Master in Design Studies (MDesS)
Advanced Materials & Systems
This course of study focuses on recent and emerging developments in the domain of new materials and innovative construction systems. Courses address high performance materials such as composites, laminates, ultra-high strength fiber concrete, and the emerging field of smart materials. Closely related to the ongoing evolution of smart materials are the development and design of responsive and intelligent environments. A second focus is on innovations in structures and construction systems, some of which derive new performative qualities through the implementation of high-performance materials, advanced computational design methods and optimization approaches. Included in this study focus are, for example, lightweight structures, structural surfaces, and kinetic environments. Students pursuing this topical area make extensive use of the GSD's state-of the art workshops and labs that include facilities for (rapid) prototyping and material testing.
Courses
Typical electives:
6212 Advanced Materials and Technologies
6315 Innovation in Structure
6328 In Search of the Engineer
6408 Structural Surfaces
6418 Smart Materials
In addition to the GSD course offerings students are encouraged to take courses offered at the Harvard Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science.