Arc G130: Seminar in Modern Architecture
Examines the state of architecture and urbanism in the two decades leading up to 2000. Explores contemporary issues in architectural theory and urban design. Examines a broad range of ideas affecting contemporary developments in architectural practice. Engages cultural and historical forces as well as contemporary criticism to define the nature of modernism, late modernism, postmodernism, and deconstruction. Case studies, analysis of theoretical models, and application of methods of history provide students with support for their own design work in studio and co-op experiences.
Arc G315: Project Case Studies 1
Focuses on how architectural practice occurs and must be understood within a larger social context. The cultures - interests and objectives - of the constellation of participants in the bringing of a building to completion are dynamic, diverse, and complex, especially in an urban environment. Seeks to make sense of this broader social contract from within the perspective of professional design practice. As one of many participants in the process of bringing a building to completion, students review the roles, responsibilities, and interests of each contributor. Our task is to understand the obligations and constraints that constitute these relationships. Examines the products of design as manifestations of these relationships and situates them within a discourse of value-determined actions. Investigates normative and critical professional practices through selected readings and individual field research. Develops project case studies that provide examples of excellent design results achieved through the application of expert professional practices.
Arc G316: Project Case Studies 2
Continues ARC G315. Builds on the understanding of professional practice developed in the previous course and investigates the array of "artful ways in which some practitioners deal competently with the indeterminacies and value conflicts of practice." These indeterminacies, uncertainties, and value conflicts are part of a rapidly changing, dynamic world. There is an unprecedented need for flexible and responsive practices that can bridge the gap between traditional professional techniques and these situations. Requires core competencies that are not mismatched with the changing situations of practice. Requires new skills as well as traditional analytic techniques to respond adequately to these unique conditions of work. Through a closer examination and development of an in-depth project case study, students speculate on possible approaches to a revised and restructured model of professional knowledge and guidelines for reflective practice that can sustain a culture of design excellence
Arc G691: Thesis 1: Urban Research & Doc.
Offers the first in a two-part thesis project focused on the complex issues facing the postindustrial landscape of the contemporary city. Boston serves as the laboratory for the study of issues such as air-rights development, brown fields development, regional identity, and in-fill building. Builds a body of research and analysis of the built environment and the forces that shape it. Provides the foundation for the more speculative design proposals of the second part of the course.
Arc G692: Thesis 2: Design & Intervention
Offers the second in a two-part thesis project focused on the complex issues facing the postindustrial landscape of the contemporary city. Based on research, analysis, and modeling of the region done in the first semester, students propose synthetic solutions to the complex problems of postindustrial development, housing, and identity facing the contemporary city.