The Doctoral Program in Architecture is jointly offered with the Institute of Civil Engineering. For admission, applicants should apply under the Institute of Civil Engineering, Doctoral Program – Group G (Architecture major).
The program requires 2 to 7 years of study. Students must pass the qualifying examination within three years of admission to obtain PhD candidacy. The PhD degree is conferred upon completion of the required credits, passing the final examination, and successful defense of the doctoral dissertation.
The program focuses on theory and applications of digital media, aiming to contribute to the broader field of architectural design. In recent years, architectural research related to computing has expanded from design computation to new media. The program is organized into three main research areas:
Explores new directions in design processes and methods through CAD/CAM fabrication technologies. Sub-topics include:
Free-form design and construction
Parametric modeling and generative design
Digital design and fabrication processes
Investigates new approaches to architectural space research using VR-CAVE and virtual reality technologies. Sub-topics include:
Virtual design processes
Cyberspace
Virtual reality and augmented reality
Focuses on new media in architectural and design theory. Sub-topics include:
Cognition and design thinking
Traditional, digital, and new media
Media theory and methodology
In addition, research also extends to network/information space and human-computer interaction.
Globally, these emerging areas are gaining increasing recognition, with many leading universities and research institutes—including MIT (Architecture and Media Lab), Harvard GSD, ETH Zurich, TU Delft, and the AA School in London—pioneering related developments.
To address these challenges, two key conditions are essential:
Maintaining a forward-looking vision for new media development in order to keep pace with and lead global advancements.
Recruiting the most talented faculty and students to ensure outstanding research quality and impact.
