ARCH 520 Thesis Preparation: Topics and Trends
This research seminar introduces contemporary architectural questions and establishes the practical and theoretical context of the thesis project. Students incorporate the issues presented into a research platform and methodology, and prepare a thesis proposal. The history of the architect's role in real estate development and theories of development and their place in urban planning are studied. Macroeconomics, analysis of economic factors affecting real estate supply and demand, market cycles, theory of land markets, and the impact of demographics and technological advances on markets are introduced. A series of lectures and one-day workshops with leaders in real estate development, economics, architecture, and urban planning is included.