Contact Us
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the Academic Catalog
Mark Coen, Associate Registrar
617-989-4213
coenm@wit.edu
Office of the Registrar
Williston Hall 103
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA 02115
Architecture Department
Michael McPhail, Chair - Foundation Studies
Annex North Room 114
Phone: 617-989-4455
Ann Borst, Chair - Undergraduate Studies
Annex North Room 109
Phone: 617-989-4430
John Ellis, Chair - Graduate Studies
Annex North Room 108
Phone: 617-989-4458
Faculty
Professors
- Ann Borst
- John Ellis
- Garrick Goldenberg
- Thomas M. Lesko
- Terry Moor
- Weldon Pries
- Glenn Wiggins
Associate Professors
- Carol Burns
- Charles J. Cimino
- Phillip L. Comeau
- Robert Cowherd
- Manuel Delgado
- Patricia Boge Kendall*
- Lora Kim
- Mark A. Klopfer
- Michael W. MacPhail
- Marc Neveu
- Mark Pasnik
- Ann Pitt
Assistant Professors
- Jennifer Lee
- Ingrid Strong
- Rob Trumbour
Director - Study Abroad
- Rolf Backmann, Director (Germany)
- Nicolas Westphal, Associate Director (France)
*On leave 2012-13
Department Mission Statement
Architectural education at Wentworth embraces the complex nature of architecture as a conceptual, technical, and social practice that is ultimately centered on the art of making. The program encourages deep explorations in the material culture of architecture and challenges students to deploy this knowledge in ways that enrich the built environment and enhance people’s lives.
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-Arch) pre-professional degree in architecture.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) professional degree in architecture; fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). (See ‘Accreditation’)
The architecture program at Wentworth is structured as a four-year (ten semester) pre-professional degree (BS-Arch.) followed by a one-year (two semester) professional degree (M.Arch) The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is comprised of eight semesters of on-campus curriculum plus two semesters of co-op work experience. The one-year graduate-level program provides the basis for awarding the Master of Architecture degree. The Department also offers a two-year program leading to a Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch) for students holding a 4-year NAAB-based pre-professional degree from another institution.
Undergraduate Studies – Architecture
Leading to a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree (BS-Arch)
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-Arch) program’s rigorous course of study centers on the design studio, where students work closely with faculty in explorations of design and design methods. Associated courses in history, theory, technology, and professional practice are closely related to design studio problems. Student learning is enhanced by two semesters of cooperative work experience as well as study abroad options.
All entering freshmen are admitted to the four-year BS-Arch program. At the end of the sophomore year students focus their educational interests by choosing one of the three concentrations outlined below. The concentrations are not divergent areas of study, but rather run parallel to each other and allow students to pursue a particular focus within their study of architecture.
Foundation curriculum: The first two years of the BS-Arch program provide a broad introduction to the field of architecture and serve as the common core for all concentrations. Lecture courses convey an overview of the field – history, theory, technology, and practice – while studio courses focus on graphic skills, design fundamentals, and conceptual understanding of materials, structure, building tectonics and environmental responsiveness. The department’s emphasis on both the art and the science of architecture is stressed throughout this introductory curriculum.
Upper level curriculum: The third and fourth years of the BS-Arch program build on the skills and knowledge of the first two years while introducing students to more complex and varied studio topics - including building tectonics, site and environmental design, comprehensive design and community design – as well as structures, environmental systems and professional practice. Studio content is closely coordinated with co-requisite courses, encouraging students to make connections between subjects and to develop a well-synthesized approach to design. Concentration-specific coursework allows students to develop an area of focus within a broad-based architectural education (see ‘BS-Arch Program Concentrations’ on the next page).
Upon successful completion of the BS-Arch curriculum, Wentworth students may apply to the M. Arch program at Wentworth, or they may elect to continue their architectural studies at another institution or gain professional experience. Admission to the M. Arch program is based on application, including a portfolio submission. (see ‘Application Process’)
BS-Arch Program Concentrations
The undergraduate program in architecture offers three areas of concentration, which allow students to pursue a particular focus within their study of architecture. The core architectural education is equivalent across concentrations, and all achieve the same learning outcomes. Students express their preference of concentrations at the end of their second year (see ‘Concentration Selection Process’ below).
Form and Culture/FC
This concentration explores the influence of the art and theory on architecture and design. Seen through the lens of history and cultural expression, traditional and emerging design methods are analyzed and engaged.
Tectonic Studies/TS
This concentration emphasizes the tangible, material nature of architecture, encompassing the art and science of making buildings. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of the materials and their corresponding assemblies in order to better inform design.
Built Environment/BE
This concentration facilitates an understanding of the social and cultural fabric of the city and its inhabitants. It provides students with the skills and insight to make positive contributions to cities and communities.
BS-ARCH Concentration Selection Process
Second-year students are required to submit a portfolio as part of the process of concentration selection. Students confer in advance with their academic advisor and studio faculty about which concentration best suits their interests and career goals. Placement in concentrations will be based upon a combination of a student’s departmental GPA (ARCH courses only) and a portfolio evaluation by department faculty. Submission deadlines and portfolio requirements are announced by the department each year.
Cooperative Work Experience
The Architecture Department has a substantial and well-established cooperative education component embedded in the curriculum. BS-Arch students spend two semesters working in an architectural or allied design professional office. The department collaborates with the Institute’s Career Center to reinforce the learning content of these placements, and work experience may be applied to the Intern Development Program (IDP) - a required step towards professional licensure.
Study Abroad Programs
The Department of Architecture offers several one-semester study abroad options for students in the BS-Arch program. Curriculum during this semester is fully aligned with required program coursework in Boston, allowing normal progress towards graduation. Participation is by application; the program accepts a limited number of students and is selective.
The department currently sponsors study abroad programs in Berlin and the south of France, led by resident architects who are Wentworth faculty members. During their residence abroad students work closely with local design and planning professionals as well as with local students and community groups. The program includes intensive travel-based coursework, which gives students additional cultural perspective.
The Architecture Department also has an agreement with The Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela, which provides the opportunity for interchange of students via co-op or focused travel / study programs.
Special Grade Requirement
1. The Architecture Department has a special grade requirement that applies to all design studio courses from the sophomore year onward. Students in the BS-Arch degree program must comply with the following design studio grade requirement:
Final grade must be C or better if the final grade in the previous design studio is less than a C.
Students who receive a final grade below C for two consecutive semesters are not permitted to continue in the program until they successfully repeat the 2nd studio for which they received a sub-standard grade.
2. Students in the BS-Arch program must maintain a minimum departmental GPA of 2.5 (non-elective ARCH courses only) and an overall GPA of 2.0 to be in good academic standing.
Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH115 | Survey of Architecture I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH155 | Design Principles I | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| ENGLISH | English Sequence† | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| MATH205 | College Mathematics I | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 13 | 4 | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH165 | Survey of Architecture II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH175 | Design Principles II | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| ENGLISH | English Sequence† | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MATH250 | Precalculus | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| PHYS210 | College Physics I | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 15 | 6 | 18 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH235 | Materials and Methods I | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH245 | Architectural Design and Technology I | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Lower Level Social Science Elective | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| LITR445 | Literature and the Modern Age | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 12 | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH335 | Materials and Methods II | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH345 | Architectural Design and Technology I | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| HUMN150 | Art and Theory | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ENGL350 | Sophomore Writing Assessment | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 12 | 12 | 18 |
Form and Culture Concentration - Junior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH402 | History of Architecture I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH456 | Studio III: Tectonics | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH481 | Structures I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH482 | Site Planning and Landscape | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH370 | IDP Registration | - | - | 0 |
| 13 | 12 | 19 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH502 | History of Architecture II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH516 | Studio IV: Site & Environment | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH528 | Environmental Systems | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 10 | 12 | 16 | ||
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP400 | Co-op Work Semester I | 0 |
Form and Culture Concentration - Senior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH554 | Theory Studies | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH556 | Studio V: Comprehensive Design (Study Abroad) | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 11 | 12 | 17 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH531 | Structures II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH625 | Professional Practice I: Contract Documents | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH656 | Studio VI: Community Design | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 12 | 17 | |
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP600 | Co-op Work Semester II | 0 |
Tectonic Studies - Junior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH406 | History of Architecture I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH467 | Studio III: Tectonics | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH481 | Structures I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH528 | Environmental Systems | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH370 | IDP Registration | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 13 | 12 | 19 | |
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP 400 | Co-op Work Semester I | 0 | ||
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH482 | Site Planning and Landscape | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH517 | Studio IV: Site & Environment | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH604 | History of Architecture II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 10 | 12 | 16 |
Tectonic Studies - Senior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOP 600 | Co-op Work Semester II | 0 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH558 | Material Studies | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH567 | Studio V: Comprehensive Design | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 12 | 17 | |
| Summer Semester | R | L | C | |
| ARCH531 | Structures II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH625 | Professional Practice I: Contract Documents | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH667 | Studio VI: Community Design | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 12 | 17 |
Built Environment Concentration - Junior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH408 | History of Architecture I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH469 | Studio III: Tectonics | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH481 | Structures I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH528 | Environmental Systems | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH370 | IDP Registration | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | 12 | 19 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| COOP 400 | Co-op Work Semester I | 0 | ||
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH482 | Site Planning and Landscape | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH519 | Studio IV: Site & Environment | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH606 | History of Architecture II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 10 | 12 | 16 |
Built Environment Concentration - Senior Year
| Fall Semester | Course | R | L | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOP 600 | Co-op Work Semester II | 0 | ||
| Spring Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH560 | Urban Studies | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH569 | Studio V: Comprehensive Design (Study Abroad) | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective* | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 11 | 12 | 17 | ||
| Summer Semester | Course | R | L | C |
| ARCH531 | Structures II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH625 | Professional Practice I: Contract Documents | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH669 | Studio VI: Community Design | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 11 | 12 | 17 |
R=Class Hours Per Week, L=Lab Hours Per Week, C=Semester Credit Hours
†Please refer to the English requirement.
* Please refer to the upper level humanities/social sciences elective requirement.
Graduate Studies – Architecture: Leading to a Master of Architecture degree (M. Arch)
The Master of Architecture program at Wentworth provides graduates with the insight, skills, and perspective to pursue distinguished and rewarding careers in architecture and the allied design fields while also supplying the academic credential required for registration as an architect. Graduate study in architecture is an exhilarating and challenging enterprise, an opportunity for students to develop a focused position within a broad and rapidly evolving field. The graduate curriculum promotes research and design investigations on the linkages between theoretical frameworks, design intentions, and the tangible, material nature of architecture. A rigorous process of critical thinking is instilled through studios, seminars, and thesis preparation coursework. The program is structured as a one-year sequence of study for internal candidates and a two-year sequence of study for external candidates with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Architecture from an NAAB accredited program.
M.Arch Degree Program Application Process
Fourth-year BS-Arch students at Wentworth who wish to continue in the architecture program, and outside applicants from other 4-year NAAB-based pre-professional degree programs are required to submit an application for the M. Arch degree program (see ‘Note’ below). For further details on the program and admissions requirements please refer to the departmental web site (http://www.wit.edu/arch/programs/academic/march/index.html)
Note: Students who achieve a minimum departmental GPA of 3.2 (non-elective ARCH courses from 1st through 3rd years only) in the BS-Arch program at Wentworth automatically qualify for acceptance into the M. Arch degree program for the following year. Students meeting this standard must submit an application and an official transcript.
SPECIAL GRADING REQUIREMENT
Students in the M. Arch program must maintain a grade of B or higher in all required architecture courses to be in good academic standing
Curriculum for One Year M. Arch
| Fall Semester | R | L | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH916 | Studio VII: Special Topics | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH926 | Thesis Preparation I: Research Methods | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH936 | Thesis Preparation II: Project Development | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | General Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 12 | 12 | 18 | ||
| Spring Semester | R | L | C | |
| ARCH825 | Professional Practice II: Project Management | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH956 | Studio VIII: Thesis | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH976 | Advanced Topics | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 12 | 12 | 18 |
Curriculum for Two Year M. Arch*
Year One
| Fall Semester | R | L | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH900 | Graduate Studio I | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH554 | Theory Studies | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 11 | 12 | 17 | ||
| Spring Semester | R | L | C | |
| ARCH910 | Graduate Studio II | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH558 or | Material Studies | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ARCH560 | Urban Studies | |||
| ARCH625 | Professional Practice I: Contract Documents | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH976 | Advanced Topics | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 11 | 12 | 17 |
Year Two
| Fall Semester | R | L | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH916 | Studio VII: Special Topics | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH926 | Thesis Preparation I: Research Methods | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH936 | Thesis Preparation II: Project Development | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | General Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 12 | 12 | 18 | ||
| Spring Semester | R | L | C | |
| ARCH825 | Professional Practice II: Project Management | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ARCH956 | Studio VIII: Thesis | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| ARCH976 | Advanced Topics | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ELECTIVE | Architectural Elective | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 12 | 12 | 18 |
R=Class Hours Per Week, L=Lab Hours Per Week, C=Semester Credit Hours
*Proposed
Architecture Electives
Architecture Electives are listed below by concentration (and other) categories to assist students in shaping their course of study. Students are not required to choose electives within their area of concentration, and are encouraged to pursue breadth as well as depth in their architectural studies.
The following list indicates the Department’s elective offerings during the last three years:
Form and Culture
| ARCH435 Design Methods | ARCH554 Theory Studies |
| ARCH590 Architectural Proportion Beyond Architecture? 1960’s Indeterminacy and New Materiality in Spatial Practice | ARCH590 Analysis of Contemporary Buildings and Architectural Movements |
| ARCH590 Conception and Representation | ARCH590 Design Thinking |
| ARCH590 Digital Studies | ARCH590 Generative Design Computing |
| ARCH590 Heroic Modernism | ARCH590 Informal Architecture | Social Engagements |
| ARCH590 Marcel Breuer: American Houses | ARCH590 The Modern House |
| ARCH590 The Other American Moderns | ARCH590 Perception & Human Factors in Architecture |
| ARCH590 Poetics | ARCH590 Scandinavia |
| ARCH590 Syntax of Spatialities |
Tectonic Studies
| ARCH432 Environmental Acoustics and Lighting | ARCH558 Material Studies |
| ARCH590 Architecture, Energy, People | ARCH590 Caveats of Digital Design |
| ARCH590 Computer-Assisted Building Systems Analysis & Design | ARCH590 Computer-Based Structural Analysis & Design |
| ARCH590: Conception and Representation: Analog Boundaries in Digital Design | ARCH590 Constructing Engagements |
| ARCH590 Design Computing & Digital Fabrication | ARCH590 Developing BIM-Based Solutions in Architecture |
| ARCH590 Digital Tectonics | ARCH590 Geomatter |
| ARCH590 Learning LEED | ARCH590 Sustainable Design |
| ARCH590 Switzerland | ARCH590 Temporary Structures and Mobile Architecture |
| ARCH590 Visualization & Interpretation in Architecture |
Built Environment
| ARCH560 Urban Studies | ARCH566 Latin American Architecture & Landscape |
| ARCH590 American Architecture from 1600 to 1900 | ARCH590 Approaches to Public Space |
| ARCH590 Architecture, Energy, People | ARCH590 Boston, the City and the Sea |
| ARCH590 Building the City of the Future | ARCH590 Community Development as Urban Design |
| ARCH590 Cultural Heritage & Urban Development | ARCH590 Designing Towards an Ecological Democracy |
| ARCH590 Introduction to Urban Design & Planning | ARCH590 Italy |
| ARCH590 Mapping the City | ARCH590 Reading and Representing the Urban Form |
| ARCH590 Responsive Architecture, Reflexive City | ARCH590 The Space Between |
| ARCH590 Transitions in Religious Architecture: Asia Minor | ARCH590 Transportation Invention & Urban/Community Design |
| ARCH590 Urban Infrastructure | ARCH590 Vernacular Architecture |
| ARCH590: Visual Perception & the City: The Lessons of Boston |
Representation
| ARCH590 Architectural Photography | ARCH590 Architecture Rendering: Color Techniques |
| ARCH590 BIM & Advanced Representational Media | ARCH590 Color |
| ARCH590 Color Relations in Painting | ARCH590 Drawing and Thinking |
| ARCH590 Hand Drawing for Architects and Designers | ARCH590 Introduction to Autodesk Revit Architecture |
| ARCH590 Spatial Color |
Professional Practice
| ARCH537 Project Planning | ARCH627 Design Entrepreneurship |
| ARCH590 Fundamentals of Design Finance |
