DesignLab: Creating Innovation We live in a ‘designed’ world. Good design brings function and delight to everything we see and interact with. This course teaches fundamental principles of design and creative innovation. Students will learn how to articulate and develop design concepts through hands-on projects that explore a broad range of design types (graphic, digital, industrial, craft, and architectural). These projects will be catalysts for critique, as we consider the environmental and ethical aspects of design in our increasingly global and digital world. Materials and tools, as well as training for 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools, will be provided. 3 hrs. lect

Thesis in Architectural Studies: Design This studio course constitutes the second part of the two-term senior design project in Architectural Studies.  Building upon the architectural research, analysis, and preliminary design work conducted during the fall semester, students develop their thesis projects to a higher level of understanding and refinement. Students also engage in intense peer review and work with visiting design critics, concluding with public presentations of the final projects, and a project portfolio describing all aspects of the completed design.

Thesis in Architectural Studies: Research This studio course constitutes the first part of the two-term senior design project in Architectural Studies.  Pre-design research includes precedent study, programming, site analysis, and formulation of a thesis to be investigated through the design process.  Preliminary design work begins with conceptual studies, and culminates in a coherent schematic design, to be developed further in Senior Architectural Design, Part II.  Students present their work in graphic, oral, and written formats.

Introduction to Architectural Design		 Are you fascinated by buildings and interested in trying your hand at architectural design? This course will introduce you to principles of architecture and teach you the skills architects use to explore and communicate design ideas. We will consider urban and rural settings, sustainability, energy efficiency, functionality, comfort, and the role architecture plays in shaping community. Classroom instruction by a practicing architect will provide hands-on drawing, model-making, and materials research.  Students will work to analyze existing buildings and design their own. Students seeking to improve their understanding of the built environment as well to develop their design-mind to reconcile social-ecological challenges are encouraged to take this course. No prior experience is needed. Approval Only

Benjamin Allred

Reviews and ratings for Benjamin Allred at Middlebury College.Benjamin Allred teaches DesignLab: Creating Innovation, Senior Architectural Design II, Arch Studies Research Thesis and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Benjamin Allred good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Ben is a really nice teacher who does so much for his students, and it is so easy to end this class with an 100. He lets you redo assignments, and if you are efficient in class there is no homework in the course.

I absolutely loved intro to architectural design with Ben! I took this class as a freshman to fulfill my art credit, but ended up falling in love with architecture and becoming a minor. Ben is such a cool professor and genuine person. You will love this class if you are willing to put in the time commitment and creativity. It is so worth it, but will take quite a bit of time. 