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The Computation Group offers two advanced study degrees at graduate level: a Master of Science in Architectural Studies (SMArchS) degree and a PhD degree. The group also offers a specialized stream in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) program for undergraduate majors.
The following pages describe degrees and admissions information specific to the Computation Group as supplement to the Department website.
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For general information on these degrees and details of their admissions processes, see the
Admissions and
Academic Information
pages on the
Architecture Department website.
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| PHD IN DESIGN AND COMPUTATION |
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The PhD program is broadly conceived around computational ideas as they pertain to the description, generation, and construction of architectural form. Issues range from the mathematical foundations of the discipline to the application and extension of advanced computer technology. The mission of program is to enhance and enrich design from a computational perspective, with clear implications for practice and teaching.
Faculty, research staff, and students work in diverse but overlapping and mutually supportive areas. Work on shape representation, generative, and parametric design is directed at a new computational basis for design. Work on digital modeling and rendering seeks to extend the possibilities of visualizing design ideas and un-built work, as well as to improve architectural design practice where designers and technical collaborators are geographically separated. Work on digital fabrication with rapid prototyping and CAD/CAM technologies aims to expand design possibilities through the physical modeling of design ideas, and to revolutionize the construction and building phase of architectural practice.
Research employs computational media for the representation and application of design knowledge. Faculty, research staff, and students associated with the group combine education in architecture and urban design with education in computer graphics, art, mathematics, and other fields.
The minimum residency requirement for the PhD degree is two years and it is expected that most students will take no more than five years to complete the degree.
For research work samples from student thesis projects, please see the Alumani section in this website.
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| PhD Admissions |
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Admission to the PhD program is by competition among candidates for the limited number of places available each year. Applications are reviewed by the Computation faculty and a student representative. Admission is based on a careful examination of the applicant's previous academic record including relevant samples of completed academic and research work, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. The applicant should demonstrate superior intellectual achievement, and the ability to initiate and carry through to completion independent academic work in the Computation area. Successful applicants will have previous degrees in architecture or a closely related discipline. The applicant is encouraged to visit MIT and discuss his or her academic goals with a faculty member in Computation prior to submitting an application.
For details of the admissions process to PhD degree, please see the
PhD Admissions Information page on the Architecture Department website.
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| Quick Links: |
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Overview of PhD degree in Architecture Department |
| PhD in Design and Computation Admissions Information and Degree Requirements |
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| Back to Top |
| SMARCHS IN DESIGN AND COMPUTATION |
| Master of Science in Architectural Studies |
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The mission of the SMArchS program in the study area of Computation is to promote new approaches to computational theory and technique in relation to architectural design, and to challenge conventional distinctions between physical and virtual environments. Students take subjects and conduct research in computation and digital design technology, including visualization, shape computation, generative and parametric design, digital fabrication with CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping technologies, building information modeling, digital heritage, critical studies of digital and information technologies, and application of all of these to challenging real-world design problems. Students are strongly encouraged to take subjects in other discipline areas and in other departments as a means to explore their interests and to develop their own agendas in collaboration with their advisors. For research work samples from student thesis projects, please see the Alumani section in this website.
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| SMArchS Admissions |
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The Master of Science in Architectural Studies (SMArchS) degree is offered for students who already have a professional degree in architecture such as MArch and those interested in advanced non-professional graduate study. A student with a previous degree in a field other than architecture may be considered contingent on the merit of background and research orientation.
The program in general is described in the
Master of Science in Architecture Studies page on Architecture Department website.
Applicants to the SMarchS program in the study area of Computation are assessed on the basis of academic and creative potential. A portfolio demonstrating strength in design and focused statement of objectives outlining interests and goals in computation is very important. However, applicants are not expected or required to have advanced experience or skills in computation.
Applications to the SMArchS program are reviewed by the Computation faculty and a student representative.
Applicants are encouraged to visit MIT, and to meet with faculty and students in the Computation Group to discuss the program and to get a good sense of the very rich academic environment.
For details of the admissions process to SMArchS degree, please see the
SMAarchS Admissions Information
page on the Architecture Department website.
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| Quick Link: |
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SMArchS (Master of Science in Architecture Studies) Overview
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SMArchS Admissions and Degree Requirements
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| Back to Top |
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Undergraduate architecture majors can choose a concentration in the area of Computation. This concentration exposes students to the many facets of the rapidly changing and increasingly important area of computational design. It aims to provide, simultaneously, a rigorous theoretical foundation and strong professional design skills with computational expertise. The objective is to prepare students to pursue diverse career paths or further education in multiple areas of design, and to enable students to take advantage of emerging opportunities in industry and academia. Required subjects encompass three central aspects of design: visualization (2D and 3D modeling, lighting, color, simulation, animation), construction (physical, full-scale fabrication), and synthesis (generative and parametric techniques for designing), as well as fundamentals of computer programming for design.
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Quick Link: |
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BSA (Bachelor of Science in Architecture) Overview |
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BSA Computation Stream |
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BSA Computation curriculum chart |
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