Introduction

07 M. ARCH

In an environment where related disciplines work together with common purpose, M. ARCH candidates develop fluency with evolving technologies for effective problem solving, experimentation, and communication. As the building professions increasingly focus on specialized processes, the role of architects in society will be to provide the critical skills to contribute to, and the perspective to lead interdisciplinary teams in realizing built projects. We believe that the future belongs to the innovators, collaborators, and leaders who are prepared to create innovative and sustainable architecture, successful communities and resilient cities.

There are two paths that lead to the M.ARCH be-ginning at the 600 level, Track 1 is for students who do not have a preprofessional degree in architecture and are new to architectural studies. Beginning at the 700 level, Track 2 is for students with a 4-year, pre-profession-al degree in Architecture. Both tracks share coursework at the 700 and 800 levels

600 level coursework is an accelerated introduction to the anatomy of architecture and focuses on the conceptual and technical skills upon which to build an architectural education. ARCH 601 starts with a model of architecture as a series of nested volumes. The innermost shell provides the configurations and materials to support human activity, while the outermost layer responds to the environment and controls the transmission of light, moisture, temperature, etc. as it relates to the climate, adjacent structures and topography. Intermediate layers are investigated in subsequent studio as students assemble knowledge about technical and environmental systems. ARCH 602 begins with a deep analysis of canonical buildings, using structure as a model of both organization and material logic that underpin architectural language. Structures are tested for their coherence as systems, and at model scale for their load bearing properties. These systems are further tested against topological and topographic conditions, where the design process plays out as a series of negotiations between competing agendas.

700 level coursework further develops themes relating to architectural anatomy, with particular focus on building skins and systems of enclosure, with attention to architectural performance, and the integration of technology, with an expanded range of material and tectonic systems. Studio ARCH 705 focuses on integrative design, developing projects of increasing complex anatomy.

800 level coursework is research based and is devoted to experimental, topical areas of focus in Environmental Urbanism, Digital Design + Fabrication and Advanced Architectural Technology. Ad-hoc research and design workshops, some international, allow us to engage contemporary issues with internationally renowned experts.

David Diamond M.Arch Director and Professor, SoAD at NYIT