Master of Science in Architecture, Computational Technologies

The Master of Science in Architecture, Computational Technologies focuses its teaching and research towards propositions of new spatial built architecture which is designed through innovation in computer-based representation and fabrication systems. The program’s objectives for output are to develop new emerging technologies, such as computational systems of spatial representation, and robotic systems for interactivity, and robotic systems for construction including new materials in order to activate through built architectural prototypes at full scale, new spatial conceptions, ecological environmental issues, and virtual and physical augmented human interactivity.

This program aims to focus its research interests, curriculum, and pedagogy upon spatial, material, and environmental qualities of the designed spaces, expanding notions of inhabitation, ecology, interactivity, computation, and robotics:

• Computational Design
• Robotic Interactivity
• Robotic Fabrication
• Materials

Through full-scale applied research, which expands conventional aesthetic design agendas, the program intends to critically integrate the history and theory of representation, computation, and technologies. The program critically revises architectural history from contemporary lenses, and theorizes new possibilities for architecture through advancements in both computation and fabrication.

In the context of new technologies rapidly challenging cultural models, an important question is how to reformulate the typical relationships between technology and culture. Our program focuses on research and investigations of materials and construction systems defining architectural building components, including digital robotic fabrication, and physical computation systems (robotics). Expanding design authorship to the parameters informing design may lead to paradigmatic transitions towards new forms of architecture.

Ultimately, the output of the program will be a range of full-scale applied research projects, including: augmented interactive virtual reality spaces, interfaces, plug-ins, and software research and development that determine architecture spatial representations—from full-scale built architectural prototypes and spaces, to new ecological materials, and the research and development of robotic machines that determine construction systems. The program will expand the transdisciplinary experimental field through applied research integration and expand various forms of specialized knowledge within various domains including architects, engineers, material scientists, bioengineering, ecologists, media artists, interactive designers, computer scientists, data scientists, and other fields of knowledge. Students in the Master of Science in Architecture program will study these issues in design studios, labs/workshop, and core and elective courses cumulatively activating evidence-based applied research to measuring and testing its output design.

International F-1 students who successfully complete this degree are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension to work in the U.S. in an area directly related to their area of study immediately upon completing the customary 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

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Students in the program will:

1. Learn history and theory of systems of representation and technology
2. Integrate science, technology, ecology and architecture
3. Learn and advance skills in computational design by integrating data science (API) and computer science (AI, machine learning, artificial neural networks through TensorFlow, Python programming + Rhinoceros Grasshopper plug in, simulation, optimization); robotics through physical computation (Raspberry Pi, sensors, interactivity, VR, AR, MR) and robotic fabrication (Python + Kuka KRL (GH PRC)); and materials design (simulation, optimization, robotic materials, 4d printing)
4. Innovate through Big Data (survey, simulation), including research and development on systems of representation and interfaces (virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, simulations, algorithms, plug-ins, software development, interactive applications, machine learning, and AI)
5. Integrate of a range of multiple disciplines, expanding their domains of expertise into transdisciplinary fields through robotic fabrication for interactive spaces-environments (ecology and health), prototypes and full scale projects, including research and development on computer aided machinery, sensors, 3D printing, computer numeric control (CNC) machines, and robotics integrating an artistic approach to architecture applying scientific research through evidence based design.
6. Conduct research and development in architecture technology through experimentation with materiality, including programmable materials, composite materials, ecological materials, bio-materials, and 4d printing
7. Be leaders and visionaries for the expansion of possible futures of architecture and design by identifying how to inform reality real time and open up new forms of practice

In alignment with the university’s mission statement, the M.S. in Architecture, Computational Technologies will help leverage the strengths of the vision, goals, and objectives of exploring the interdisciplinarity of technology, and how architecture can integrate computational design systems and fabrication with engaging collaborative exchanges between various professional and disciplinary domains of expertise. The proposed program will address emerging new technologies across architecture, engineering, art, computation, robotics, and the sciences through applied experimental research in built architectures.

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The master's degree is a full-time program, offered at the Long Island and New York City campuses. It begins in September, concluding with a public review and exhibition. The program does not lead to professional licensure. This is a post-professional Master of Science degree.

Students should submit all materials including portfolio and references as early as possible in order to ensure enough time for review and to obtain an I-20 (international students), ideally by June 15. Applicants may be accepted after the deadline only if there is availability.

If an applicant does not meet the admissions criteria, it may be possible, at the discretion of the program director, to be admitted for a probationary period with an opportunity to demonstrate qualifications by achieving a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in the first three graduate degree courses.

Admission Requirements

• A professional architecture or design degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent if applying with a degree from outside of the U.S.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• No standardized tests (including GRE) are required, except TOEFL/IELTS/PTE for international students

If you have any questions about admissions or eligibility, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at nyitgrad@nyit.edu or 516.686.7520. If you have questions about the program, please email Alessandro Melis, Director, M.S. in Architecture, Computational Technologies, at amelis@nyit.edu or 212.261.1562.

Application Materials

All applicants must provide the following information prior to submitting the required supplemental materials (Curriculum Vitae, Personal Essay, and Digital Portfolio).

• Completed application
• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• Two letters of recommendation from references who have direct knowledge of the applicant's professional potential and academic ability. References should send their letters of recommendation directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at nyitgrad@nyit.edu.
• Interview: You are encouraged to meet with the program director. Please contact the School of Architecture and Design graduate office at grad.arch@nyit.edu to schedule an appointment.
• Copies of undergraduate transcripts for all schools attended. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
• Copy of college diploma or proof of degree
• International student requirements: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), I-20, and transcript evaluation.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION FORM

Supplemental Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae: a one-page resume with your portrait photo, name and last name, contact information, degrees, accomplishments, exhibitions, publications, projects, research, associations, skills, etc.
• Personal Essay/Statement of Interest: (500–1000 words)
• Digital Portfolio of Creative Work:
  • The creative Portfolio should consist of 10–15 pages of your own visual work (format PDF/MP4; size limit 35 MB).
  • The creative portfolio may include selected studio work, examples of creative coursework, assignment-based projects, self-directed work or pieces of a collaborative nature, and could contain multimedia work, drawings, models, computation and fabrication work, paintings, sculpture, video, animation, etc.
  • Areas of interest may include: architectural design, environmental design, design technologies (simulation, visualization, fabrication, robotics, etc.), architectural engineering, architectural interior, industrial design, computational design, product or furniture design, material design, etc.
  • Please identify each piece with a date, title, medium, and a brief explanation of the work and its context—academic project, work-related project, independent work, or research and organize it into a single, multipage PDF. For any team or collaborative projects, please identify all participants and highlight your own contributions.
  • Name your PDF files in the following format:
    020_MS.ACT_Portfolio_LastName_FirstName.pdf
  • Maximum file size is 35 MB. Please be aware of this limitation when formatting files and resolution for your work. Files larger than 35 megabytes may be rejected by the New York Tech server. Links to materials available through web links, YouTube, Dropbox, or other should be included in a table of contents on the first page of the portfolio.

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