Master in Design Studies
The Master in Design Studies is a one-and-a-half year, postprofessional, non-studio degree program (MDesS) designed to enable students with specialized interests to pursue advanced studies through course work and independent study in the areas of history and philosophy of design, technology, urbanism, landscape, ecology, sustainability, critical conservation, art, design and the public domain, anticipatory spatial practice and real estate. These areas of study complement the traditional elements of the GSD curriculum and allow students to customize a cross-disciplinary course of study with a high level of specialization. The MDesS program seeks highly motivated students with a keen commitment to rigorous research in emerging domains of design.
Program Directors
Martin Bechthold, Professor of Architectural Technology
Sanford Kwinter, Professor of Architectural Theory and Criticism
Concentration Areas
We are currently offering eight different concentration areas. These interdisciplinary areas of study are designed to reflect the diversity and evolving interests of the students participating in the MDesS program, as well as the changing nature of professional practice and scholarly research in the field of design. The research topics pursued by MDesS students are diverse and highly interdisciplinary.
For more information about the program feel free to visit us in Gund Hall, 48 Quincy Street, Room 334, or contact the program administrator at mdes@gsd.harvard.edu.
Art, Design and the Public Domain
Art, Design and the Public Domain will resonate with students who seek to engage with the public and social realm–physical or virtual–with a view to shaping and transforming human action and historical experience.
Anticipatory Spatial Practice
The program will provide students with the intellectual skills to develop preemptive, anticipatory practices in the areas of design, analysis, urban and territorial management and development.
Critical and Strategic Conservation
MDesS candidates in the Critical and Strategic Conservation concentration will pursue advanced studies in the history and theory of architecture, landscape, and urbanism, building and landscape technologies, materials and construction, property rights and justice.
History and Philosophy of Design
In the History and Philosophy of Design concentration, the history and theory of modern and contemporary architecture and urbanism is emphasized, as are new methodologies for the analysis and interpretation of architectural culture.
Real Estate
Real Estate focuses on both private and public real estate development, including finance, project management and leadership, regulation and permitting, and other aspects of implementation.
Check out the Harvard Real Estate Development Club and the MDesS Project Management Hub Website
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design focuses on design strategies and technologies employed in the creation of ecologically balanced, comfortable and energetically efficient environments
Check out the GSD-Squared Site
Technology
The Technology concentration focuses on new technologies and innovation as drivers of creative, even speculative design thinking. Studies in technology examine design computation, robotic fabrication and CAD/CAM, responsive and augmented environments, and advanced materials and structural systems.
Check out the Design Robotics Group
Urbanism, Landscape, Ecology
Urbanism, Landscape, Ecology looks at the contemporary practices of urbanism which are increasingly informed by sensibilities and stories of knowledge broadly associated with the study of the natural world. As model and metaphor on the one hand, and as applied science on the other, urban and architectural practices and habits of thought are increasingly engaged with ecological thinking.
