Architectural Thesis
Architectural Thesis
Architectural Thesis
Architectural Thesis
A. Master of Architecture Program
Architectural Design Thesis
Architectural Design Thesis is an independent design research project on a topic
selected and developed by the student. Design Thesis is an opportunity for each student
in the Master of Architecture or Master of Science in Architecture (Architectural Design
Track) to define an individual position with regard to the discipline of architecture.
Normally, Design Thesis occurs during the final two semesters of a student’s
curriculum at UMSoA, and includes Directed Research (ARC
699) and Final Degree Project (ARC 610).
Graduate M.Arch. students are expected to pursue an independent thesis project in
their last semester. In exceptional cases and only with the approval of the Program
Director, student can pursue an alternative track after completing the thesis
preparation course under the direction of selected instructors, including visiting
critics if applicable.
During the Spring semester preceding their final year, the Program Director will ask
students to prepare and submit a well‐defined proposal of their research topic, along
with their current portfolio. Research topics are individual, but may be constrained
within a proposed ‘meta‐theme’, or by selected topics. Students must prepare a concise
300‐word proposal describing a topic and how it will be investigated. The proposal
should introduce the topic and describe its relevance to the field of architecture; it
should identify specific questions that will be addressed; and specify the methodology
to be used, and explain the appropriateness of the methodology.
During the Spring semester preceding the thesis year, students will select a Fall Upper
Level Design Studio that best corresponds with their research topic (to be taken in
parallel with ARC 699 Directed Research).
ARC 699 Directed Research will be conducted during the Fall semester of the thesis year
as independent research with a designated faculty member. The Graduate Director,
with the help of the Coordinator and faculty, will evaluate proposals and interview the
students, and assign students to each thesis faculty member. Students may arrange
additional advisors. In order to enhance continuity for those students doing an
thesis/independent scholarly research project, the same faculty member will be
assigned to the student during both (thesis) semesters.
At the conclusion of their final year, all graduating students will be required to present
their thesis project as a book.
Important ingredients of a good thesis:
A relevant question
A discussion of the context/discourse of the question
Rigorous and well‐targeted research
Site documentation and analysis
Demonstration of critical thinking
Final project that tests the ideas discussed
Indication of a direction for future development of the question
Packaging (so that the thesis and its research can be shared)
The final Architectural Design Thesis should be packaged as a book. At a minimum, it
should contain the following:
Table of Contents
Abstract Thesis Statement: a concise statement of the topic/subject you
propose to address in your project, describing the theory/concept in terms of
hypothesis and the approach/method to carry out the study/prove the result.
A narrative that elaborates the thesis statement as an argument based on
relevant evidence
Methodology: Describe the process of how you have pursued your
design/study, including the critical and theoretical basis of your investigation.
Precedent Study: a summary of precedents relevant to the subject including
appropriate analysis.
Findings: design and text that illustrates the conclusion of the study, with a critical
assessment of the result.
Annotated Bibliography: research sources to be examined to inform the study (The
Chicago Manual of Style format), and a concise explanation of its relevancy to the
study/discourse.
Typical Schedule (subject to refinement):
Spring preceding thesis year
Preparation of 300‐word proposal describing a topic and how it will be
investigated
Assignment of advisors
Meet with advisor
Develop plan of study
Fall of thesis year
Enroll in ARC 699 Directed Research (Pre‐thesis)
Develop a refined abstract thesis statement
Develop and present a methodology
Research and presentation of annotated bibliography
Research and presentation of precedents
Develop conceptual outline of design
Develop a text narrative addressing topic
Present pre‐thesis book