Undergraduate Thesis

Thesis - The Basics

"The starting point for any thesis has to be a critique of present circumstances, which opens up possibilities of radical and practical changes in the world."

- Zegarski / Enos (2016)

What is Thesis?

The Undergraduate Thesis Research Studio offers a unique opportunity to continue your design education at NewSchool. You will plan, develop, and execute a self-generated self-directed architectural research project. You will identify a problem based on your personal interests and propose an architectural solution by navigating and expanding on a given methodology comprised of research and design tasks. You will self-evaluate and clearly convey a critical position grounded in the learning outcomes of the architectural program at NewSchool.

"An architectural thesis should be seen as a desire to map, create, draw, or plan a certain kind of spatiality through a critical/ radical critique of a specific aspect within the process of archietctural production that is representative of everyday life within our current urbanized process of spatial production." Zegarski/ Enos (2016)

Elements of Thesis

The library will only accept Thesis Books that follow the standards outlined here. Make sure you review them and include all required elements. 

• Front Matter

  • Title Page
  • Copyright Page
  • Thesis Abstract
  • Approvals Page
  • Acknowledgments (optional)
  • Dedication (optional)
  • Table of Contents

• Body

  • Introduction
  • Thesis Essay
  • Research and Findings
  • Design Solution
  • Conclusion

• End Matter

  • References
  • List of Figures
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Vita (optional)
  • Appendices (optional as needed/ appropriate)

General Thesis Timeline

• Summer Quarter

• Thesis proposal and conceptual video

• Fall Quarter (AR501)

• Thesis Essay, Case Studies, Programming, Site Investigation, Research Presentation

• Winter Quarter (AR502)

• Project Schedule, Concept Development, Code Analysis, Site Development, Thesis Proposal Document, Design Presentation

• Spring Quarter (AR503)

• Plans, Circulation, Structure, Sections, Systems, Interior Studies and Detailing, Storyboard, Final Design Presentation, Final Thesis Document

Submission Deadlines and Instructions