ARCHITECTURE & SACRED SPACES

MASTER OF FINE ARTS in Architecture and Sacred Spaces (MFA-A-SS)

Programme overview

• Degree title: Master of Fine Arts in Architecture & Sacred Spaces (MFA-A-SS)
• Total credits: 60 SCH
• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years) full time, or equivalent part-time
• Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, fine arts, religious studies, theology, or related field; portfolio of design or scholarly work; statement of purpose; for non-architecture background may include bridging module. Inspired by the rigorous international standard at Politecnico di Milano (which emphasises design studios, history & theory, heritage, etc).
• Programme goals:
  • Develop advanced design and critical thinking skills focused on the articulation of sacred spaces (religious, contemplative, ritual, memorial) within architectural, landscape, urban and cultural contexts.
  • Integrate rigorous architectural discipline (drawing, representation, structure, materials, sustainability) with theological / liturgical / sacred-space theory, phenomenology of space, heritage conservation, and community engagement.
  • Encourage cross-disciplinary work: architecture, art, religious studies, anthropology, landscape, urbanism.
  • Provide opportunity to engage with MOOCs and global educational content (e.g., online courses in theology, religious architecture, digital fabrication, heritage management) as part of elective/extension learning.
  • Prepare graduates for leadership roles in designing and managing sacred and contemplative spaces (temples, churches, mosques, synagogues, retreat centres), heritage regeneration of sacred sites, campus sacred-space design, or further scholarly work.
• Structure:
  • Year 1 (Semesters 1-2): Core foundational modules in architecture + sacred-space theory + design studio
  • Year 2 (Semesters 3-4): Advanced studios & electives + thesis/culminating project (design + research)
  • MOOCs: Certain elective credits may be fulfilled by approved online courses (e.g., “Sacred Architecture in Context” Coursera, “Digital Heritage” edX, “Religion and Landscape” Federica.eu) subject to approval by programme director.

Curriculum map

Here is a semester-by-semester breakdown (60 SCH total) with course numbers, titles, credits, and some suggestions of MOOC integration.

Semester 1 (Fall – Year 1) – 15 SCH

• ARS 5100 — “Theory of Sacred Space” (3 SCH)
  • Survey of sacred space theory: phenomenology of space, ritual architecture, liturgical typologies, theology of space, symbolic form.
• ARS 5110 — “Architectural Design Studio I: Contemplative & Sacred Contexts” (6 SCH)
  • Studio focusing on designing a sacred-space project (e.g., small chapel, meditation pavilion, memorial garden) integrating site, program, symbolism, materiality.
• ARS 5120 — “Representation, Drawing & Digital Media for Sacred Architecture” (3 SCH)
  • Techniques of drawing, digital modelling, VR/AR for sacred space; representation of ritual flows, light/shadow, acoustic space.
• ARS 5130 — “Building Technology & Structures for Sacred Spaces” (3 SCH)
  • Technical foundations: structural systems, light and spatial volume, materials (stone, timber, glass, light), acoustics in sacred buildings.

Semester 2 (Spring – Year 1) – 15 SCH

• ARS 5200 — “History of Sacred Architecture & Heritage” (3 SCH)
  • Architectural history of sacred buildings (temples, churches, mosques, synagogues, shrines) in cultural and heritage context; conservation issues.
• ARS 5210 — “Urban & Landscape Settings for Sacred Spaces” (3 SCH)
  • Sacred spaces in urban and landscape context: pilgrimage routes, campus chapels, terroir, contemplative landscapes, interfaith settings.
• ARS 5220 — “Architectural Design Studio II: Heritage & Adaptive Reuse” (6 SCH)
  • Studio focused on reuse/rehabilitation of sacred heritage site or adaptive reuse of secular building into contemplative space, combining conservation + design innovation.
• Elective/MOOC (3 SCH)
  • Student selects an approved online MOOC (or blended) – e.g., “Digital Heritage: Conservation in the Digital Age” (edX) or “Religion, Architecture and Space” (Coursera) or “Sacred Places: Architecture as a Ritual Framework” (Federica.eu). Credits transfer into the programme as elective.

Semester 3 (Fall – Year 2) – 15 SCH

• ARS 6100 — “Sustainability, Ecospirituality & Sacred Architecture” (3 SCH)
  • Focus on sustainable architecture, ecospiritual design, biophilic sacred spaces, low-carbon materials, regenerative design of ritual environments.
• ARS 6110 — “Design Research Methods & Thesis Preparation” (3 SCH)
  • Research methods for architectural/design thesis including qualitative/quantitative methods, fieldwork, liturgical/program analysis, community participatory methods.
• ARS 6120 — “Architectural Design Studio III: Global Sacred Architecture” (6 SCH)
  • Studio with global perspective: design of a major sacred-space complex or inter-religious/multi-faith centre, or campus sacred core, combining cultural context, innovation, and sustainability.
• Elective/MOOC (3 SCH)
  • Approved online course e.g., “Global Sacred Architecture and Urbanism” (Coursera) or “Landscape, Memory and Meaning” (edX) etc.

Semester 4 (Spring – Year 2) – 15 SCH

• ARS 6210 — “Professional Practice, Ethics & Management of Sacred Spaces” (3 SCH)
  • Topics: professional practice in sacred-space architecture, sponsors (religious institutions), liturgical consultation, heritage management, facility operations, community engagement, ethics in sacred space design.
• ARS 6220 — “Thesis / Culminating Project in Architecture & Sacred Spaces” (6 SCH)
  • Capstone project: original design + research (e.g., design of sacred-space project, or heritage regeneration project, or theoretical study with design component), culminating in written thesis and design exhibition.
• Elective/MOOC (3 SCH)
  • Online approved elective (e.g., “Liturgical Art and Architecture” (Federica.eu) or “Interfaith Sacred Space Design” (Coursera))
• Free Elective (3 SCH)
  • Student chooses additional elective, on-campus or online MOOC/hybrid, e.g., “Digital Fabrication for Architecture”, “Sound & Acoustics in Sacred Spaces”, “Ritual and Space: Anthropology of Sacred Architecture”.

Elective pool (MOOCs & on-campus)

Here are sample elective MOOC topics that could be approved for 3 SCH each (student selects 3 in the programme):

• “Religion, Architecture and Space” (Coursera)
• “Digital Heritage: Conservation in the Digital Age” (edX)
• “Landscape, Memory and Meaning” (edX)
• “Liturgical Art & Architecture” (Federica.eu)
• “Interfaith Sacred Space Design” (Coursera)
• “Sound, Light & Acoustics in Sacred Spaces” (online)
• “Digital Fabrication & Parametric Design for Ritual Architecture” (MOOC/hybrid)
  These online courses would need to meet the institution’s graduate credit equivalency and be supervised/approved, possibly with additional requirement (e.g., reflective essay or design mini-project) to convert into 3 SCH credit.

Notes on integration with the Politecnico di Milano standard

• The Politecnico emphasises design studios, monodisciplinary and integrated courses (lectures + studio + labs) and strong heritage/historical context modules. 
• Our MFA-A-SS includes rigorous design studios (ARS 5110, 5220, 6120) at each level, merging theory-and-practice, comparable to Poly Mi’s educational philosophy.
• Heritage dimension: ARS 5200 (History of Sacred Architecture & Heritage) mirrors Poly Mi’s focus on heritage, reuse, context.
• Technology & representation: ARS 5120, ARS 5130 cover building tech and representation, aligning with Poly Mi’s integrated curriculum of technology + design.

Course numbering conventions

• Prefix “ARS” stands for Architecture & Sacred. Graduate-level courses begin with “5” or “6” as first digit (in Florida system typical for upper-division undergraduate/graduate). Example: ARS 5100, ARS 6110, etc. This aligns with Florida numbering practices where first digit indicates level.
• Each course has unique three-digit suffix.
• Electives may carry other prefixes (ART, REL, URB, LAD for landscape) but for simplicity we denote them as “Elective/MOOC” and treat as 3 SCH.

Credit structure recap

• Core required courses: 8 courses (3 SCH each × 6 = 18 SCH) plus 3 studios (6 SCH × 3 = 18 SCH) plus research methods (3 SCH) plus professional practice (3 SCH) plus thesis (6 SCH) = 48 SCH total mandatory.
• Electives: 4 elective slots × 3 SCH = 12 SCH.
• Total = 60 SCH.
• Students may choose to replace one elective with a second major design studio or internship (subject to approval) but still keep 60 SCH minimum.

Assessment & delivery modalities

• Design studios include iterative reviews, juries, field trips (echoing Poly Mi’s practice of workshops, seminars, exhibitions) illustrarch
• Online MOOC electives include additional reflective assignments or mini-projects to ensure graduate-level depth.
• Thesis/culminating project evaluated by a panel including architecture faculty, sacred-space specialist (theology/ritual), and external practitioner.
• Blended delivery possible: on-campus or hybrid (especially useful for religious institutions).
• Emphasis on global/ intercultural perspectives (studio III); possibility for international exchange/visits.

Implementation & accreditation considerations

• The institution offering the MFA-A-SS would need to ensure academic oversight for online MOOC credit equivalency and integrate into transcript (ensuring graduate-level rigor).
• If following Florida articulation practices, course numbering must align with SCNS protocols for transfer/credit tracking. flscns.fldoe.org
• For institutions inspired by Politecnico di Milano, studio hours and contact hours should reflect high intensity (design studios often 6 SCH = ~ 18 hours/week + independent work).
• For religious/institutional component: include advisory committee of theologians/sacred-space scholars; include community service or field- engagement requirement optionally (e.g., design audit of sacred space).
• Consider electives for continuing education/licensure paths (heritage conservation, campus ministry facilities, inter-faith architecture) to appeal to diverse students (architects, religious institution staff, consultants).

Example of student path

• Fall Year 1: ARS 5100 + ARS 5110 + ARS 5120 + ARS 5130 (15 SCH)
• Spring Year 1: ARS 5200 + ARS 5210 + ARS 5220 + Elective/MOOC (15 SCH)
• Fall Year 2: ARS 6100 + ARS 6110 + ARS 6120 + Elective/MOOC (15 SCH)
• Spring Year 2: ARS 6210 + ARS 6220 (thesis) + Elective/MOOC + Free Elective (15 SCH)

Alignment with religious institutions / sacred-space focus

• The theory and history courses focus on sacred typologies, ritual, heritage of religious architecture.
• Studios center on real-world sacred-space design and heritage adaptation (e.g., reuse of church, design of inter-faith centre, contemplation pavilion)
• Professional practice course addresses working with religious institutions, liturgical consultation, community and spiritual dimensions of architecture.
• MOOCs enable enrichment in religious studies, ritual theory, digital heritage — connecting architecture and sacred space scholarship.
• Optionally, the programme can include a capstone service-learning component: e.g., partner with a religious institution or NGO to audit/design a sacred facility, engage local community, or document sacred heritage site.

Summary

This designed MFA in Architecture & Sacred Spaces blends the rigorous architectural pedagogy exemplified by Politecnico di Milano with a specialized focus on sacred and contemplative architecture, using the Florida course numbering system, semester credit hour (SCH) structure, and integrating MOOCs for flexibility and global content. It provides a strong foundation in both the architectural discipline and the sacred-space domain, preparing graduates for leadership roles at the intersection of architecture, spirituality, culture and heritage.

🎓 MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN ARCHITECTURE & SACRED SPACES

Degree Title: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Architecture & Sacred Spaces

Institution Type: U.S. Private Religious Graduate School (Florida Religious Institution)

Delivery Mode: Fully Online (Synchronous + Asynchronous)

Total Credits: 60 Semester Credit Hours (SCH)

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters, full-time)

Course Numbering System: Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) – Prefix ARS

Accreditation: Religious Institution Exemption; designed for alignment with NASAD (Fine Arts) and NAAB learning outcomes.

1️⃣ Program Philosophy

The MFA in Architecture & Sacred Spaces (Online) explores the dialogue between faith, art, and the built environment.

It integrates:

• the architectural design discipline (Politecnico di Milano–inspired methodology),
• the Christian and interfaith theology of sacred space, and
• digital pedagogy via MOOCs, cloud design studios, and global collaborations.

Graduates emerge as architects, designers, artists, theologians, and scholars capable of shaping sacred and contemplative spaces in digital, physical, and cultural dimensions.

2️⃣ Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

1. Design sacred and contemplative spaces demonstrating architectural, artistic, and spiritual insight.
2. Interpret sacred space theologically, historically, and symbolically across Christian and interfaith traditions.
3. Employ advanced digital and representational tools for design and visualization.
4. Apply sustainable, ecological, and ethical frameworks in sacred-space design.
5. Conduct independent design-based or theoretical research integrating spirituality and architectural thought.
6. Collaborate virtually with religious, artistic, and academic partners worldwide.

3️⃣ Delivery & Pedagogy

All instruction is fully online.

• Virtual Design Studios: Conducted via cloud-based platforms (e.g., Miro, Rhino+Grasshopper, Twinmotion, Enscape, Zoom reviews).
• MOOC Integration: Electives fulfilled via curated Coursera, edX, or Federica.eu courses with guided reflection and applied projects.
• Digital Thesis Studio: Faculty-supervised capstone project using online collaboration tools.
• Community Engagement: Optional virtual partnerships with congregations, seminaries, or NGOs to design or study sacred sites.

4️⃣ Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Architecture, Fine Arts, Theology, or related).
• Digital portfolio of creative or design work.
• Statement of intent and spiritual reflection (500–750 words).
• Two references (academic/professional).
• For non-architecture backgrounds: completion of a preparatory online “Design Foundations” bootcamp (non-credit).
• International applicants: English proficiency TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+.

5️⃣ Degree Structure — 60 SCH

6️⃣ Course Descriptions

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Fall) – 15 SCH

ARS 5100 — Theory of Sacred Space (3 SCH)

Phenomenology, theology, and symbolism of sacred space. Comparison across Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Indigenous contexts.

Outcomes: Analyze sacred spatial concepts; articulate theological implications in design.

Assessment: Video presentation + essay + digital concept board.

ARS 5110 — Online Studio I: Contemplative & Sacred Contexts (6 SCH)

Introductory online design studio. Students design a small contemplative space (chapel, meditation pod, prayer garden).

Tools: Rhino, SketchUp, Twinmotion, Miro boards.

Assessment: Iterative critiques, final design dossier.

ARS 5120 — Representation & Digital Media for Sacred Architecture (3 SCH)

2D/3D representation, parametric design, light simulation, and VR visualization of sacred spaces.

Assessment: Visual portfolio and interactive 3D walkthrough.

ARS 5130 — Building Technology & Environmental Systems (3 SCH)

Online modules on structure, acoustics, light, and environmental systems in sacred design.

Assessment: Technical analysis report.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring) – 15 SCH

ARS 5200 — History of Sacred Architecture & Heritage (3 SCH)

Survey from ancient temples to contemporary churches, mosques, synagogues, and spiritual centers.

Assessment: Online timeline project and reflective essay.

ARS 5210 — Urban & Landscape Contexts of Sacred Space (3 SCH)

Virtual field studies of sacred topographies using GIS and 3D scanning data.

Assessment: Illustrated essay + map visualization.

ARS 5220 — Online Studio II: Heritage & Transformation (6 SCH)

Adaptive reuse or reinterpretation of sacred heritage.

Assessment: Design project with heritage analysis paper.

MOOC Elective I (3 SCH)

Example: Religion and Architecture (Yale/Coursera) or Digital Heritage (HarvardX/edX).

Students submit reflection + mini-project to earn graduate credit.

Year 2 – Semester 3 (Fall) – 15 SCH

ARS 6100 — Sustainability, Ecology & Sacred Design (3 SCH)

Ecospirituality, regenerative design, environmental theology.

Assessment: Green-building case study.

ARS 6110 — Research Methods & Thesis Preparation (3 SCH)

Research design, case study, phenomenology, theology of art, qualitative data in design.

Assessment: Thesis proposal and annotated bibliography.

ARS 6120 — Online Studio III: Global Sacred Architecture (6 SCH)

Comprehensive sacred complex or interfaith campus.

Assessment: Virtual juries with international critics; 3D model and short film.

MOOC Elective II (3 SCH)

Example: Sacred Landscapes and Ritual Architecture (edX) or Interfaith Dialogue in Design (FutureLearn).

Year 2 – Semester 4 (Spring) – 15 SCH

ARS 6210 — Professional Practice, Ethics & Ministry Collaboration (3 SCH)

Faith-based architectural practice, ethics, liturgical consultation, community leadership.

Assessment: Professional portfolio + case study.

ARS 6220 — Thesis / Culminating Project (6 SCH)

Capstone design + research integrating theology, sustainability, and community context.

Deliverables: Digital exhibition, 3D renderings, written thesis (10–15k words), oral defense via Zoom.

MOOC Elective III (3 SCH)

Example: Liturgical Art and Architecture (Federica.eu) or Sound, Light & Sacred Space (edX).

MOOC Elective IV (3 SCH)

Independent study or approved MOOC on digital fabrication, theology of art, or heritage management.

7️⃣ Elective Library (Approved MOOCs)

8️⃣ Thesis Guidelines (ARS 6220)

• Conduct design-based research that synthesizes theology, art, and architecture.
• Submit both written and design components.
• Engage one faculty advisor (Architecture) + one theological mentor (Faith Studies).
• Public digital defense; thesis archived online for open access.

Examples:

• Reimagining Monastic Space in the Digital Era
• The Cathedral as Climate Sanctuary
• Designing Virtual Sacred Environments for Online Worship

9️⃣ Assessment Model

• Coursework (50%): Assignments, essays, critiques.
• Design Studios (35%): Portfolio, juried reviews.
• Thesis (15%): Final project and defense.
  Rubrics aligned with NASAD and FLDOE graduate assessment standards (emphasis on creative synthesis and academic rigor).

🔟 Faculty & Administration

Program Director: Doctorate (PhD/D.Arch/ThD) in Architecture, Theology, or Design.

Studio Faculty: MFA, M.Arch, DDes, or equivalent; active design practice.

Adjunct Theological Faculty: M.Div., Th.M., or Ph.D. in Religious Studies.

MOOC Integration Supervisor: Evaluates and certifies external course credit.

All instructors trained in online pedagogy and design studio facilitation.

11️⃣ Compliance & Credit Policies

• Credit Hour Definition: 1 SCH = 15 contact hours + 30 independent study hours.
• Transfer Policy: Up to 12 SCH accepted from other accredited or recognized MOOC platforms (subject to review).
• Exemption Compliance: Operates under FLDOE Religious Institution Exemption (Florida Statute 1005.06(1)(f)).
• Integrity Policy: All submissions via online proctoring and originality verification.

12️⃣ Program Distinctives

• 100% online, no residency required.
• Combines Christian heritage and interfaith inclusivity.
• Integrates MOOCs, digital design tools, and global learning.
• Promotes spiritual formation through architectural creativity.
• Enables students worldwide to engage sacred architecture academically and professionally.

📋 Summary Table

🕊️ Christian and Interfaith Framework

The program integrates Christian liturgical and theological foundations with a comparative understanding of sacred environments across faith traditions.

Weekly online reflections encourage spiritual growth, prayer, and interfaith empathy.

Themes:

• Creation theology and environmental design
• Symbolism of light, sound, and water
• Pilgrimage, community, and hospitality
• Architecture as ministry and witness

💡 Technology Platform

• Learning Management: Canvas or Moodle Cloud
• Studio Tools: Rhino, Twinmotion, SketchUp, Miro, Google Earth Pro
• Communication: Zoom, Microsoft Teams
• Portfolio Submission: Behance or institutional repository

🏁 Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must:

1. Complete 60 SCH with GPA ≥ 3.0.
2. Submit and defend MFA Thesis Project.
3. Maintain continuous enrollment.
4. Complete at least 2 approved MOOC electives.

✅ Summary

This Fully Online MFA in Architecture & Sacred Spaces unites the design excellence of Politecnico di Milano, the theological depth of Christian tradition, and the openness of interfaith study — all within the flexible digital structure of a Florida religiously exempt institution. It is academically rigorous, spiritually grounded, and technologically forward-looking.