The Only Program of Its Kind
In this fascinating concentration, you will discover how to bridge the gap between advanced and emerging technologies of building and the fundamental principles of design in nature and beyond. Part of our pioneering Center for Experimental Structures (CES), the Morphology Concentration is utterly unique—you will find no other program like it within schools of architecture and design in the United States.
What Is Morphology?
Put simply, morphology is the study of forms. In the context of this concentration, morphology leverages the long history of CES’s interest in form studies with a focus on exploring the relations between form and space (geometry, topology), form and force (structural morphology), and form and time (dynamic morphology), enabled by computation, fabrication, construction, and emerging technologies.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 2000 by visionary Pratt professors the late William Katavolos and Haresh Lalvani, the Center for Experimental Structures builds upon a legacy of advancing experiments in form and building technology that began at Pratt in the 1970s. This pioneering research, most of which continues today, explores topics such as hydronics architecture, visual mathematics, origins of order, morphoverse, hyperstructures, fractal structures, hygrostructures, and a new periodic table of chemical elements.
In this interdisciplinary concentration, you will explore these generative principles of form at a high level of math and science. You will also actively participate in ongoing faculty research through assistantships and special “Research Topics” course, shaping your understanding of the structures we encounter in nature and human-made constructs.
Advancing Technologies for Shaping Sustainable Structures
Our research projects include transformational geometries, structural morphology, minimal surfaces, self-shaping, and more. Leading new frontiers in ecological design, we’re growing organic structures for cleaning air, capturing carbon, and farming, as well as developing machines that simulate wind flow to test new topologies for renewable energy production. Additionally, we are exploring the integration of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfM&A) principles to streamline the production of these innovative structures and technologies for more efficient, sustainable outcomes.
Cultural and Critical Thinking in a Collaborative Environment
In our forward-thinking, collaborative community, architecture embodies an ethos of equity and inclusion. The curriculum fosters cultural and critical thinking, as you learn to apply creative and intellectual agility to architectural research. Through an understanding of our discipline’s body of knowledge, you will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to culture and critical thought.
Professional Degree Accredited by NAAB
Pratt’s BArch program is a professional program accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). In most states, individuals intending to become architects are required to hold an accredited degree.
Student Work
Our Faculty
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Haresh Lalvani
Professor
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Ajmal Aqtash
Adjunct Associate Professor – CCE
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David P. Burke
Visiting Associate Professor
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Robinson Strong
Visiting Assistant Professor; Ces Morphology Research Assistant
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Neil Katz
Visiting Assistant Professor
After Graduation
Pratt’s distinguished alumni are leading thriving careers, addressing critical challenges, and creating innovative work that reimagines our world. Our graduates work at a diverse selection of companies and institutions, while others become entrepreneurs and principals leading their own studios and businesses.
Career Support for Life
Students and alumni can schedule one-on-one appointments with career strategists in Pratt’s Center for Career and Professional Development. A career strategist can work with you to develop your job/internship search strategies and life and business plans, as well as review résumés, cover letters, websites, and other marketing materials.
News
Mapping Microclimates
Prattfolio Story
First Moves: Shane Davis, BArch ’17
Prattfolio Story
Escaping Gravity
Prattfolio Story
Creating Spaces for Belonging
Article
Ready for More?
| HERE’S HOW TO APPLY | PORTFOLIO HELP | OUR CAMPUS & BEYOND |
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| Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step. | Building your portfolio can be daunting. We’ll answer your questions and help you feel confident about the portfolio you submit with your application. Start building your portfolio, now. | You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out. |
