M.Arch - MASTER IN ARCHITECTURE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Admittance in to the MBA program is for Fall only and follows a specific course sequence designed by the professors. These courses are reserved for students of Graduate standing. The M.Arch courses are 3 credits each if not otherwise indicated. 

Core Courses

MARC/6000 - Architectural Options Studio I 
This course addresses architectural problems in the following fields: urban design and environmental design. The following topics will be explored: the development of the present urban condition in Torino, structural and environmental systems, building assemblies and the changing of project topics within various contexts. A design project.
Credits: 6

MARC/6100 - Architectural Options Studio II 
This course addresses architectural problems in the following fields: construction technology, electronic media, urban design, the history and theory of architecture, environmental design and culture and practice. Students will affront many projects which will be based on a number of critical and ideological themes. Following each project, students are requested to give an oral and written report of their project. 
Credits: 6

MARC/6200 - Architecture Theory and Criticism I
Students will study and discuss critical readings from ancient to modern times. Critical study of theoretical writings and architectural production prior to the twentieth century. Authors include: Semper, Vitruivius, Ruskin, Alberti, Laugier, Loos, Benjamin, Arendt, Evand, Choay and many others. Texts from these authors will be discussed with concentration on the following topics: the social role of the architect and his/her responsibilities, beauty and ornament, the correct and appropriate uses of materials and labor and the relationship between theory and practice.
A paper and oral presentation will be required.

MARC/6300 - Architecture Theory and Criticism II
This course continues the critical investigation begun in the first part of this course starting from the twentieth century and moving onwards. Themes will include: an analysis of genres, movements and ideologies in the field of architecture in this past century, the questioning of modernist canons, gender and other issues, the role that technology has played in this century.

MARC/6400 - Advanced Structures 
This course focuses on the study and investigation of various structural materials, connections and details. Students will study various design criteria for specific materials, such as timber, steel, and concrete, and are introduced to the proper use of various building codes in the structural design process.

MARC/6500 - Architecture, Globalization, and Urbanization 
This course addresses the impact of globalization of the field of architecture. Students will focus on the architecture’s potentially positive role in globalization and how patterns in settlement, social and health factors, an inequity among countries impact the field of architecture. 

MARC/6600 - Advanced Architectural Technology
This course will focus on complex technological systems regarding both construction and envelop techniques as well as the most advanced materials and assembling methods. The high tech approach will be evaluated in a critical manner, comparing examples of buildings, including skyscrapers, in order to assess their functional values as well as critical environmental and cultural aspects.

MARC/6700 - Landscape Architecture
This course is based on the theories and methods relative to drafting, planning and the management of green spaces. Using logic which considers ecological environmental problems, students will learn to plan outdoor spaces. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the use of vegetation as micro-climatic regulation and as an anti-pollution agent.

Concentrations: Sustainable Urban Planning

MARC/7000 - Evolution of Urban Structure
This course discusses the history, evolution of the various forces which influence the shape of places. Topics may include the historical changes in urban structures as well as the economical, political, technological and cultural forces relative to this evolution and the history of the occupation and thought of urban planning.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/7100 - Urban Planning Concepts and Controversies about Sustainability
This course will familiarize students with a range of concepts relative to the planning process with emphasis on the effects of strategies and decision making process on the environment.
Through case studies, lectures, and readings, it compares the origins of traditional project planning with new and emerging approaches based on sustainable development. It will also investigate relevant ethical implications as well as the relationships between planning theory and practice.
Prerequisite: Core Courses
 
MARC/7200 - Research Methods in Sustainable Urban Planning
In this course students will learn about the different methods employed in the analysis and investigation of various planning activities, such as the methods commonly used in urban planning, research design, and demographic analysis. The main aspects linking planning strategies to their effects on the environmental quality of neighborhoods and cities will be analyzed and discussed. Students will investigate both traditional and non-traditional approaches to research as well as methods focusing on sustainable planning.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/7300 - Quantitative Methods for Sustainable Urban Planning
In this course students will become familiar with quantitative methods relevant to project urban planning such as economic analysis, statistical analysis, environmental impact analysis, and planning practice. This course will permit students to undertake independent research projects. Students will gain the skills needed for report preparation and analysis for planning studios, with particular emphasis on a sustainable approach to the strategy building process.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/7400 - Sustainable Urban Planning Theory and Practice
This course focuses on the professional and intellectual foundations which are at the base of theories and practical techniques of contemporary urban planning highlighting the main interactions between planning and environmental quality. Students will analyze this foundation with emphasis on sustainable development.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/7500 - Urban Environment Preservation Planning
This course is a study of the various techniques and philosophies relative to historic places and their evaluation, identification, and treatment. Students will analyze contemporary political, economic, and legal issues relevant to planning action for preservation of the urban environment. Students will explore preservation planning techniques such as surveying, planning, and documenting.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/7600 - Urban Environment Revitalization
This course addresses the difficulties and possibilities relevant to previously planned urban neighborhoods and downtowns in the perspective of a future sustainable development. Themes may include physical decay, environmental pollution, outdoor discomfort conditions, typical neighborhood change processes, revitalization techniques, and market decline. Students will also explore the role of private lending institutions in change and the financing of neighborhood improvement programs.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

Concentrations: Sustainable Architecture

MARC/8000 - Indoor Environmental Quality in Sustainable Design Buildings
This course focuses on indoor environments and focuses may include: thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality, visual comfort, and appropriate acoustical quality, overall physical and psychological well-being for workplace quality, performance and productivity. 
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/8100 - Sustainable Design of Energy Efficient Building
This course investigates important aspects of sustainable design in relation to construction and the efficiency of energy use. Areas of focus may include the analysis of energy software, heating loads, cooling loads, integrated photovoltaics, the technology of passive solar design and sustainable design’s impact on fuel consumption. 
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/8200 - Sustainable Design with Efficient Materials and Resources
This course discusses the materials and resources which are efficient in implementing sustainable design in architectural works. Focus areas may include: the conservation of materials and energy, ground water recharge, recycling and the reduction of waste and water reclamation.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/8300 - Environmental Policy and Planning
In this course students will examine contemporary environmental policy and planning utilized. Through the examination of case-studies at the local, state, and federal levels, students gain a firm grasp of the framework in which programs and policies relative to environmental planning are employed. Focus areas may include: public investment, moral suasion, regulations, and public incentives.  
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/8400 - Environnemental Impact Assessment
Aim of this course is to supply the students with concepts, methods, and tools to evaluate environmental impacts of any major infrastructural projects. The most important environmental impact indicators according to USA and European standards will be analyzed both theoretically and through application to case studies.
Prerequisite: Core Courses 

MARC/8500 - Bioclimatic Building Design
This course examines the connection between bioclimatic building design and environmental sustainability. This course is an in-depth focus of bioclimatic building design with respect to environmental sustainability. Students will learn how to maximize thermal comfort and minimize the need for energy for the heating and cooling of buildings. The course will also explore the effects of architectural design on indoor climates.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/8600 - Environmental Evaluation of Building Projects
Aim of this course is to supply the students with concepts, methods, and tools to evaluate environmental impacts of building and urban new construction and renewal projects. Life Cycle Assessment methodology as well as environmental quality indicators according to ISO standards will be analyzed both theoretically and through application to case studies.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/8700 - Life Cycle Assessment of Construction Works
This course examines the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology applied to construction works and, in particular, to buildings. LCA inventory and assessment techniques will be described as well as the main impact indicators related to materials, components production and installation in buildings: global warming potential, acidification, eutrofization, ozone depletion and photochemical pollution.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

Research and Professional Practice

MARC/8900 - Internship
An internship serves as practical and professional experience and serves as a springboard for the development of a research project. Students will apply knowledge acquired during the program and will learn to work in teams. The host company and a faculty member will decide which project to develop.
Prerequisite: Core Courses

MARC/9000, MARC/9050 - Master’s Project Studio 
Architectural theses projects will emphasize the integration of practical professional skills through the formulation of architectural propositions grounded in critical, speculative, and creative research. These projects will be conducted in a Master’s Project Studio. 
Prerequisite: Core Courses
Credits: 6 Credits total