Architecture, Computational Technologies, M.S.

Explore design research at the frontiers of architecture through experimentation in computational design, robotic systems applied to fabrication and interactivity, and materiality. Innovate in design and creatively apply emergent technologies to unconventional spatial investigations resulting in full-scale architectural prototypes and components.

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Program Brief

The Master of Science in Architecture, Computational Technologies (M.S.ACT) program is a two-semester, 30-credit, post-professional master's degree. The program integrates critical relationships between science and culture, developing new technologies with a focus on the history and theory of representation, robotics, and cybernetics. You'll learn how to apply, research, and develop advancements in computational design, robotic interaction and fabrication, and new materials.

The M.S.ACT program builds up expertise organized as core studios, seminars, and interdisciplinary integrated project-based learning studios in three focus areas (Computational Design, Fabrication and Robotics, and Materials).

Computational Design
The first semester introduces history, theory, and criticism of systems of representation, robotics, and cybernetics. Through applied research, students will acquire key skills in coding, algorithms, interfaces, programming languages, big data survey processing and simulations, augmented reality, computational modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applied to architecture and ecology. In addition, students will be able to choose an introductory level elective course from any of the three focus areas.

Fabrication and Robotics, and Materials
The second semester focuses on applied research on physical computation, fabrication, and materials, including: programming microcontrollers, robotic interactive responsive systems (survey, sensors, data link), digital fabrication, robotic machine construction systems, and materials simulation, and optimization (new materials, biomaterials, live materials, responsive materials, others).

Project-based Learning
Acquired knowledge in the program comes through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary experimental applied research at 1:1 scale, integrating the different concentration areas (Computational Design, Fabrication and Robotics, and Materials) in a full-scale interactive design and prototype at the Long Island campus.

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Highlights

History/Theory of Systems of Representation
Science, Technology, Ecology, Architecture
Computational Design, Programming (Python)
Big Data, Survey, Simulation, Machine Learning (AI)
Platforms and Applications Design
Sensors, Robotic Interaction
VR, MR, AR
Robotic Systems Design
Robotic Fabrication
Composite and Responsive Materials, BioMaterials
Materials Design

Fabrication Labs

Our Fabrication Labs include two new state of the art facilities ($2M IDC Grant: New York City and Long Island) with robotic arms, CNC, 3-D printing, and more; and additional space on Long Island for 1:1 scale projects. Our other labs include the Hive with 3-D scanning, motion capture, VR, MR, AR facilities, and the BEM lab.

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Student Work

Students work is composed of three concentration areas, building towards 1:1 scale prototypes, including: Computational Design; Fabrication and Robotics (Robotic Interactivity + Robotic Fabrication); and Materials.

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Faculty Work

The Faculty of the program includes internationally recognized professors, researchers and professional experts in Design, Architecture, Urbanism, History, Theory, Computation, Fabrication, Robotics, and Materials.

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Exceptional experiences.
Outstanding outcomes.

MOST

More licensed architects in New York State are graduates of New York Tech than any other school.

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#11

Best architecture colleges and universities in New York. (prepler.com)

Top 17%

U.S. colleges for salary potential, based on alumni's mid-career earnings (Payscale.com)

#11

DesignIntelligence list of most-hired-from architecture schools in the U.S. (with 70–99 graduates/year).

Top-Tier Ranking

New York Tech is ranked among the top 25 regional universities in the North. (U.S. News & World Report)

How You’ll Succeed

The Master of Science in Architecture, Computational Design prepares students for success in the field of architecture by providing theoretical and historical knowledge, and advanced design skills and methodologies, as the basis for understanding and shaping the complex relationships between architecture, ecology and computational technologies.

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).