Immaterial Limits (Process and Duration) OpenCourseWare: MIT's Graduate Level Architecture Free Online Course

Published Jan 09, 2009

RSS Feed

Learn about the role tectonics and built materials play in Architecture with this free OpenCourseWare. Offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 'Immaterial Limits: Process and Duration' discusses strategies and analysis for solving complex architectural situations related to landscapes and materials. This free course information is recommended for those with an understanding of graduate-level architectural design and fabrication modeling tools.

Immaterial Limits (Process and Duration): Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
No Yes No

Immaterial Limits (Process and Duration): Course Description

In order for buildings to be stable and safe, architects must understand the relationship between shifting landscapes and building material properties. This free OpenCourseWare, based on an Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Architecture course taught by Professor Meejin Yoon, explores ideas and strategies in hindering decay and corrosion of built materials. In a studio setting, students worked with design and fabrication methods, such as CAD-CAM or CNC, as well as with various materials, including glass, wood and foam. This gives students the opportunity to understand those materials' properties in relation to construction, form, stress, erosion and other forces. Throughout the 2002 MIT course, students were asked to create three projects to investigate these various properties and methods of design. Students had the opportunity to use their investigations to develop architectural ideas for Chicago's 400-million-year-old Stearns Quarry. The goal of this OpenCourseWare is that students understand, address and solve issues that tectonics and nature may present in architectural design.

This 'Immaterial Limits: Process and Duration' OpenCourseWare includes project assignment sheets and finished student project photos that are available online for free. If you're interested in these course materials, visit the Architecture and tectonics course page.

Featured School Choices: