Advanced Architectural Research Studies (Performative Design and Technology) (MAARS)

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The Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies (MAARS), with an emphasis in Performative Design And Technology (PD&T) is a specialized, post-professional program at USC School of Architecture. It is designed for individuals with prior architectural education who seek to advance their expertise in cutting-edge design and technological research. The program focuses on integrating advanced computational design, performance-driven methodologies, and sustainable technology within architectural practice. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative, performance-oriented design solutions that address contemporary architectural and environmental challenges.

The PD&T program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application through research-based studios and technical seminars. Students engage in hands-on, project-based learning that leverages computational tools, simulation software, and performance analysis techniques. The goal is to cultivate a deeper understanding of how technology can inform and transform design processes, enabling architects to create eﬃcient, resilient and contextually responsive architectural solutions.

The curriculum addresses the urban experience through three thematic issues explored in design studios:

Emerging Design Technologies (Parametric Modeling, Design Computation, Digital Fabrication, etc.)

Students engage with advanced computational tools and parametric modeling to push the boundaries of design. By leveraging algorithms, simulations and data-driven methods, they optimize architectural performance and merge digital technologies with design thinking.

Data-Driven Design (Environmental Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Spatialization, Artiﬁcial Intelligence, etc.)

This theme emphasizes using data to inform and enhance design decisions. Students explore environmental analysis, data visualization and the application of artiﬁcial intelligence to create informed, responsive architectural solutions.

Performance-Based Design (Environmental Performance, Solar Performance, Thermal Performance, Material Performance, etc.) Students investigate various performance metrics to assess and improve building behavior, focusing on environmental, solar, thermal and material performance. This approach ensures sustainable and eﬃcient design strategies.

Completion of the degree requires 32 units, including 8 units of Architecture Directed Design Research.

Core Requirements (23 units)

This degree is intended for qualified students who have completed a professional degree in architecture (BArch/MArch) with interest in advanced non-professional graduate study who are pursuing careers in architectural design, structural design, parametric design, design optimization, environmental design and performative architecture.

ARCH 519 Sustainability in the Environment: Infrastructures, Urban Landscapes, and Buildings Units: 3
ARCH 543 Research Methods Units: 1
ARCH 564 Descriptive and Computational Architectural Geometry Units: 2
ARCH 574 Parametric Design Units: 3
ARCH 702L Advanced Graduate Architecture Design – Themes Units: 6
ARCH 793aL Architecture Directed Design Research Option I Units: 2
ARCH 793bL Architecture Directed Design Research Option I Units: 6
Students will be required to register for ARCH 793abL Directed Design Research Option I sections with speciﬁed topical relevance to PD+T

Electives (9 units)

The curriculum is designed to be flexible to allow students to customize elective courses to a specific topic of interest within the thematic framework of the degree program. Students take at least 9 units of electives; a list of electives currently offered for all themes is summarized below.

* Additional electives outside of the School of Architecture (including those listed below) are possible upon approval but will be limited to 4 units maximum.

Design

ARCH 517 Current Topics in Building Science Units: 1

Digital Fabrication: Material Exploration and Prototyping

Students gain practical experience with digital fabrication methods, including 3D printing, CNC milling and robotics, translating digital concepts into physical prototypes to experiment with materials and structural performance.

ARCH 509 Digital Fabrication- Materials and Methods of Production Units: 3
ARCH 581 Techniques in Digital Fabrication Units: 3
ARCH 609 Advanced Digital Fabrication Units: 2

Design Computation: Parametric and Algorithmic Design

These seminars teach students to apply advanced computational tools and parametric modeling techniques, using data and algorithms to optimize design performance and foster innovative solutions.

ARCH 417 Computer Programming in Architecture Units: 3
ARCH 607 Advanced Computation Units: 2

Integration and Application: Real-World Design Solutions

Focusing on the practical use of computational and fabrication techniques, these seminars guide students in integrating performance-based strategies into architectural projects, often through interdisciplinary collaborations or live case studies that address real-world challenges.