The course of study for this concentration critically engages various forms of digital and analog technologies in architecture. Through architectural studios, core classes, electives and seminars, students are exposed to some of the latest digital tools and software. They are also given the opportunity to apply such media to architecture, design and allied fields at a variety of scales, ranging from the design of individual products to complete buildings, their surrounding landscapes and urban contexts. The concentration will probe in rigorous, critical, and speculative ways, exploring the relationships between the distinct areas of (re)presentation, visualization, computational design, interactive media, responsive/smart technologies and environments, as well as digital fabrication and production methodologies. Three-dimensional modeling, computational design and visualization software offer alternatives to the development of form and the outcome of the designer's "vision."
Movies, 3D animation, rendering and special effects/editing tools also influence the way a design is communicated and perceived. Advanced material research, digital fabrication and sustainable/environmental technologies propose a progressive approach to the creation and manipulation of form.
The TMAIn concentration is composed of three distinct areas of digital exploration/study and depending on students’ interests, the master curriculum can consist of 40 percent to 80 percent of these topics:
1. Design tools and processes, 3D exploration, digital materiality, AR/RT/VR (Augmented reality/ Real Time/Virtual Reality)
2. Media and communication: graphic presentation, physical modeling (laser and 3D printing) and cinematic animations
3. Construction documents, production processes, digital fabrication, BIM and scripting
The nature of the coursework is hands-on and case-based projects, framed within an understanding of historical, cultural, economic and social contexts. It is intended to develop a solid understanding and knowledge of the underlying principles and skills of various facets of digital technologies, ultimately, preparing students to become leaders that shape the future of design and its practice. By developing advanced skills and understanding the use of cutting-edge digital tools, upon graduation, students will have a competitive advantage when seeking and pursuing further employment within a multitude of architecture and related fields.