Harvard Graduate School of Design: Innovative Architecture and Design Research

Author

Reads 8.1K

A globe next to abstract geometric shapes on a light background, ideal for education or design concepts.
Credit: pexels.com, A globe next to abstract geometric shapes on a light background, ideal for education or design concepts.

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is a hub for innovative architecture and design research. The school offers a range of programs, including the Master in Design Studies (MDes) and the Master of Architecture (MArch) degrees.

These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle complex design challenges. The MDes program, for example, allows students to focus on a specific area of interest, such as real estate or urban planning.

The school's faculty is comprised of accomplished architects, designers, and scholars who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design research. Many of these faculty members have won prestigious awards for their work, and have published numerous books and articles on design-related topics.

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is a place where creativity and rigor come together to produce innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Academics and Research

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is a hub for academic excellence and innovative research. The school offers a wide range of degree programs, including the Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA) and the Master of Architecture (MArch).

Expand your knowledge: Master Design Furniture

Credit: youtube.com, Sarah Whiting named Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design

Here are some of the degree programs offered by the GSD:

  • Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA I)
  • Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA I AP)
  • Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA II) (Post-professional)
  • Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD) (Post-professional)
  • Master of Architecture (MArch I)
  • Master of Architecture (MArch II) (Post-professional)
  • Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD) (Post-professional)
  • Master in Urban Planning (MUP)
  • Master in Real Estate (MRE)
  • Master in Design Engineering (MDE)
  • Master in Design Studies (MDes)
  • Doctor of Design (DDes)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning (PhD)

The GSD also supports research and publications, including the bi-annual Harvard Design Magazine and the Wheelwright Prize, an international architecture traveling fellowship.

Research and Publications

The GSD is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation through research and publications. They administer the prestigious Loeb Fellowship, which has been around since 1935, and offers the international architecture traveling fellowship known as the Wheelwright Prize.

The school has also hosted numerous research initiatives, such as the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure and TUT-POL: Transforming Urban Transport - The Role of Political Leadership, led by Diane E. Davis and Lily Song. These projects demonstrate the GSD's focus on solving real-world problems.

In addition to these initiatives, the GSD publishes a bi-annual magazine called Harvard Design Magazine, as well as Platform and other design books and studio works. This provides a platform for students, faculty, and alumni to share their research and ideas.

The GSD Design Labs synthesize theoretical and applied knowledge through research, with the intent to enable design to be an agent of change in society.

If this caught your attention, see: Furniture Magazine Design

Salvaged Stadium: Wang Yaohua's Post-Olympic Proposal

A focused architect sketching designs at a desk, illuminated by a lamp indoors.
Credit: pexels.com, A focused architect sketching designs at a desk, illuminated by a lamp indoors.

Yaohua Wang's thesis project, Salvaged Stadium, offers a solution for arena reuse after the Olympics.

The project delves into the afterlife of Olympic facilities, providing a potential solution for post-event sustainability.

Many stadiums and arenas around the world fall into disuse and dilapidation mere months after the games.

The soaring costs associated with constructing Olympic facilities have plagued organizers for decades.

The Watercube, a facility constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is being converted into the city's newest waterpark.

This transformation is a prime example of post-Olympic reuse in China, where facilities are being repurposed for new uses.

Yaohua Wang's proposal, Salvaged Stadium, aims to provide a solution for arena reuse that can be applied worldwide.

Wang's project is a result of re-evaluating the Olympic development problem, taking into account the challenges faced by host cities.

The International Olympic Committee reported an all-time low number of bids from host cities for the 2022 Winter Olympics due to the soaring costs associated with constructing Olympic facilities.

Academics

Credit: youtube.com, Defining Research | Critical Concepts in Academic Research

The school offers a wide range of graduate programs that cater to different interests and career goals. Students can pursue a Master's degree in various fields such as Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Design Engineering, and Design Studies.

The Master's programs include the Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA), Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD), Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD), Master in Urban Planning (MUP), Master in Real Estate (MRE), Master in Design Engineering (MDE), and Master in Design Studies (MDes).

Some of the Master's programs are designed for professionals, such as the Master of Architecture (MArch II) and the Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD), which are post-professional degrees. Others, like the Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA I), are designed for students who have completed their undergraduate studies.

Here are some of the graduate programs offered by the school:

  • Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA I)
  • Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA I AP)
  • Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA II) (Post-professional)
  • Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD) (Post-professional)
  • Master of Architecture (MArch I)
  • Master of Architecture (MArch II) (Post-professional)
  • Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD) (Post-professional)
  • Master in Urban Planning (MUP)
  • Master in Real Estate (MRE)
  • Master in Design Engineering (MDE)
  • Master in Design Studies (MDes)
  • Doctor of Design (DDes)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning (PhD)

Campus and Facilities

Credit: youtube.com, First Day of Grad School Vlog! | Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD)

The Harvard Graduate School of Design campus is located northeast of Harvard Yard and across the street from Memorial Hall.

Gund Hall is the main building, housing most of the student space and faculty offices.

Gund Hall is a hub of activity, with studio spaces and offices for approximately 800 students and more than 100 faculty and staff.

You'll find lecture and seminar rooms, workshops and darkrooms, an audiovisual center, computer facilities, and a cafeteria, all under one roof.

The central studio space, also known as the Trays, extends through five levels under a stepped, clear-span roof.

The building's design is a testament to its innovative spirit, thanks to architect John Andrews and structural engineer William LeMessurier, both GSD alumni.

The campus is also home to the Frances Loeb Library, a valuable resource for students and faculty alike.

Gund Hall's yard is a popular spot for events, exhibitions, and even commencement ceremonies, featuring a basketball court that's always bustling with activity.

On a similar theme: Studio Furniture Design

Deans and Administration

Credit: youtube.com, #262 - Sarah Whiting, Dean at Harvard Univ. Grad. School of Design & Co-Founder of WW Architecture

The Harvard Graduate School of Design has had a long line of talented deans, each contributing their expertise to the school. Joseph Hudnut was the first dean, serving from 1936 to 1953.

One of the most notable deans was Josep Lluís Sert, who held the position from 1953 to 1969. He was an architect and urban planner, and is often credited with bringing modernist architecture to the United States.

Here's a list of the deans who have served the Harvard Graduate School of Design:

Sarah Whiting, the current dean, has had a distinguished career as an architect and educator.

History and Establishment

The Harvard Graduate School of Design has a rich history that dates back to 1936 when the three major design professions – landscape architecture, urban planning, and architecture – were officially united to form the school.

This union was led by Joseph F. Hudnut, an American architect scholar and professor who served as the school's first dean. He played a crucial role in shaping the school's early years.

Credit: youtube.com, Julie Bargmann Biography: Harvard University Graduate School of Design [3 of 10]

In 1937, Walter Gropius joined the faculty as chair of the Department of Architecture, bringing modern designers like Marcel Breuer to revamp the curriculum.

The school's curriculum has undergone significant changes over the years, with a focus on innovation and experimentation.

George Gund Hall, the iconic home of the GSD, was designed by Australian architect John Andrews and opened in 1972.

Notable Individuals

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) has a long list of impressive alumni and faculty members. As of 2013, the GSD had over 13,000 alumni in 96 countries.

The school's faculty is equally impressive, with 77 faculty members and 129 visiting faculty members. Interestingly, 45% of the faculty members were born outside of the United States.

Let's take a look at some of the notable individuals associated with the GSD:

  • Frank Gehry, a Pritzker Prize Laureate, has a connection to the GSD, having studied urban planning there.
  • Other notable alumni include Farshid Moussavi, Frida Escobedo, and Fumihiko Maki, all of whom are Pritzker Prize Laureates.
  • The GSD has also produced notable architects such as Frank Gehry, Philip Johnson, and Thom Mayne.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) has a long history of producing talented and influential individuals in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and design. As of 2013, the GSD had over 13,000 alumni in 96 countries.

Credit: youtube.com, What College Experiences Led To Notable Alumni? - College Admissions Insider

The GSD's faculty and alumni are a diverse group of individuals from around the world. 45% of the faculty members were born outside of the United States, reflecting the school's global perspective and commitment to diversity.

Some notable alumni include architects such as Frank Gehry, Pritzker Prize Laureate, and Fumihiko Maki, Pritzker Prize Laureate. Other notable alumni include landscape architects like Ian McHarg and Jack Dangermond, co-founder of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).

The GSD has also had its fair share of notable faculty members, including Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus, and Zaha Hadid, Pritzker Prize Laureate.

Here are some notable alumni and faculty members of the GSD:

Richard Rogers Donates Family Home

Richard Rogers donated his parents' home in Wimbledon, London, to Harvard's Graduate School of Design (GSD).

The home was completed between 1967 and 1968 by Richard and his then wife Su Rogers.

It was originally designed for his parents, Dr. William Nino and Dada Rogers.

The home is a Grade II* listed pre-fabricated single-storey dwelling.

It was later adapted for Rogers' son Ab and his family.

The home was put on the market in 2013 for £3.2million ($4.8million).

Additional reading: Home Renovation Designs

Rankings and Recognition

Credit: youtube.com, Film Premiere: Grounded Visionaries

As of 2016, the Harvard Graduate School of Design's ten-year average ranking places it first, overall, on DesignIntelligence's ranking of programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

This impressive ranking is a testament to the school's commitment to excellence in design education.

Harvard Graduate School of Design has consistently been ranked first in the overall rankings by DesignIntelligence.

QS's annual World University Rankings for 2015 placed Harvard University among the top universities in the world for architecture, covering 36 individual subjects and sorting based on "academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact."

Harvard's reputation in the field of architecture is well-deserved, given its long history of innovation and excellence.

The QS rankings are based on an evaluation of the top 800 universities in the world, and Harvard's inclusion in the top universities for architecture is a significant achievement.

Student Life and Activities

At Harvard Graduate School of Design, you'll be part of a diverse student body with a strong sense of community. Approximately 65% of students are Americans, and the average student is 27 years old.

Student life is vibrant and active, with several dozen internal GSD student clubs to choose from, offering a wide range of interests and activities.

Host Exhibition on Dualisms

Harvard University in Cambridge in USA
Credit: pexels.com, Harvard University in Cambridge in USA

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is hosting an exhibition that explores the concept of dualisms in architecture. This exhibition, curated by Iñaki Ábalos and Renata Sentkiewicz, will examine how historic architecture often takes its composite tension from two theoretically incompatible morphological organisations.

These organisations can possess elements of compatibility and incompatibility simultaneously, resulting in a unique hybrid form. The appearance of this hybrid form is characterized by dualism in architecture, where constraints and formative opportunities coexist.

For the curators, dualisms in architecture are not just a static concept, but also a dynamic and creative force that shapes the built environment.

Aleksandra Jaeschke Wins 2019 Wheelwright Prize

Aleksandra Jaeschke was named the winner of the Harvard Graduate School of Design's 2019 Wheelwright Prize.

She received a $100,000 traveling fellowship to fund her research proposal UNDER WRAPS: Architecture and Culture of Greenhouses.

Student Body

The student body at GSD is quite diverse, with 878 students enrolled as of 2012-2013.

Interior of modern spacious room with column and couches placed near big window with curtains near table in light studio
Credit: pexels.com, Interior of modern spacious room with column and couches placed near big window with curtains near table in light studio

Approximately 65% of students are Americans, which gives the community a strong sense of familiarity and shared experience.

The average student age is a surprising 27 years old, which suggests that many students are in the midst of a career change or seeking to enhance their skills.

GSD students are represented by the Harvard Graduate Council (HGC), a university-wide student government organization that provides a voice for students' concerns and interests.

There are several dozen internal GSD student clubs, offering a range of activities and opportunities for students to engage with like-minded individuals and pursue their passions.

Students and Alumni Launch Racial Justice Yard Sale

Harvard Graduate School of Design students and alumni are launching an online Design Yard Sale to raise funds in support of the movement against systemic anti-Black racism.

The team will sell and auction creative works donated by the design community, with all net proceeds going towards the Bail Project and Colloqate Design.

Free stock photo of academic, academic building, architecture
Credit: pexels.com, Free stock photo of academic, academic building, architecture

Some of the renowned designers, artists, and scholars donating their work include Toshiko Mori, Oana Stanescu, Rachel Israela, Jeanne Gang, Billie Tsien, Snarkitecture, Jerome Byron, and VERV LONDON.

The Design Yard Sale is set within the framework of "Living Anatomy: an Exhibition about Housing", which focuses on Alison and Peter Smithson's housing project, Robin Hood Gardens, in East London.

Here's a list of some of the notable alumni involved in the Design Yard Sale:

  • Alan Wanzenberg, architect
  • Jeanne Gang, architect and designer
  • Jerome Byron, artist
  • VERV LONDON, designer

The exhibition highlights the project's innovative design and sense of livelihood, despite its current state of deterioration.

Living Anatomy: Housing Exhibition

If you ever find yourself on the Harvard Graduate School of Design campus, be sure to check out their main Fall 2015 exhibition, Living Anatomy: An Exhibition About Housing.

The exhibition focuses on the past 50 years, showcasing innovative approaches and solutions to housing in contexts around the world.

It's a mixed-media exhibition that features both built and academic work, giving you a comprehensive look at the evolution of housing over the years.

Free stock photo of analysis, anatomy, anatomy analysis
Credit: pexels.com, Free stock photo of analysis, anatomy, anatomy analysis

Living Anatomy was opened on Monday, August 24, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

The exhibition is a great way to learn about the different housing solutions that have been developed over the past five decades.

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is known for its cutting-edge research and innovative ideas, and this exhibition is a perfect representation of that.

Teaching and Education

At Harvard Graduate School of Design, teaching and education are at the forefront of the institution's mission. The school offers a range of programs, including the Master in Design Engineering (MDesE) and the Master in Design Studies (MDes), both of which are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex design challenges.

The MDesE program, for example, brings together students from Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to collaborate on design projects that combine engineering and design principles. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to develop innovative solutions that are informed by both technical and creative perspectives.

Through its teaching and education programs, Harvard Graduate School of Design aims to foster a culture of collaboration and experimentation, where students can push the boundaries of what is possible in design and engineering.

Material Processes and Systems Group

A minimalist metal chair in a studio setting casting a shadow, perfect for design concepts.
Credit: pexels.com, A minimalist metal chair in a studio setting casting a shadow, perfect for design concepts.

The Material Processes and Systems Group at Harvard Graduate School of Design is a research group that investigates innovative materials and their architectural possibilities. They have a special interest in tectonic performance.

One example of their work is the "Protoceramics" project, where they experimented with thin, large-format ceramic tiles as self-supporting structural components. This project involved investigating three techniques: cutting, folding, and bending.

These techniques allowed the team to rethink the traditional use of ceramic tiles as surface finishes and explore new ways to integrate them into building design. The goal was to create novel material formations with a focus on structural performance.

For more insights, see: Rosendahl Design Group

Executive Education

Executive Education at GSD offers professional development classes for those looking to advance their careers. These classes are designed to be engaging and informative, providing learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

The Advanced Management Development Program in Real Estate (AMDP) is a year-long executive development course that's open to established real estate professionals. Upon graduating, participants become full-fledged Harvard University Alumni.

Credit: youtube.com, Principles and Practices for Teaching Executive Education

Throughout the year, Executive Education offers short duration programs in architecture, urban planning, design, and real estate. These programs cater to a diverse audience of learners, providing opportunities for growth and development.

Here are some notable faculty members involved in Executive Education:

  • Alan A. Altshuler
  • Martha Schwartz
  • Richard T.T. Forman
  • Michael Van Valkenburgh,

AI Generates Floor Plans with Machine Learning

Stanislas Chaillou, a designer and Fulbright fellow, has created a project at Harvard that utilizes machine learning to explore the future of generative design and architectural style.

Chaillou built an entire generation methodology using Generative Adversarial Neural Networks (GANs).

His project investigates the future of AI through architectural style learning.

The profound impact of style on the composition of floor plans is illustrated by Chaillou's work.

Chaillou's project showcases the potential of AI in architectural practice.

Consider reading: Future Furniture Design

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to get into Harvard Graduate School of Design?

Getting into Harvard Graduate School of Design is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 17% among 2,055 applicants each year. Only about 350 students are accepted, but 254 successfully enroll in a program, indicating a rigorous and selective admissions process.

What GPA do you need for Harvard GSD?

While there's no strict GPA cutoff, successful Harvard GSD applicants typically have a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Check our website for more information on application requirements and deadlines.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.