Teaching

 

At the University of Florida, the normal semester teaching load for Mr. Walters includes two scheduled courses each semester, in addition to serving on Graduate Thesis and Dissertation committees. He serves as Honors Thesis Advisor for fourth-year undergraduate students, advises University Scholars, and serves on Capstone Project Review committees for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Sustainability and the Built Environment (B.S.S.B.E.) degree program.

Design studios are the core of the School of Architecture’s pedagogical structure and are heavily weighted in both credit hours (4-6 per course) and in contact hours (8 hours per week in the first year and 9 hours per week starting in the second year of undergraduate studios). Most non-studio courses are 3- or 4-credit hours and involve 3- to 4- contact hours per course.

In addition to his 9-month per year appointment, he teaches the 6-credit Sustainable Planning and Design Studio that is a central component of the MSAS in Sustainable Design degree program. This course involves weekly studio sessions with students working remotely and field work in Singapore. Mr. Walters has taught or co-taught this course each year since 2011.

Building Bridges

As informational networks bind us ever more tightly together, they also introduce unseen gaps and fissures within fields of knowledge. While in some cases, these are the product of distraction or youthful naiveté, they are also symptomatic a field which is expanding both in breadth and depth through uneven specializations. The resulting disciplinary lacunae are extensive, with students asked to connect ever more remote points within unsettled and variable terrains. The impossibility of knowing and/or mapping these territories creates an ambiguous and amorphous field within which beginning design students are asked to find their way.

At a fundamental level, I believe that teaching is about building bridges with and for our students, bridges that operate between academic and professional worlds, between disciplines, between different modes of thinking and making, between scales (global/local and concept/detail), between hand and digital modes of working, and between and amongst a multiplicity of cultural/social/economic/sustainable motivators. To be an excellent, innovative, and effective teacher requires an understanding of how to make these bridges, and the ability to share that knowledge with others. It is equal parts knowledge and communication.

My work begins with our students, as complex, emergent people, each motivated in different ways and pursuing different trajectories, goals, and objectives. They are entering a design profession which is itself complex and at times contradictory, with no singular way of working within it or even describing it. The combination of these conditions establishes a variable field, within which there are many possible solutions to a given design problem.

Studio learning encourages dialogue, collaboration, risk-taking, innovation, learning-by-doing and the integration of knowledge. This model places a higher value on the search for constructive strategies of thought and action than on the direct transmission of knowledge and skills.

I believe it is important to teach our students an appreciation for open-ended, speculative thinking so that they are prepared for a lifetime of practice. And it is important for us to balance this with carefully-measured, analytic, problem-solving skills that will allow our students to appreciate the specificity required in their built work.

To the fullest extent possible, I teach by looking through my students’ eyes, seeking to always see their work both from the perspective of the site/context/discipline and from the perspective of the student/creator/thinker. I teach by asking questions, and I often draw while talking with and/or listening to my students. We swap pencils and pens, I navigate their digital projects on-screen, and together we work to clarify the project’s intent and the specifics of its realization. This bridging across scales within the work allows students to think about the detail and big idea simultaneously rather than compartmentalizing information.

In larger-format courses, I seek to understand concurrent curricular obligations and search for opportunities to cross-reference the subject matter between classes. I engage the students in the discussion with specific in-lecture examples, video shorts, and case-study images from my own built work and the work of others.

Courses Taught

Graduate

  • DCP 6301  Sustainable Planning and Design Studio (Singapore)
  • ARC 6241  Advanced Graduate Architectural Design One
  • ARC 6355  Advanced Graduate Architectural Design Two
  • ARC 6393  Advanced Architectural Connections
  • ARC 6911  Architectural Detailing
  • ARC 6913  Architectural Research 3 (MRP/Thesis Preparation)
  • ARC 6940  Supervised Teaching
  • ARC 6971  Masters Research Thesis
  • ARC 6979  Masters Research Project

Published Ph.D. Dissertations – Committee Member: (3)

AuthorYearTitlePublicationDegree
He, Chang2024Spiritual Space in Rustic OrderDoctoral Dissertation (Ph.D.)–University of FloridaPh.D.
Sun, Ke2022The Flâneurs Dream World: A Phenomenological Dream Walk Through the Urbanscapes of Paris and New York CityDoctoral Dissertation (Ph.D.)–University of FloridaPh.D.
Zeng, Ruochen2019Development of a Design System Based on Embodied Energy, Carbon Emissions, and Costs of Buildings in Early Design PhasesDoctoral Dissertation (Ph.D.)–University of FloridaPh.D.

Published Graduate Thesis / Project-in-lieu-of-Thesis (PILOT)

During academic years 2008-2023, Walters served on a total of 111 Graduate Thesis and/or PILOT Committees. Specific committee roles over these 15 years were as follows:

  • Committee Chair: 63 Thesis and/or PILOT Committees (average of 4.2 committees per year)
  • Committee Co-Chair or Member: 48 Thesis and/or PILOT Committees (average of 3.2 committees per year)
  • Total: 111 (average of 7.4 committees per year)
AuthorYearTitleCommittee
Chair
Committee
Member(s)
DegreeThesis or PILOT
Aulia, Ulfa Kun2024Space, Time, and Place: Architectures of Sumatra, IndonesiaWaltersAlread, JasonM.ArchPILOT
Rodriguez, Alejandro2024Challenging Perceptions of the Architect: Towards an Architecture of RevelationWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Wincko, Raymond2024Turnpike Beef: A Reframing and Analysis of the Florida Landscape through a Bovine Perspective and the Role of Fence as Spatial EdgeHailey, CharlieWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Liu, Baichuan2023Traditional Courtyards and Contemporary Urban Development in ChinaWaltersZou, HuiM.ArchPILOT
Moreno, Camila2023Fiber Arts + Crochet in ArchitectureHailey, CharlieWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Sadat, Anwar2023Responsive Kinetic FacadesWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Tielemans, Suzanne2023Finding Florida: Painting + PlacemakingHailey, CharlieWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Wang, Heting2023Architecture and Nomadic Ethnic CommunitiesWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Bondarenko Costa, Breno2022Re-Conquering the Urban FabricWang, AlbertusWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Chang, Tianyue2022Sustainable Vertical Development in Dense Urban EnvironmentsWaltersHuang, Lee-SuM.ArchPILOT
Clark, Jon A.2022Bamboo: Transforming Residential Construction in FloridaHuang, LisaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Fagan, Blanchard2022Inhabitation: Constructing for the Body and its RitualsWaltersHailey, CharlieM.ArchPILOT
Herring, Amanda2022Light of the Labyrinthine: Convergence of the Living and the DepartedMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Rynar, Carley2022Meaning and Measure in Landscape: Somewhere between Place and BodyHofer, NinaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Walker, Carly2022Encountering Atmosphere: Understanding Atmospheric Tangibility through PlacemakingHailey, CharlieWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Bennett, Molly2021Composing Atmospheres: Investigating Architectural Impressions through PoetryWaltersHofer, NinaM.ArchPILOT
Carmody, Elizabeth2021Commemorating ConnectionsHailey, CharlieWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Cochrane, Guillermo2021Threading into the Journey: An Exploration of the Hawthorne TrailWaltersSprowls, PeterM.ArchPILOT
DeMarco, Kristen2021Constructing Place: Mapping Landscape through Edge and Human OperationsWaltersHailey, CharlieM.ArchPILOT
Lambright, Jared2021Creating a Narrative for DesignHuang, Lee-SuWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Ryzhikov, Lisa2021Dream, Window, StairHofer, NinaWalters + Montoya, MichaelM.ArchPILOT
Wilson, Mark Ignacio2021Commemorations: Towards an Architecture of ReckoningWaltersHailey, CharlieM.ArchPILOT
Alonso, Christian A.2020Redefining a Building Envelope Through Construction Details, Joints, and Structural SystemsCohen, DonnaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Blevins, Verity2020Activated Thresholds: Conduits of Memory, Ceremony, and ReconciliationWaltersHofer, NinaM.ArchPILOT
Champagne, Catherine2020Searching Beyond the MaskMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Chen, Li-Tzu2020Spatial Experience Across Ikebana and ArchitectureWaltersHuang, Lee-SuM.ArchPILOT
Culpepper, Sara2020Terra Incognita: Navigating Space, Time, and MemoryHofer, NinaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Gomez, David2020Vestiges of Grief: An Impetus of HopeWaltersGamble, SarahM.ArchPILOT
Membreno Hernandez, Frances Alexandra2020GOÐSÖGN: Inhabiting Tales of Nordic Origin through Spatial NarrativesWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Moder, Lindsey2020WaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Ramirez, Steven2020Adapting Architecture in Changing LandscapesCarney, JeffWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Tanis, Marquis2020(re) Organizing Informal SettlementsWaltersGamble, SarahM.ArchPILOT
Fan, Yilin2019Memory Recalling: An Archive for Memory: a Place of RecallingGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Gostin, Leslie2019The Greenest Place on Earth? Guest Participation in Theme Park Sustainability InitiativesWaltersVolk, MichaelMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Guo, Jialu2019The Ambiguity in Exchange WorldGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Li, Huiyuan2019New Vitality for Old CitiesGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Li, Wencong2019Searching for Sacred RetreatsMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Renbarger, Nicolette L.2019Living Building Challenge Net-Zero Energy Certified Commercial Office Buildings in Humid Subtropical ClimatesWaltersRies, RobertMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Rosenstein, Joshua2019Fluid things like Light, Water, Wind and PeopleWaltersHofer, NinaM.ArchPILOT
Silvino, Thiago2019McGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Ahmed, Erum2018Placemaking, Human(e) and Materiality – In / With / By NatureHuang, LisaWalters +
Nelson, Kris
M.ArchPILOT
Bataku, Kristel2018Expressive Thinking: Exploring Sketching as a Mode for Studying Edge and EdgelessnessWaltersHofer, NinaM.ArchPILOT
Cordero, Ana2018Wildlife in the City: Adapting the Urban Fabric to Mediate the Relationship Between Animals and HumansWaltersBelton, StephenM.ArchPILOT
Cronin, Elizabeth M.2018Architecture and Feminism: Discussions towards Inclusive Ideologies, Pedagogies, and PracticesWaltersHofer, NinaMSAS PedagogyTHESIS
Fisher, Chad R.2018Assembled Edge: An Examination of Edge Conditions and the Occupational Experiences They ElicitWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Mayhew, Bethany2018Choreography of Human InteractionMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Reinisch, Audrey2018Mappings of a Poetic LifeMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Yanes, Christopher M.2018Holistic Design for HospitalsMaze, JohnWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Rodriguez, Laura M.2017Reflections: Drawing for the BodyHuang, LisaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Salazar, Francia2017Enhancing Well-Being through Architecture: Looking After Congo Mirador, Zulia, VenezuelaWaltersGold, MartinM.ArchPILOT
Salazar, Patricia Carolina Lanzas2017Progressive Housing ModulesWaltersHailey, CharlieM.ArchPILOT
Sweat, Jamison2017Wholistic Nihilism: An Architecture of PartsHuang, LisaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Wignall, Zachary2017Constructing the Phenomenal: The Process of SubtletyWaltersHuang, LisaM.ArchPILOT
Yang, Ruiyuan2017Optimizing Transportation Networks Based on an Innovative Non-Motorized Approach to Integrate Transportation with Urban EcologyWaltersSteiner, Ruth + Volk, MichaelMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Yu, Luping2017Reusing Old Materials: Village Renovation for the Aged PeopleWaltersHuang, LisaM.ArchPILOT
Zurman Nasution, Anggita Y.2017Within Merapi RitualHuang, LisaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Philips, Jessica2016Agri.tech.tura Barcelona 2.0: Architectural Studies of Vertical Agriculture in the Urban Environment Utilizing Hydroponic Technology: Creating Greener Architecture in Hopes of Greener CitiesBelton, StephenWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Salvatus, Jessa Lyn Villenas2016Environmentally Sustainable Housing: Design & Urban Form in the Context of Low-Cost Homes at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, PhilippinesHailey, CharlieWaltersMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Schmidt, Alex2016McGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Ayala, Jefrall Betancourt2015Evoking the Feeling of SafetyWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Becker, Jillian S.2015Simulating the Implementation of Energy Efficiency Measures: Techniques and Technologies for Residential and Commercial BuildingsWaltersRies, RobertMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Connor, Robert Daniel2015From Violence to Order: Creating Visual Narratives in Existing SpacesMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Feng, Dominic2015H21: Hospital for the 21st CenturyWaltersNawari, NawariM.ArchPILOT
Moreno, Cristina Eloisa2015Camping with FEMA: Disaster Relief Housing ; A Study of Shelter and Housing Evolution in FEMA CampsWaltersBelton, StephenM.ArchPILOT
Paul, Nicole Marlee2015Lands Marked: Understanding Place through Memory and LandscapeWaltersHuang, LisaM.ArchPILOT
Poppell, Christian2015Reflected Exchanges: Threshold, Reflection, and HorizonWaltersTilson, WilliamM.ArchPILOT
Saso, Grant2015Generative Unpacking of Florida Residential ArchitectureWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Silva, Alyson2015Translations of Place: Converging Place-Process[–ing] and Place-Part[a/the–ed]WaltersMaze, JohnM.ArchPILOT
Valle, Joshua2015Suburban Florida’s Identity: A Vernacular-Inspired Template for Residential DesignMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Zhang, Ye2015Research on Green Building Assessment in China Inspired by LEED v4 and Other Foreign Assessment SystemsNawari, NawariWaltersMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Abdulraheem, Sahar2014Sustainable Techniques for Public School in Florida: Application of the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS)Nawari, NawariWaltersMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Aquino-Otero, Ileana2014Sustainable Design Strategies for Sport StadiaNawari, NawariWaltersMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Byars, Amanda2014Marked Passages: Revealing a Community PortraitGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Cortes, Melissa Andrea2014The Ritual of Contemplation: Shifting LandscapesGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Hyder, Matthew D.2014Affordability of Net Zero Housing in Different ClimatesWaltersRies, RobertMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Neira, Pedro2014Progressive School Design: A Cognitive Approach to Architectural FeaturesWaltersHailey, Charlie + Therriault, DavidM.ArchTHESIS
Orion, Adriane2014Emergency Department DesignWaltersNawari, NawariM.ArchPILOT
Wang, Hui2014A Study of Low-Tech Way to Improve the Human Settlement Environment and Its Inspiration to the “Urban Fringe” Area DesignWaltersRies, RobertMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Dzura, Amy2013Green Design for Pittsburgh: Better Building CodesWaltersSilver, ChrisMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Flores, Matthew2013Phenomenology of Natural Light: Processes of Shaping SpaceWaltersGundersen, MartinM.ArchPILOT
Goldsmith, David2013Spatial PlasticitiesWaltersPeterson, GuyM.ArchPILOT
Hammond, Rhonda S.2013BIM in Sustainable Design: Strategies for Renovation and RetrofitNawari, NawariWaltersMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Hargrove, Darren2013The Coalescence of Phenomenal and Appropriate Space: Making Place in the Florida LandscapeWaltersPeterson, GuyM.ArchPILOT
Muñoz, Jonathan2013A Nationalistic Modern: Featuring Anteriority and Interiority of Mexico’s ArchitectureGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Rusch, Camille2013Integrating Sports Facilities into the City: Sun Life Stadium Site Re-Design, Miami, FLMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Tabrizchi, Maryam2013Environmental Quality Enhancement of Portable Classrooms: A Solution for Educational ImprovementBosworth, FrankWaltersM.ArchTHESIS
Tang, Dian Yu2013Sustaining Culture: Vernacular Architecture and Place-Making in Southwest Hubei, China and North AmericaWaltersHailey, CharlieMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Tjindra, Djundi2013Residential Land-Use Density and Building Energy Consumption: a Case Study of the City of Gainesville, FloridaWaltersJones, PierceMSAS Sustainable DesignTHESIS
Wu, Haoqi2013Sustaining Vertical Communities: Strategies for the Design of Public Spaces in Tall BuildingsWaltersCohen, DonnaMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Isley, Grey2012A Study of the Potential for the Integration of Sustainable Practices in Rural and Suburban Developments Through the Review of Two Conventional North Carolina DevelopmentsWaltersSteiner, RuthMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Mak, Peter2012The Evolution of Sustainable Design in Singapore Public Housing Projects: Precedents and ProposalsTilson, WilliamWaltersMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Mojica, Dave2012Illumination: Interventions at Basilica PalladianaWaltersKohen, MarthaM.ArchPILOT
Wang, Lu Wei2012Places + Stories: Sustainable Design in Historical PlacesWaltersTilson, WilliamMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Yu, Siyu2012Shaping the Sustainable City Through Water-Oriented Urban DesignWaltersCarr, MargaretMSAS Sustainable DesignPILOT
Azorin, Erica2011Florida House: Vernacular ModernismsWaltersPeterson, GuyM.ArchPILOT
Chen, Kexin2011Sustaining Urban Culture: The Design and Operation of Public Art Planning ProgramsWaltersTilson, WilliamMSAS Sustainable DesignTHESIS
Guan, Ni2011Memory and Place: Culture of Sustainability in Dalian, ChinaPrugh, PeterWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Hoffman, Margaret Starkweather2011Between Rail and Bay: Guiding Architecture through MemoryWaltersPerez-Mendez, AlfonsoM.ArchPILOT
Liu, Yang2011Swarm Architecture: A Liquid Journey Through the Fragmented WorldWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Milano, Gail2011Contemplating the Unmeasurable: Designing Depth into Darkness Through Fractures of LightWaltersGundersen, MartinM.ArchPILOT
Peel, Jacob2011Actuating Geometric PrimitivesWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Princivil, Jennifer2011Discussions on Architectural Permanence: Place and Place MakingWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Rodriguez Casas, Vanessa2011Colonizing Permanence: Intervening Courtyard Houses, La Habana Vieja, CubaWaltersPerez-Mendez, AlfonsoM.ArchPILOT
Seal, Shawmeron2011Fabricating Space Through Weak Architecture: An Examination of the Process of Spatial and Material Fabrication Through the Parallel Practices of Architecture and Dress DesignWaltersGundersen, MartinM.ArchPILOT
Tenzel, Steven2011Florida Pavilion: Reciprocating Place, Ground, and TectonicsWaltersPeterson, GuyM.ArchPILOT
Zhang, Yibo2011The Role of Transit-Oriented Development in Urban Planning of Cities in ChinaWaltersTilson, WilliamMSAS Sustainable DesignTHESIS
Aktuna, Bahar2010Peace-Building in Cyprus: Reconnecting, Remembering and Memorializing, A Hypothetical Approach to the Roles of Architects and Urban Planners in Peace-Building ProcessWaltersHailey, CharlieM.ArchPILOT
Dery, Amelia Ann2010Fabrication: Constructing an Architectural PatternHofer, NinaWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Fisher, Daniel Glenn2010Transforming the Classroom Portable Literally: Employing Kinetic Systems to Maximize Pedagogical EffectivenessWaltersMcGlothlin, MarkM.ArchPILOT
Ramos, Ruben M.2010Dynamic Expression: Building in TensionMcGlothlin, MarkWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Raucci, Rebecca Lynn2010Possible Palladio: Fragmented Origins, A Composite of Invented FragmentsGundersen, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Scott, Sarah Lissa2010Inclusive Dwelling: A Place of Ability, Mobility, and PlayMcGlothlin, MartinWaltersM.ArchPILOT
Yee, Jordan M.2010Main Street ReconsideredWaltersGold, MartinM.ArchPILOT
Snyder, Matthew2009Architecture of Sound: Experience and SpaceSiebein, GaryWalters + Hailey, CharlieM.ArchPILOT
Table by B.Walters, based on information from the George A. Smathers Libraries of the University of Florida (https://uflib.ufl.edu/).

Chair, Co-Chair, and Member Totals (2008-2023):

  • Ph.D. = Doctor of Philosophy: 3
  • M.ARCH = Master of Architecture: 88
  • MSAS SD = MSAS in Sustainable Design: 22
  • MSAS PEDAGOGY = MSAS in Pedagogy: 1
  • THESIS = M.Arch or MSAS Thesis: 6

Faculty Thesis + PILOT Collaborations (2008-2023):

Undergraduate

  • ARC 1301  Architectural Design 1
  • ARC 1302  Architectural Design 2
  • ARC 2303  Architectural Design 3
  • ARC 2304  Architectural Design 4
  • ARC 2461  Materials and Methods of Construction 1
  • ARC 3291  Analytic Drawing and Sketching (Vicenza, Italy)
  • ARC 3320  Architectural Design 5
  • ARC 3321  Architectural Design 6
  • ARC 3463  Materials and Methods of Construction 2 (Vicenza, Italy)
  • ARC 4073  Graduate Core Studio 3
  • ARC 4074  Graduate Core Studio 4
  • DCP 4290  Capstone Project in Sustainability and the Built Environment
  • ARC 4322  Architectural Design 7
  • ARC 4323  Architectural Design 8 (Gainesville, Florida and Vicenza, Italy)
  • ARC 4323  Integrated Project Delivery Studio and Practicum
  • ARC 4941  Educational Teaching Issues

Published B.S.S.B.E. Capstone Project – Faculty Advisor: (2)

Published Undergraduate Honors Thesis – Faculty Advisor / Mentor: (29 total)

2020-2021 (5)

2018-2019 (2)

2015-2016 (8)

2011-2012 (7)

2010-2011 (3)

2009-2010 (4)

University Scholar Mentor + Faculty Advisor: (4)

United World College Scholars Program + Kathryn W. Davis Projects for Peace – Faculty Advisor: (1)