This course will investigate the role that ideas play in the conception, making and interpretation of buildings. As a basis for this inquiry, the course will explore significant architectural and urban theories, design strategies, and architectural projects developed primarily from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Lectures will cover a broad range of theoretical positions that have influenced or emerged from form making.

A graduate-level introduction to structural design that uses mathematic and geometric principals to inform design tools and methods based upon an understanding of material and structural behavior. The course covers statics, material mechanics, computational analysis and design, and the behavior of structural systems through a framework involving ethics, climate, and culture.

The course involves the study of human comfort, environmental conditioning systems, building systems, daylighting and lighting technology. Students will be exposed to digital simulation tools to assess daylighting and energy use.

Independent Study Prerequisite: Permission of the chair.