY
W 2 PM - 6 PM
FULL SEMESTER
6 Points
11137
A4146‑1 Spring 2023
Design in Action
Hsianghsilu greencardbuildout page 12
Luciarebolino unpredictableatmosphere   frame at 0m45s
Saraleesittigaroon alternativeclocks
Seth Thompson
300 BUELL NORTH
W 2 PM - 6 PM
FULL SEMESTER
6 Points
11503