Architectural Design Studio 7: Thesis

(NOTE: Schedule to be arranged between students and individual tutors)

Prerequisites: ARC 3017S and ARC 3016S

Students will undertake independent development of an approved thesis proposal under the supervision of a thesis advisor, culminating in the fulfillment of requirements for the architectural design thesis.  The thesis term offers an opportunity for the student to engage in a self-directed design project that incorporates and extends research initiated in seminars and studios taken over the course of their MArch studies.  The thesis project may also draw upon the student’s previous pre-architectural background, interests, and skills. 

In this course, students are expected to work both independently, and in consultation with their advisor. They are expected to develop an architectural proposal of high presentation quality for critique at interim formal reviews, and to work toward refinement of this proposal for the final review. Representational strategies and priorities for all submissions are to be determined by the student in conjunction with their advisor.  They are expected to play a critical role in elucidating the conceptual basis of each individual thesis in clear, specific, and original ways.  

An important aspect of the thesis studio is the clarification and presentation of ideas.  A series of monthly, formal group reviews give students the opportunity to develop and test presentation and representation strategies, which will culminate in the Final public review. In addition, the parallel design and production of a final thesis document, in the form of a bound book to be included in the Shore Moffat Library collection will constitute another, more lasting iteration of the thesis. At the Penultimate Review, students will present and submit to their advisors a mock-up of the final thesis document to be completed following the final review. For the interim reviews, students must have a 1-2 page written statement that articulates the intention of their thesis, and outlines the proposed architectural program. The final review will be accompanied by a statement of the theoretical objectives of the thesis, and a detailed description of the project program.  The student will have the opportunity to meet with Professor Andrew Payne to prepare these statements.  Professor Payne will hold at least one meeting during the term in which students will have the opportunity to practice the oral presentation of their thesis.