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ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN  [MSD-AAD]
ADVANCED
ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN  [MSD-AAD]
Advance Your Design Career at Penn
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Program Overview
The Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Advanced Architectural Design (MSD-AAD) is a one-year program for architecture graduates with five-year degrees.

The program emphasizes innovation and leadership over three semesters, integrating hands-on experience with advanced design technologies including generative AI and robotics. The curriculum focuses on design research and material significance, culminating in a capstone project.

Students benefit from a diverse community, travel opportunities, and a strong alumni network, while collaborating across Penn departments to foster creativity and critical thinking. This program serves as a launchpad for aspiring architects.
Fast-Track to Industry Leadership

Earn your Ivy League degree in just three semesters and unlock high-profile job opportunities, backed by a proven track record of placing graduates at world-renowned firms.

With a curriculum that fosters leadership and a STEM designation offering international students a three-year work visa, this program sets you on the path to making a significant impact in architecture.

Your journey to leadership begins here!

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Cutting-Edge Design Technology Integration

Dive into a transformative learning experience with hands-on work in generative AI, robotics, and large-scale fabrication.

Master industry-specific software to enhance your marketability and integrate advanced digital modeling into your design process, directly impacting material production and construction.

This is your chance to innovate and shape the future of architecture!

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Innovation-Focused Curriculum

Explore an emphasis on design research, fabrication, and material significance that elevates your architectural education.

Engage with contemporary and aesthetic theory courses that push beyond typical bachelor-level content, deepening your understanding of design.

The capstone project provides a hands-on opportunity to apply your skills and develop large-scale fabrications, allowing you to bring your innovative ideas to life!

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Global Perspective and Networking

Join a vibrant, diverse community of international students and faculty that enriches your educational experience.

Engage in travel studios to both Western and non-Western destinations, broadening your cultural understanding.

With access to Penn's extensive, world-class alumni network, you’ll build a powerful, career-long professional network that will support you in your architectural journey!

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Interdisciplinary Learning Environment

Take advantage of the option to enroll in electives across Penn, including the prestigious Wharton School, to broaden your academic experience.

Engage with diverse backgrounds that foster cross-disciplinary innovation and critically examine technology within contemporary architectural discourse.

This exposure will help you develop a unique creative voice, enriched by varied perspectives and methodologies that inspire your design process!

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Fast-Track to Industry Leadership
  • Ivy League degree completed in 3 semesters (1 calendar year).

  • Proven track record of placing graduates in high-profile positions at world-renowned firms.

  • Curriculum designed to enhance students' capacity to become leaders in the field.

  • STEM designation offering international students a 3-year work visa opportunity post-graduation.

Project on Assemblies
Cutting-Edge Design Technology Integration
  • Hands-on experience with generative AI tools, robotics applications, and large-scale fabrication techniques.

  • Mastery of industry-specific software that enhances marketability.

  • Integration of advanced digital modeling in design methodology, directly impacting material production and construction. processes.

  • Exposure to diverse academic backgrounds, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation.

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Innovation-Focused Curriculum
  • Contemporary and aesthetic theory courses, going beyond typical bachelor program content.

  • Capstone project allowing practical application of learned skills and development of assemblies and large scale fabrications. 

  • Emphasis on design research, fabrication, generative AI, robotics and material significance.

  • Critical engagement with technology in conversation with contemporary architectural discourse and theory.

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Global Perspective and Networking
  • Diverse, international student community and faculty.

  • Travel studios to both western and non-western destinations, broadening cultural understanding.

  • Access to Penn's extensive, world-class alumni network in architecture and related fields.

  • Opportunities to build a powerful, career-long professional network.

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Interdisciplinary Learning Environment
  • Option to take electives across other Penn schools, including the prestigious Wharton School.

  • Exposure to diverse academic backgrounds, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation.

  • Critical engagement with technology in conversation with contemporary architectural discourse and theory.

  • Development of a unique creative voice through exposure to varied perspectives and methodologies.

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Apply Now
Fast-Track to Industry Leadership

Earn your Ivy League degree in just three semesters and unlock high-profile job opportunities, backed by a proven track record of placing graduates at world-renowned firms. With a curriculum that fosters leadership and a STEM designation offering international students a three-year work visa, this program sets you on the path to making a significant impact in architecture. Your journey to leadership begins here!

Fast-Track to Industry Leadership

Ivy League degree completed in just 3 semesters (1 calendar year).

Proven track record of placing graduates in high-profile positions at world-renowned firms.

Curriculum designed to enhance students' capacity to become leaders in the field.

STEM designation offering international students a 3-year work visa opportunity post-graduation.

Apply Now
3D Printed Model Assembly
Curriculum
The innovative curriculum is meticulously designed for advanced-level inquiry and exploration.
Fall Term I
ARCH 703
Design Studio

This course rigorously examines design in New York City's urban context, blending historical insights with analysis of financial and construction dynamics. Students will develop innovative project proposals informed by the city’s architectural heritage. A week-long field study, coupled with generative AI tools, enhances their understanding and creative engagement with urban challenges.

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ARCH 710
Contemporary Theory 1993-Present

This course explores contemporary architecture from 1993 to today, examining its connections to modernism. Key themes include digital technologies, urban interiority, and narrative building. Students will create photorealistic renderings, analyze architectural contexts, and engage critically with readings. The course culminates in a mid-term and final paper, essential for the MSD-AAD curriculum.

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ARCH 741
Design Innovation

This course examines innovation in architecture as a cultural engagement rather than mere change. It emphasizes that sustainable innovation relies on effective design techniques that evolve with technology. Students will use Generative AI to create a façade with new materials and manufacturing methods, fostering critical discourse on innovation, aesthetics, and cultural relevance.

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ARCH XXX
Elective I

Students will select a 700 elective from the Architecture department's fall elective offerings.

Learn more
Spring Term II
ARCH 705
Design Research Studio

This course rigorously examines architectural detail and its conceptual implications in building design, allowing students to select projects aligned with their academic goals. With international exposure to diverse cultural contexts, students will develop detailed models, culminating in photorealistic renderings. The course incorporates advanced software tools, fostering effective design communication.

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ARCH 715
Contemporary Aesthetics Theory

This course explores the relationship between aesthetics and architecture within contemporary social and cultural contexts. It examines aesthetics beyond surface and style, focusing on its ties to material and political histories. Students analyze aesthetics through critical approaches, addressing issues like digital representation, AI, and post-colonial narratives, culminating in two papers.

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ARCH 733
New Materials and Methods

This course aims to help students develop a strong research proposal for their final design studio, focusing on digital fabrication and robotics with new materials like carbon fiber. Through critical discussions and collaborative debate, students will explore contemporary design practices and refine their research interests in material fabrication and architectural making.

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ARCH XXX
Elective II

Students will select a 700 elective from the Architecture department's Spring elective offerings.

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Summer Term III
ARCH 707
Fabrication Studio

This capstone studio integrates students; diverse knowledge through the design and fabrication of a full-scale building façade mock-up using advanced technologies like CNC milling, laser cutting, and robotics. Collaborating with instructors, students explore various construction methods, fostering a deep engagement with fabrication and preparing them for contemporary design challenges.

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ARCH 720
Visual Literacy

This course explores the digital shift's impact on architectural design and visualization, emphasizing diverse mediums like drawings, models, and simulations. Students will learn to translate ideas across forms and examine contemporary visualization topics. Three projects, complemented by lectures and critiques, culminate in a mid-term and final presentation, essential for the MSD-AAD curriculum.

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ARCH 747
Robotic Fabrication

This course explores architectural geometry in relation to robotic and digital fabrication, focusing on materials, machines, and generative design. Emphasizing hands-on experience, students will develop skills in design for fabrication and robotic operations. Through presentations and experimentation, they will refine their practices, enhancing creativity while addressing spatial and material challenges.

Learn more
Apply now
Cutting-Edge Design Technology Integration

Dive into a transformative learning experience with hands-on work in generative AI, robotics, and large-scale fabrication. Master industry-specific software to enhance your marketability and integrate advanced digital modeling into your design process, directly impacting material production and construction. This is your chance to innovate and shape the future of architecture!

Cutting-Edge Design Technology Integration

Hands-on experience with generative AI tools, robotics applications, and large-scale fabrication techniques.

Mastery of industry-specific software that enhances marketability.

Integration of advanced digital modeling in design methodology, directly impacting material production and construction processes.

Apply Now
Robotic Three-Dimensional Wirecutting
Projects
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The Advanced Architectural Design [MSD-AAD] lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque enim ipsum, sollicitudin at mattis quis, blandit sit amet dui.
Apply now
Cutting-Edge Design Technology Integration

Explore an emphasis on design research, fabrication, and material significance that elevates your architectural education. Engage with contemporary and aesthetic theory courses that push beyond typical bachelor-level content, deepening your understanding of design. The capstone project provides a hands-on opportunity to apply your skills and develop large-scale fabrications, allowing you to bring your innovative ideas to life!

Cutting-Edge Design Technology Integration

Hands-on experience with generative AI tools, robotics applications, and large-scale fabrication techniques.

Mastery of industry-specific software that enhances marketability.

Integration of advanced digital modeling in design methodology, directly impacting material production and construction processes.

Apply Now
Generative AI Geometry Study
Publications
Each research topic pursued by the MSD-AAD program is thoughtfully articulated by experts ranging from leading theorists to renowned architects. This collaborative effort not only highlights their insights but also incorporates student contributions, providing an excellent platform for students to showcase their work to a global audience.
Publications
Each research topic pursued by the MSD-AAD program is thoughtfully articulated by experts ranging from leading theorists to renowned architects. This collaborative effort not only highlights their insights but also incorporates student contributions, providing an excellent platform for students to showcase their work to a global audience.
Future Offices
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Future Airports
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Asset Architecture III
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Asset Architecture II
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Asset Architecture I
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Future Offices
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Future Airports
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Asset Architecture III
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Innovation-Focused Curriculum

Join a vibrant, diverse community of international students and faculty that enriches your educational experience. Engage in travel studios to both Western and non-Western destinations, broadening your cultural understanding. With access to Penn's extensive, world-class alumni network, you will build a powerful, career-long professional network that will support you in your architectural journey!

Innovation-Focused Curriculum

Contemporary and aesthetic theory courses, going beyond typical bachelor program content.

Capstone project allowing practical application of learned skills and development of assemblies and large scale fabrications. 

Emphasis on design research, fabrication, and material significance.

Apply Now
New York City Site Visit
Faculty
The faculty consists of distinguished experts with both national and international acclaim in their respective fields of instruction. Their extensive knowledge and experience enhance the educational experience, fostering a rich learning environment.
Faculty
The faculty consists of distinguished experts with both national and international acclaim in their respective fields of instruction. Their extensive knowledge and experience enhance the educational experience, fostering a rich learning environment.
Arash Adel
Andrew Saunders
Brian Deluna
Carl D'Apolito-Dworkin
Hyojin Kwon
Masoud Akbarzadeh
Matias Del Campo
Olivia Vien
Viola Ago
Apply now
Innovation-Focused Curriculum

Take advantage of the option to enroll in electives across Penn, including the prestigious Wharton School, to broaden your academic experience. Engage with diverse backgrounds that foster cross-disciplinary innovation and critically examine technology within contemporary architectural discourse. This exposure will help you develop a unique creative voice, enriched by varied perspectives and methodologies that inspire your design process!

Global Perspective and Networking

Diverse, international student community and faculty.

Travel studios to both western and non-western destinations, broadening cultural understanding.

Access to Penn's extensive, world-class alumni network in architecture and related fields.

Opportunities to build a powerful, career-long professional network.

Apply Now
Final Design Studio Review
Admissions
Applicants to the Advanced Architectural Design degree requires successful completion of a five-year Bachelor of Architecture professional degree from a national or international institution.

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts from each college or university attended for credit, a résumé, a digital portfolio of design work, one writing sample, a description of computing skills and software proficiency, and a personal statement describing his/her educational goals in taking the program. Submission of GRE scores is optional. International applicants must submit official IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL scores if English is not their first language.
Foreign Nationals and Architecture Accreditation

Foreign nationals holding a Bachelor of Architecture from their home country cannot be considered for our accredited Master of Architecture program but can pursue licensure in the U.S. through the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). Licensing requires meeting education, experience, and examination criteria, including credential evaluation via NAAB's Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) program. After evaluation, you must complete the necessary training and examinations. For more details on the accreditation process, visit

Fall Open House
November 4, 2024
Applications Due
January 3, 2025
Spring Open House
To Be Announced
Program Orientation
August 11, 2025
Classes begin
August 2025
Thank you for your interest in the MSD in Advanced Architectural Design program at the Weitzman School of Design!
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Interdisciplinary Learning Environment

Take advantage of the option to enroll in electives across Penn, including the prestigious Wharton School, to broaden your academic experience. Engage with diverse backgrounds that foster cross-disciplinary innovation and critically examine technology within contemporary architectural discourse. This exposure will help you develop a unique creative voice, enriched by varied perspectives and methodologies that inspire your design process!

Apply now
Interdisciplinary Learning Environment

Option to take electives across other Penn schools, including the prestigious Wharton School.

Exposure to diverse academic backgrounds, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation.

Critical engagement with technology in conversation with contemporary architectural discourse and theory.

Development of a unique creative voice through exposure to varied perspectives and methodologies.

Apply Now
Site Visit Guggenheim Museum New York City
Student Life
The Advanced Architectural Design [MSD-AAD] lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque enim ipsum, sollicitudin at mattis quis, blandit sit amet dui.
Student Life
Alumni
Our graduates go on to work at XYZ leading firms.
Lectures
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Zhu Pei
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Xu Weiguo
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Patrik Schumacher
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Nader Tehrani
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Preston Scott Cohen
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