Students work collaboratively in small groups (typically 2–3 students) or individually on a real-world design problem and site, usually of some complexity and on an urban / building scale. The studio typically meets with professors to conduct “desk crits” on two afternoons per week, with a weekly “pinup” setting the overall pace. In addition, an interim mid-term review, and final review, provides feedback for refinement, and assessment from professors and distinguished invited guest critics. 

This lecture/seminar course provides students with an understanding of the technologies that enable tall buildings and dense future cities, especially cutting-edge and emerging technologies. The technologies examined will embrace both the building and urban (infrastructure) scales. The course is delivered through weekly lectures, typically delivered by a high-profile subject expert from the field of practice, together with further research and discussion. 

Whereas the “Tall Building Technologies” course explores the technical / engineering aspects of Tall Buildings, this lecture/seminar course is focused on the “softer” side of tall buildings and cities, and examines the physical, environmental, and social sustainability implications of urban density at human, architectural, and urban scales. The course is convened as a seminar course, with three distinct aspects each week; (i) a presentation on a particular subject; (ii) a reading related to that subject; (iii) a comprehensive discussion around that subject.