New Graduate Program
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)
Department of Architecture and Building Engineering
International Graduate Program in Architecture
Core Educational Program: International Collaboration in Architecture and Urban Design
ATT’N:
Applicants for 2013 Program
*Updated October 1, 2012
General Information
The present Department of Architecture and Building Engineering was originally launched in 1907 to provide a new course of study in Tokyo Tech’s founding institution, the Tokyo Technical High School (1881). Ours is, therefore, one of the oldest architectural schools in the context of any Japanese university. With its one-hundred-year history it has enjoyed a high reputation both within and outside Japan, with many of its graduates having since become renowned architects, engineers, and scholars.
The department’s International Graduate Program 2013 (A) is a two-year program specially tailored to meet the needs of younger architects and architectural students from abroad. Today the younger generation of students in Europe and the United States, and all other parts of the world, are increasingly interested in the design scene in Japan’s big cities, such as Tokyo— based on state-of-the-art design backed by advanced building and structural technologies. This special program offers a unique opportunity to delve into such design activities in situ and acquire high-level design skills through exposure to emerging architectural concepts, joint design studios, fieldwork, workshops, and intensive research programs. Japanese students also participate in the program. Working together, students with different cultural backgrounds are stimulated to attain a deeper understanding of innovative design methods and ideas. Note that virtually all lectures and studios, as well as the administration of this program, are in English. This graduate program features various events and environments, including special lectures and project supervision by short-term visiting professors from overseas universities and international exchange workshops in advanced urban and architectural design. IT design-stations, teaching assistantships for international research students, and exchange of students among universities affiliated with the program also enhance the experience. All features are intended to strengthen the effect of collaborative study and promote exchange between overseas and Japanese students, in the aim of creating a department that will be more global and competitive. We hope our efforts will thus encourage an increasingly robust international network of upcoming leaders: design architects, building engineers, and researchers in allied fields.
Until the last year our department has regularly offered five places fully funded by MEXT (Japan Ministry of Education) scholarships, as well as several more non-funded spots to admitted students. Successful applicants will be vetted and selected for these positions based on academic and design achievements submitted by the applicant. For the International Graduate Program 2013, MEXT has not specified the exact number of places yet. We expect the figure to be announced in late October 2012.
Particulars of the Program
1) Aims
Architectural activity is today worldwide. It is vital for the present generation to envision a future in broad intercultural terms. In order to foster and encourage architects, engineers, and researchers able to take their part with confidence in a global environment of leading design and technology, our department offers a special two-year course comprising classes, joint design studios, and a number of research workshops for a small international group of students from Japan and overseas. Heightening an awareness of each student’s cultural background, such resources contribute to enhancing the students’ abilities, by facilitating a thoroughgoing interaction among classmates and with course instructors. Note that international students can expect careful attention from their academic advisor (see below Item 3) and tutor, as each student will become a full member of that advisor’s own Laboratory or Study Unit (see below Item 5).
2) Academic Degree
This program is intended solely as a two-year master’s course, and the degree conferred upon graduation is the Master of Engineering. (Note: degrees such as the M. Arch. are almost universally designated within Japan as an engineering degree of the type pursued in this program and are regarded as equivalent.)
3) Application Procedure
Applicants to this two-year program are requested to make contact with an academic advisor in the Department of Architecture and Building Engineering. The names and special fields of the academic advisors qualified to discuss the interests and needs of a potential applicant are listed at the end of this document. In order to reach any one of these advisors, please email the Program Head: Professor K. Yasuda at <IGP@arch.titech.ac.jp>, who currently oversees the program for the department.
Once Professor Yasuda has suggested a suitable advisor, the applicant is strongly recommended to get in touch by November 30th, 20l2, at the latest (that is at least one half month prior to the application deadline) in order to ensure and facilitate the application procedure.
The said applicant is required to submit by December 14th, 2012, by postal mail to the Admissions Office of our university the documentation detailed on pages 6 and 7 of the “Tokyo Institute of Technology International Graduate Program (A) Commencing October 2013: Overseas Application” at the Tokyo Institute of Technology homepage (http://www.gakumu.titech.ac.jp/nyusi/prospectus/english/cat22/detail_107.html).
If you are not a citizen of a recognized English-speaking country, please note that certification of English proficiency is required in the form of an official English-proficiency score. The test must have been administered within 24 months prior to the application deadline and its score issued by one of five approved testing bureaus: TOEFL-iBT, TOEFL-PBT, TOEFL-CBT, TOEIC or IELTS . (If no score is available, then you should apply for testing at your earliest opportunity. The Admissions Office will admit of no delay in the completion of the application procedure based on late reception of a candidate’s scores. A timely testing date and issuance of one of the above scores is the sole responsibility of the applicant.)
To obtain a required academic advisor's recommendation, the applicant will submit his/her portfolio and a statement of aim for the period of study in Japan written in English, both of which will be carefully evaluated. (If portfolios include collaborative work, applicants should clearly define their role in that project.) Having already completed this evaluation process in advance of December 14th, the applicant shall submit all required forms by postal mail to the Tokyo Institute of Technology Admissions Office.
The required application document in PDF-format can be downloaded at: (http://www.gakumu.titech.ac.jp/nyusi/prospectus/english/cat22/detail_107.html).
Each applicant is strongly encouraged to verify the conditions of eligibility in Item 3: “Eligibility” before actual submission of any application or enquiry.
4) Curriculum
Since the Architectural Design Course stream of the Department of Architecture and Building Engineering is charged with the administration of the program, the majority of lectures, design studios and workshops originate with this section of the teaching staff. The Course Curriculum is shown at the end of this document and is conducted essentially in English. A flowchart for the program is also shown in Fig. 1 below.
5) Support system for participating students
Each student in this program shall have obtained an academic advisor to facilitate the period of study in Japan. The assigned advisor will offer counsel regarding academic matters, as well as Japanese culture and lifestyle, as required. A sub-advisor, or tutor, will also be ready to assist each student on a daily basis within the advisor’s Study Unit, or Laboratory, where each student will be assigned a dedicated workspace.
Department of Architecture and Building Engineering
* Denotes a joint-member of the course teaching staff belonging to another department
Professors:
| YASUDA, Koichi, Ph. D. | Architectural Design |
| OKUYAMA, Shin-ichi, D. Eng. | Architectural Design |
| TOKIMATSU, Kohji, D. Eng. | Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering |
| FUJIOKA, Hiroyasu, D. Eng. | History of Architecture, Architectural Design |
| OGAWA, Toshiyuki, D. Eng. | Steel and Shell Structures |
| TAKEUCHI, Toru, D. Eng. | Steel Structure, Structural Design, Seismic Control |
| * FUJII, Shuji, D. Eng. | Environmental Engineering |
| * Miyamoto, Fumihito, D. Eng. | School Buildings, Environmental Psychology |
| * OSARAGI, Toshihiro, D. Eng. | Architectural Planning, Spatial Analysis and Urban Studies |
Associate Professors:
| TSUKAMOTO, Yoshiharu, D. Eng. | Architectural Design and Urban Research |
| FUJII, Haruyuki, D. Eng. | Design Science, Environmental Design Theories |
| HOTTA, Hisato, D. Eng. | Composite Structure |
| YOKOYAMA, Yutaka, D. Eng. | Building Materials |
| YUASA, Kazuhiro, D. Eng. | Environmental Engineering, Building Services |
| IKARASHI, Kikuo, D. Eng. | Steel Structures |
| * MIKAMI, Takamasa, D. Eng. | Concrete Engineering, Building Materials |
| * SAIO, Naoko, D. Eng. | Architectural and Regional Planning |
| * KAGI, Naoki, D. Eng. | Environmental Engineering |
* Instructors who belong to other departments
Program Head and contact: Koichi YASUDA < IGP@arch.titech.ac.jp >
Curriculum of Architectural Design Course
1. Course List
Course title |
units |
History of Architecture |
2-0-0 |
Architectural Preservation and Renovation |
2-0-0 |
Theory of Architectural DesignⅠ |
2-0-0 |
Theory of Architectural DesignⅡ |
2-0-0 |
Architectural Theory for Urban Space |
2-0-0 |
Architectural Detail |
2-0-0 |
Architectural Programming |
2-0-0 |
Theory of Architectural Space and Planning |
2-0-0 |
Modern Architecture in Japan |
2-0-0 |
Design and Technology |
2-0-0 |
Structural Planning in Architecture |
1-0-0 |
Architectural Design Studio Ⅰ |
0-0-2 |
Architectural Design Studio Ⅱ |
0-0-2 |
Seminar in Architecture and Building EngineeringⅠ |
0-2-0 |
Seminar in Architecture and Building EngineeringⅡ |
0-2-0 |
Seminar in Architecture and Building EngineeringⅢ |
0-2-0 |
Seminar in Architecture and Building EngineeringⅣ |
0-2-0 |
Architectural Tour |
0-0-1 |
Architectural WorkshopⅠ |
1-1-0 |
Architectural WorkshopⅡ |
1-1-0 |
Diploma |
0-0-0 |
2. Course Details
History of Architecture (2-0-0) Not offered Autumn Semester, 2012
Selected topics regarding architectural history are presented, analyzed, and discussed in depth each term (However, see Syllabus: “Modern Architecture in Japan” and “Design and Technology” posting for each term’s additional history topic).
1. Theory of Architecture
2. Connoisseurship and/or Critique
3. Presentation and Analytical Methods
Architectural Preservation and Renovation (2-0-0) Prof. Hiroyasu Fujioka
Except for the national government’s activity in conserving and preserving Cultural Properties, renovation and adaptive reuse are relatively recent notions in Japan. This course offers an insight into the history of architectural preservation in Japan, as well as a general theory and practice of preservation, affording students a chance to tour certain good examples of architectural preservation in the Tokyo area.
1. History of Architectural Preservation in modern Japan
2. Theory of Architectural Preservation
3. Practice of Architectural Preservation
Theory of Architectural DesignⅠ(2-0-0) Not offered Autumn Semester, 2012
In designing a work of architecture, it is not only the drawing techniques and resultant forms that are important. The architectural thought concerning design methods, theories, and insights into its surroundings, are indispensable. The Design Course stream looks into such ways of thinking as well as actual design techniques. In this course, architectural thought regarding designing, shapes, environments, and the social role of the architect, etc., will be discussed.
1. Methodology of Architectural Composition
2. Topics Concerning Architecture and the City
3. Critique of Recent Works
Theory of Architectural DesignⅡ (2-0-0) Prof. Shin-ichi Okuyama
In designing a piece of architecture, it is not only the drawing techniques and attractive forms that are important, but the architectural thoughts concerning design methods, theories and insights into its surroundings, are indispensable. The Design Course looks into such ways of thinking as well as design techniques. In this course, the works and theory by Kazuo Shinohara, who was one of the most influential Japanese architect in both within and outside Japan, and used be teaching from 1950’s to 1980’s at Tokyo Tech, is taken up for the subject matter firstly. And next, practical design work for a detached house is assigned through the analysis of works and theories of Kazuo Shinohara.
1. Key ideas and notions regarding Architectural Design
2. Texts on the designs of houses by Japanese architects after World War II
3. Analyses of the current situation surrounding Architectural Design
Architectural Theory for Urban Space (2-0-0) Associate Prof. Yoshiharu Tsukamoto
Talking about architecture is very important for achieving a better architectural design environment, because verbalization allows one to think more clearly about what he/she is designing. To visualize ideas and designs of architecture one needs some frames to help the designer realize what needs to be “seen”. This course is for practicing such ways of thinking based on examples of architectural critique of a number of very recent works.
1. Methods of Architectural Critique
2. Various approaches to “Fixing Architecture and its Surroundings”
3. Analysis of recent architectural criticism in the Architectural Media
Architectural Detail (2-0-0) Prof. Koichi Yasuda
A building comprises various parts. It is a combination of different sizes and types of materials. To put these together in a proper or interesting way is one of the key factors in the construction of any good building. Thus, architectural detail is an essential part of architectural design. This course teaches methods of composing elements and their relationship to design.
1. Architectural Details for design
2. Methods and elements of Traditional Japanese Architecture
3. Essence of detail and technique based on Modern Technology
Architectural Programming (2-0-0) Prof. Koichi Yasuda
For the smooth proceeding of an architectural project, careful and well-combined procedures must be undertaken. This course teaches important planning and building stages from preparatory phases to the design and construction processes themselves. A number of specialists on this subject will be invited to share their experiences with students.
1. Start of a Project to its Completion
2. Analyzing and Meeting the Client’s needs, Methods of Visualization, and overall Construction Management
3. Specialist Views
Theory of Architectural Space and Planning (1-0-1) Visiting Professor from Overseas
This is an intensive course that can be a design studio, a series of lectures, or a workshop depending on the visiting professor in charge. In 2009, Professor Enrique Walker of Columbia University in New York was in charge of the class. In 2010, the influential architect Minsuk Cho from Seoul, South Korea, undertook a workshop. And in 2011 Professor Li Xiangning of Tongji Unversity, Shanghai, China, was in charge of this offering.
Modern Architecture in Japan (2-0-0) Prof. David B. Stewart
In this seminar, several topics regarding architectural thought and design in Japan, not only new but also old, are presented and discussed to help better understand Japan’s current architectural scene.
Design and Technology (2-0-0) Prof. David B. Stewart
In this seminar, several topics regarding architectural technology in Japan from a viewpoint of architectural design are to be presented and discussed.
Structural Design in Architecture (1-0-0) Prof. Toru Takeuchi (offered in even-numbered years)
Structural design based on cutting-edge engineering developments rarely impacts architects directly and instead belongs instead to engineers in the field. This course, intended for students in the Design Course, aims to help them understand what leading structural engineers are thinking and develop ability to discuss structural engineering topic with key specialists in the field.
1. Modeling a Structure
2. Characteristics of Structural Systems
3. Review of Methods of Analysis
Architectural Design Studio Ⅰ, Ⅱ（0-0-2×2） Design Course Teaching Staff
Each student will submit a large-scale drawing with concepts to develop a scheme for an assignment variously proposed by professors in the Design Course. Discussion with classmates and instructors is encouraged.
○ Seminar in Architecture and Building EngineeringⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ(0-2-0×4) Respective instructors
An instructor is appointed for each student as an academic advisor. By joint agreement, the student pursues independent research and fieldwork, or engages in a design exercise on an assigned theme.
※Architectural Tour (0-0-1) Prof. Hiroyasu Fujioka
A week-long tour of the Kyoto and Nara areas in West Japan visits famous buildings and historic sites to gain a better understanding of traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
※Architectural Workshop I (1-1-0) Prof. Hiroyasu Fujioka, Associate Prof. Yoshiharu Tsukamoto
This course offers students information and perceptions needed to gain an understanding of traditional architecture and cities in Japan, while methods for analyzing more modern architecture in today’s Japanese city are also offered with one-day, or half-day, tours.
※ Architectural Workshop II (1-1-0) Prof. Koichi Yasuda, Prof. Shinichi Okuyama
※ Brief-term design internship at one of several well-known architectural firms in Tokyo.
○ ※Diploma (0-0-0) Respective advisor (refereed by all instructors)
With all members of the Department approving his/her theme, each student is to offer a design presentation or similar analysis of a selected research topic in order to complete course requirements for graduation.
All courses indicated by ○ are required for the program (compulsory subjects). Those with ※ are reserved solely for those students in the Department of Architecture belonging to the International Graduate Program.