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SOM's new Schwarzman College of Computing opens at MIT

2024-05-01T14:02:00-04:00

The new home for the recently established MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been completed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

What will be a research hub for AI and other disciplines in the computing sciences offers 185,000 square feet of labs, collaborative spaces, classrooms, and faculty areas inside a shingled profile that defines two eight-story pavilions.

Image credit: Dave Burk © SOM

The structure's design was limited by an existing railroad track running along the site’s north axis, creating the need for a 44-foot bridge that connects to either volume across three levels. After entering its oak-finished triple-height lobby from a central plaza area, engineers and researchers have space to explore flexible arrangements in the offices along its perimeter on Vassar Street.

Image credit: Dave Burk © SOM

The building includes social kitchens, a large 250-seat lecture ...

In architecture, the computer is a tool — not a crutch

2020-09-24T09:04:00-04:00

There's a funny thing that tends to happen in schools of architecture and design firms among the younger practitioners and students. The growth of computational modes of design and the development of design software has produced a generation of creative people who increasingly rely on the use of a computer to execute their work. Right off the bat, I'm not saying that computers are "bad" — I think they're great, but it is a tool to be wielded, not a crutch to be dependent on.

Just like a pencil, a computer is an inanimate idiot that requires the mind of its user to produce something of value, and so when lack of proficiency on a computer impedes on one's design, there is a problem. The obvious solution is to get better at using the software, but it often seems that some become preoccupied with the means while canning the ends.

What do I mean? Most typically, a project is pursued for some purpose — typically to address some kind of human condition: a need for a school, home, hospital...

Larry Tesler, creator of "cut," "copy," and "paste" computer functions, has passed away

2020-02-19T13:44:00-05:00

Larry Tesler, who passed away on Monday, might not be a household name like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, but his contributions to making computers and mobile devices easier to use are the highlight of a long career influencing modern computing. ...Tesler worked with Tim Mott to create a word processor called Gypsy that is best known for coining the terms “cut,” “copy,” and “paste” when it comes to commands for removing, duplicating, or repositioning chunks of text.

After graduating with a degree in computer science from Stanford University, Tesler began working with the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in 1973 until 1980. PARC is most famously known for developing the graphical user interface we all use in computers today. From 1980 to 1997, Tesler worked at Apple Computer, helping to develop its products and innovations. In 2001, the computer scientist joined Amazon as VP of Shopping Experience and in 2005 transitioned to Yahoo to head its user experience and design group before he progressed to 23andMe as a product fellow in 2008 until 2009, Gizmodo reports.

From Archinect Features: Never Meant to Copy, Only to Surpass: Plagiarism Versus Innovation in Architectural Imitation

Tesler's contributions to personal computing and his legacy in technological innovation is an undeniable influence in our personal and professional computing pursuits.