The Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) serves as a versatile platform for a variety of courses at Taubman College, offering access to visualization technologies and resources. The TVLab enhances existing courses by integrating workshops, tutorials, and demonstrations that leverage its advanced technological capabilities. We collaborate closely with faculty and students to elevate their course materials, tailoring our technological design expertise to match their specific needs and goals. This collaboration allows for the experimentation and display of innovative projects, ensuring that each course utilizing the TVLab fully benefits from the unique opportunities our space provides.
Winter 2025
ARCH 256: Immersion
Exploring the simultaneous assembly of people and material in a particular location and time, this studio module introduces students to contextually based design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Exploring the simultaneous assembly of people and material in a particular location and time, this studio module introduces students to contextually based design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
ARCH 259: Orientation
This studio module fosters awareness of relationships between bodies and objects in space, at full scale. Students learn to base design decisions on contextually based prompts, and the way that each design decision remakes the context for design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Learning objectives:
This studio module fosters awareness of relationships between bodies and objects in space, at full scale. Students learn to base design decisions on contextually based prompts, and the way that each design decision remakes the context for design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Learning objectives:
- Understanding body and positionality in space.
- Introduction to body/object relationships.
- Introduction to object/environment relationships
- Introduction to digital/physical relationships.
- Introduction to making body-scale objects.
- Introduction to paper craft.
ARCH 323:
History of Architecture II: Modernisms, Antecedents, & Malcontents
This course examines the global histories of modernist architectures in the sociocultural, political, and economic contexts in which they were theorized, conceptualized, created, deployed, critiqued, coopted, adopted, and rejected. We will explore these histories through both hegemonic and counter hegemonic frameworks that scholars and critics have employed such as ‘alternative modernism’, and ‘global modernisms’. Throughout the course will examine architectural modernisms’ historical antecedents, the various manifestation and offshoots, as well as the philosophies and forms that developed in response.
This course examines the global histories of modernist architectures in the sociocultural, political, and economic contexts in which they were theorized, conceptualized, created, deployed, critiqued, coopted, adopted, and rejected. We will explore these histories through both hegemonic and counter hegemonic frameworks that scholars and critics have employed such as ‘alternative modernism’, and ‘global modernisms’. Throughout the course will examine architectural modernisms’ historical antecedents, the various manifestation and offshoots, as well as the philosophies and forms that developed in response.
ARCH 509: Re-Finishing
RE·FIN·ISH
/re’finiSH
1. apply a new finish to (a surface or object).
2. an act of refinishing a surface or object.
To re-finish is to bring new life or reading to a material object or space. This course will re-image the finishin course from a year ago, and expand upon its techniques of fabrication and representation, with a special emphasis on projection mapping.
This shift to a representational materiality, while offering infinite formal potential, creates a crisis of traditional tectonic expression in architecture. No longer is the aesthetic of material tied to its performance. Traditional tectonic expressions of structure and materiality are now clad with performative requirements of continuous exterior insulation, fire-rated wall assemblies, and sound transmission class, as we will see.
In this course students will be encouraged to explore new formal potentials to propose an expressive architecture of finishes
RE·FIN·ISH
/re’finiSH
1. apply a new finish to (a surface or object).
2. an act of refinishing a surface or object.
To re-finish is to bring new life or reading to a material object or space. This course will re-image the finishin course from a year ago, and expand upon its techniques of fabrication and representation, with a special emphasis on projection mapping.
This shift to a representational materiality, while offering infinite formal potential, creates a crisis of traditional tectonic expression in architecture. No longer is the aesthetic of material tied to its performance. Traditional tectonic expressions of structure and materiality are now clad with performative requirements of continuous exterior insulation, fire-rated wall assemblies, and sound transmission class, as we will see.
In this course students will be encouraged to explore new formal potentials to propose an expressive architecture of finishes
ARCH
662: Thesis Studio-
Constructed Actors
Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 662 is a studio course that constitutes the continuation and realization of the research and exploration initiated in ARCH 660. The product of the thesis studio is a presentation and documentation of the thesis at the end of the winter term. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 662 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Constructed Actors
Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 662 is a studio course that constitutes the continuation and realization of the research and exploration initiated in ARCH 660. The product of the thesis studio is a presentation and documentation of the thesis at the end of the winter term. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 662 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Fall 2024
ARCH 256: Immersion
Exploring the simultaneous assembly of people and material in a particular location and time, this studio module introduces students to contextually based design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Exploring the simultaneous assembly of people and material in a particular location and time, this studio module introduces students to contextually based design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
ARCH 313/413: History of Architecture
This course examines histories, theories, and politics of architecture in, of, and
from the Africa continent and its global diasporas. It uses a multidisciplinary
approach with a range of conventional and unconventional sources to
re-examine hegemonic (hi)stories of architecture towards extending or
countering them. We will study various examples ranging from relatively
well-documented, celebrated, and monumental examples of architecture to
the more mundane, easily-overlooked, and often-forgotten. Although focused
on Africa, the aspects of the built environment and peoples’ experiences with it
that we explore through this course extend geographically and thematically
around the world.
This course examines histories, theories, and politics of architecture in, of, and
from the Africa continent and its global diasporas. It uses a multidisciplinary
approach with a range of conventional and unconventional sources to
re-examine hegemonic (hi)stories of architecture towards extending or
countering them. We will study various examples ranging from relatively
well-documented, celebrated, and monumental examples of architecture to
the more mundane, easily-overlooked, and often-forgotten. Although focused
on Africa, the aspects of the built environment and peoples’ experiences with it
that we explore through this course extend geographically and thematically
around the world.
ARCH 432: Architectural
Design III
(UG3)
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
(UG3)
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
ARCH 672: Architectural Design VII (2G3/3G6)- Negotiating the City
These graduate-level design studios examine special topics in architecture of advanced scale and complexity. Approximately twelve studio sections are offered in each Fall term, each with a unique focus. Examples include: aesthetic concerns, comprehensive building design, housing, community design, urban design, historic preservation and conservation, sustainability, digital technology, and other advanced experimental design methods. Detailed course descriptions for each section are posted during registration. Depending on the goals of the studio section, ARCH 672 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
These graduate-level design studios examine special topics in architecture of advanced scale and complexity. Approximately twelve studio sections are offered in each Fall term, each with a unique focus. Examples include: aesthetic concerns, comprehensive building design, housing, community design, urban design, historic preservation and conservation, sustainability, digital technology, and other advanced experimental design methods. Detailed course descriptions for each section are posted during registration. Depending on the goals of the studio section, ARCH 672 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
ARCH 660: Thesis Seminar-
Constructed Actors
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Constructed Actors
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Winter 2024
ARCH 259: Orientation
This studio module fosters awareness of relationships between bodies and objects in space, at full scale. Students learn to base design decisions on contextually based prompts, and the way that each design decision remakes the context for design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Learning objectives:
This studio module fosters awareness of relationships between bodies and objects in space, at full scale. Students learn to base design decisions on contextually based prompts, and the way that each design decision remakes the context for design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Learning objectives:
-
Understanding body and positionality in space.
-
Introduction to body/object relationships.
-
Introduction to object/environment relationships
-
Introduction to digital/physical relationships.
-
Introduction to making body-scale objects.
-
Introduction to paper craft.
ARCH 442: Wallenberg (UG4)
A continuation of ARCH 432, this course addresses problems of moderate complexity in a more thorough and comprehensive manner. The objectives are:
1. To provide experience in urban site analysis and design.
2. To gain further insight into the issues of contextualism in design.
3. To gain experience in multi-level building organization and design.
4. To apply knowledge of building science skills.
5. To reinforce skills in all aspects of design communications.
Most or all of the term is focused on a single design problem.
A continuation of ARCH 432, this course addresses problems of moderate complexity in a more thorough and comprehensive manner. The objectives are:
1. To provide experience in urban site analysis and design.
2. To gain further insight into the issues of contextualism in design.
3. To gain experience in multi-level building organization and design.
4. To apply knowledge of building science skills.
5. To reinforce skills in all aspects of design communications.
Most or all of the term is focused on a single design problem.
ARCH 422: Architectural Design (3G3)– Situation
A situation is the manner in which objects and/or people are disposed in a particular location and time. As the third and final studio in the graduate foundations sequence, situation builds on form’s emphasis on formal and geometric logics by focusing on the interactions of program and circumstances (real and virtual) at various scales, temporalities, and platforms. The semester introduces a range of design strategies and representational techniques, with the ambition to test architecture’s capacity for sponsoring activities and anticipating scenarios. Students will be challenged to situate architecture in contexts not defined only by locality or geography, but also by social, cultural and institutional conditions.
A situation is the manner in which objects and/or people are disposed in a particular location and time. As the third and final studio in the graduate foundations sequence, situation builds on form’s emphasis on formal and geometric logics by focusing on the interactions of program and circumstances (real and virtual) at various scales, temporalities, and platforms. The semester introduces a range of design strategies and representational techniques, with the ambition to test architecture’s capacity for sponsoring activities and anticipating scenarios. Students will be challenged to situate architecture in contexts not defined only by locality or geography, but also by social, cultural and institutional conditions.
ARCH 509:
Augmented Tectonics
Augmented Tectonics introduces students to methods of analysis in the built environment using extended realities (XR). Leveraging VR and AR development tools, this course will engage and evaluate the design of healthcare spaces. Students will develop research as the spatial liaisons bringing a specific and critical body of knowledge based on design thinking for the envisioning and shaping of three spaces: wellness/break area for the staff, hospital patient care room and an outpatient exam room. Funded by the Arts+ the Curriculum program, the course will be completed in tandem with a course from the School of Nursing which will focus on quality improvement theories and practices, predictive analytics and quality improvement data that inform care delivery in healthcare systems. The objective is to allow architecture students and nursing students to share knowledge and experience specific to their respective disciplines as a way to question known methods and foster non-traditional outcomes for working in and designing co-creatively. The results of the work will be further tested through simulation studies at the University of Michigan Clinical Simulation Center (CSC).
Augmented Tectonics introduces students to methods of analysis in the built environment using extended realities (XR). Leveraging VR and AR development tools, this course will engage and evaluate the design of healthcare spaces. Students will develop research as the spatial liaisons bringing a specific and critical body of knowledge based on design thinking for the envisioning and shaping of three spaces: wellness/break area for the staff, hospital patient care room and an outpatient exam room. Funded by the Arts+ the Curriculum program, the course will be completed in tandem with a course from the School of Nursing which will focus on quality improvement theories and practices, predictive analytics and quality improvement data that inform care delivery in healthcare systems. The objective is to allow architecture students and nursing students to share knowledge and experience specific to their respective disciplines as a way to question known methods and foster non-traditional outcomes for working in and designing co-creatively. The results of the work will be further tested through simulation studies at the University of Michigan Clinical Simulation Center (CSC).
ARCH 509: Simulating the Commons
This class will be an introduction to simulations using the game engine Unity3D. The course teaches you how to produce Actor-Network models and simulate the exchange of resources between different entities by programming using C-Sharp within Unity. The course will cover the foundations of systems where multiple autonomous actors can change behavior based on interdependence with other entities. The course will dive into models of cooperation that allows multiple actors to sustain and nurture common pool resources, as well as simulating the actions that can disrupt or generate resilience for the system. The course assumes no previous knowledge of game engines or programming.
This class will be an introduction to simulations using the game engine Unity3D. The course teaches you how to produce Actor-Network models and simulate the exchange of resources between different entities by programming using C-Sharp within Unity. The course will cover the foundations of systems where multiple autonomous actors can change behavior based on interdependence with other entities. The course will dive into models of cooperation that allows multiple actors to sustain and nurture common pool resources, as well as simulating the actions that can disrupt or generate resilience for the system. The course assumes no previous knowledge of game engines or programming.
ARCH 509: Mixed Feelings
Are we done with remote interactions? Now that the tech giants want us to embrace the metaverse, should we reflexively reject it? Is architecture, with all of its messy materiality and embedded power relations, still more desirable than “Zoom School?” Or is there still something exciting about the possibility of mixed-presence, mixed-reality experiences? Hasn’t streaming culture proven that it organizes new audiences? Can architecture advance the radical possibilities of this new mediated world?
Admittedly, we have mixed feelings.
Beginning from this ethical ambivalence, students will build a critical position on architecture’s relationship to mediated interactions. Through an open-ended, hands-on, collective approach, students will design and produce a mixed-presence, mixed-reality event that will serve as the final review for the course. Making extensive use of the new TVLab and other available emerging technologies, this media experiment could suggest new models for college events like final reviews, symposia, and lectures.
Are we done with remote interactions? Now that the tech giants want us to embrace the metaverse, should we reflexively reject it? Is architecture, with all of its messy materiality and embedded power relations, still more desirable than “Zoom School?” Or is there still something exciting about the possibility of mixed-presence, mixed-reality experiences? Hasn’t streaming culture proven that it organizes new audiences? Can architecture advance the radical possibilities of this new mediated world?
Admittedly, we have mixed feelings.
Beginning from this ethical ambivalence, students will build a critical position on architecture’s relationship to mediated interactions. Through an open-ended, hands-on, collective approach, students will design and produce a mixed-presence, mixed-reality event that will serve as the final review for the course. Making extensive use of the new TVLab and other available emerging technologies, this media experiment could suggest new models for college events like final reviews, symposia, and lectures.
ARCH 509: Finishing
In this course, students will be encouraged to explore new formal potentials to propose an expressive architecture of finishes. This course will be structured as a 2-part work shop with both a representational and fabrication component. The first half of the course will be dedicated to deriving a catalog of image-based textures and material surfaces, which students will develop into a constructed detail condition in the second half of the semester.
In this course, students will be encouraged to explore new formal potentials to propose an expressive architecture of finishes. This course will be structured as a 2-part work shop with both a representational and fabrication component. The first half of the course will be dedicated to deriving a catalog of image-based textures and material surfaces, which students will develop into a constructed detail condition in the second half of the semester.
ARCH 662: Thesis Studio
Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 662 is a studio course that constitutes the continuation and realization of the research and exploration initiated in ARCH 660. The product of the thesis studio is a presentation and documentation of the thesis at the end of the winter term. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 662 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 662 is a studio course that constitutes the continuation and realization of the research and exploration initiated in ARCH 660. The product of the thesis studio is a presentation and documentation of the thesis at the end of the winter term. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 662 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Mon, Thu 1:00-6:00pm
Instructor(s):
Jose Sanchez + Ishan Pal Singh, Alina Nazmeeva
Course Link:
ARCH 662
Instructor(s):
Jose Sanchez + Ishan Pal Singh, Alina Nazmeeva
Course Link:
ARCH 662
Fall 2023
ARCH 256: Immersion
Exploring the simultaneous assembly of people and material in a particular location and time, this studio module introduces students to contextually based design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
Exploring the simultaneous assembly of people and material in a particular location and time, this studio module introduces students to contextually based design. Though intended primarily for students considering a design-related career, it is open to students from any discipline wishing to improve their design literacy.
ARCH 432: Architectural
Design III
(UG3)
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
(UG3)
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
ARCH 552: Architectural Design V (2G1/3G4)- Institutions
These graduate-level studio design courses, characterized by architectural problems of increasing scale and complexity, usually one semester in length, require solutions that are thorough in their conception, development, and execution. Approximately twelve studio sections are offered in each regular term, each with a unique focus, but all dedicated to comprehensive architectural design. Examples include: aesthetic and symbolic issues, comprehensive building design, facilities planning, housing, community design, urban design, historic preservation and conservation, the architect as developer, structure, energy systems and conservation, professional practice and management, computer applications to design, and honors studio. Detailed course descriptions for each section are posted during registration. Many sections require that specific 500/600-level architecture lecture/seminar courses be taken prior to or concurrent with the design studio.
These graduate-level studio design courses, characterized by architectural problems of increasing scale and complexity, usually one semester in length, require solutions that are thorough in their conception, development, and execution. Approximately twelve studio sections are offered in each regular term, each with a unique focus, but all dedicated to comprehensive architectural design. Examples include: aesthetic and symbolic issues, comprehensive building design, facilities planning, housing, community design, urban design, historic preservation and conservation, the architect as developer, structure, energy systems and conservation, professional practice and management, computer applications to design, and honors studio. Detailed course descriptions for each section are posted during registration. Many sections require that specific 500/600-level architecture lecture/seminar courses be taken prior to or concurrent with the design studio.
ARCH 672: Architectural Design VII (2G3/3G6)- Propositions
These graduate-level design studios examine special topics in architecture of advanced scale and complexity. Approximately twelve studio sections are offered in each Fall term, each with a unique focus. Examples include: aesthetic concerns, comprehensive building design, housing, community design, urban design, historic preservation and conservation, sustainability, digital technology, and other advanced experimental design methods. Detailed course descriptions for each section are posted during registration. Depending on the goals of the studio section, ARCH 672 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
These graduate-level design studios examine special topics in architecture of advanced scale and complexity. Approximately twelve studio sections are offered in each Fall term, each with a unique focus. Examples include: aesthetic concerns, comprehensive building design, housing, community design, urban design, historic preservation and conservation, sustainability, digital technology, and other advanced experimental design methods. Detailed course descriptions for each section are posted during registration. Depending on the goals of the studio section, ARCH 672 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
ARCH 660: Thesis Seminar
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Thesis is composed of two components: a three-credit-hour seminar in the fall term and a six-credit-hour thesis studio in the winter term. Thesis combines research and design under faculty-directed topics and foci. Individual thesis sections will offer opportunities ranging from self-directed student work to collective design and research on faculty-determined projects. ARCH 660 will vary according to thesis section, and will introduce students to theory, research, and design methods necessary to undertake each section’s thesis agenda. Depending on the goals of the thesis section, ARCH 660 may involve experience working closely with a client or organization.
Fri 1:00 - 4:00pm
Instructor(s):
Jose Sanchez + Ishan Pal Singh, Alina Nazmeeva,
Emily Kutil
Course Link:
ARCH 660
Instructor(s):
Jose Sanchez + Ishan Pal Singh, Alina Nazmeeva,
Emily Kutil
Course Link:
ARCH 660
UD 712: Urban Design Studio I
The first studio applies selected issues, ideas, and theories to the design and development of a new community—typically on a greenfield site in metropolitan Detroit. Compact, mixed-use, mixed-income, walkable, and transit-oriented development will be emphasized within a socio-cultural, economic, and environmental context.
The first studio applies selected issues, ideas, and theories to the design and development of a new community—typically on a greenfield site in metropolitan Detroit. Compact, mixed-use, mixed-income, walkable, and transit-oriented development will be emphasized within a socio-cultural, economic, and environmental context.
Mon, Thu 1:00 - 6:00pm
Instructor(s):
Gabriel Cuellar
Course Link:
UD 712
Instructor(s):
Gabriel Cuellar
Course Link:
UD 712
Architecture and Urban Planning
Tel. 734.881.4062
TVLabTaubmanCollege@umich.edu
TVLabTaubmanCollege@umich.edu
Room #2106
2000 Bonisteel Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
2000 Bonisteel Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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