Architecture, Computational Technologies, M.S.

Explore design research at the frontiers of architecture through experimentation in computational design, robotic systems applied to fabrication and interactivity, and materiality. Innovate in design and creatively apply emergent technologies to unconventional spatial investigations resulting in full-scale architectural prototypes and components.

Program Brief

The Master of Science in Architecture, Computational Technologies (M.S.ACT) program is a two-semester (plus summer term), 30-credit, post-professional master's degree. The program integrates critical relationships between science and culture, developing new technologies with a focus on the history and theory of representation, robotics, and cybernetics. You'll learn how to apply, research, and develop advancements in computational design, robotic interaction and fabrication, and new materials.

Computational Design
The first semester introduces history, theory and criticism of systems of representation, robotics, and cybernetics. Through applied research, students will acquire key skills in coding, algorithms, interfaces, programming languages, big data survey processing and simulations, augmented reality, computational modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applied to architecture and ecology. In addition, students will be able to choose an introductory level elective course from any of the three focus areas.

Fabrication and Robotics, and Materials
The second semester focuses on applied research on physical computation, fabrication, and materials, including: programming microcontrollers, robotic interactive responsive systems (survey, sensors, data link), digital fabrication, robotic machine construction systems, and materials simulation and optimization (new materials, biomaterials, live materials, responsive materials, others). In addition, students will be able to choose an advanced level elective course from any of the three focus areas.

Project-based Learning
The third (summer) term integrates the acquired knowledge of the program through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary experimental applied research at 1:1 scale, integrating the different concentration areas (Computational Design, Fabrication and Robotics, and Materials) in a full-scale interactive design and build prototypes at the Long Island campus.