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.

Intermediate Architectural Design This studio course emphasizes the thought and method of architectural design. Members of this studio will be involved in developing their insights towards cultural value systems and their expression in the environments they create. Participants work primarily in the studio space and rely heavily on individual instruction and group review of their work. The course provides a foundation for more advanced study in the areas of architecture, landscape architecture, and other fields related to the design of the built environment, and an opportunity to work with the Cameron Visiting Architect.

AS/Habitat for Humanity Housing Unit: Construction Documents Architectural Studies at Middlebury partners with Habitat for Humanity of Addison County for the design and realization of high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable housing. The objective of this interdisciplinary studio course is to finalize and generate the construction documentation for the housing unit design generated in HARC 0371 & HARC 0372. A schedule of deliverables with an accompanying set of deadlines will need to be met to allow for construction to start in spring 2021. The studio components include final architectural and constructional detailing; building code compliance; building permitting finalization; physical and CAD modeling; structural coordination; and construction specifications.  Students should expect a substantial amount of work outside of class time. (Approval Required)

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

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

Senior Thesis in Architectural Studies I This studio course constitutes the first part of the two-term senior project in Architectural Design. Pre-design research includes precedent study, programming, site analysis, and formulation of a concept 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 the Senior Studio in Architectural Design 2. Students present their work in graphic, oral, and written formats.

Benjamin Allred

Reviews and ratings for Benjamin Allred at Middlebury College.Benjamin Allred teaches Intro. to Architectural Design, Interm. Architectural Design, AS/Habitat: Contr. Docs and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Benjamin Allred good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Ben was an incredible teacher with a clear love of architectural design. He expects a lot from his students, and there is no real way to cut corners with projects, so you will spend a LOT of time in the studio. The class is 3hrs twice a week, but I spent around double that time working in the studio. I can't say I will take the specific design principles with me in my life, but I learned such valuable information about creative design as a whole, and my own creative process. And building models is just plain fun! I highly recommend. 

This is a great course, and I have nothing but good things to say about Ben. He is enthusiastic in his teaching and is very invested in helping out beginners in a positive manner. I would definitely recommend this class regardless of your major.

Even though this class is a lot of work and a takes up a lot of class time (6 hours per week + homework) it's super rewarding and dosn't feel like too much. I really liked building the models, there's a lot of room for creativity and you can really express your artistic side. I would highly recommend this class if you have any interest in architecture at all. 