Wolfgang Rudorf

Wolfgang Max Rudorf received his engineering diploma in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Technical University in Berlin. As a recipient of a German Academic Exchange scholarship, he attended the History Theory and Criticism Program at MIT, receiving a Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a research focus on the Public Works Administration’s public housing initiative during the New Deal era.
Rudorf is a licensed Architect in Massachusetts and a LEED accredited professional, concentrating in his practice on the interface between the architectural and engineering disciplines. Responsible for the design and construction of large adaptive re-use projects, affordable housing projects, and the preservation of historic landmarks in the United States and Germany, he is an adamant supporter of an integrated project delivery method. He has taught for many years at RISD.
Academic areas of interest
- Green Building Technology
- Integrated Project Delivery and Building Information Modeling
- Interface of Architecture and Engineering
Courses
Fall 2023 Courses
INTAR 2318-01
BUILDING STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE
SECTION DESCRIPTION
While introducing students to the principal concepts of structural design and mechanical systems, the course will attempt to provide a direct link to the built environment with focus on the rehabilitation, preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures, both historical and contemporary. The presentation of case studies, focus on the structural and mechanical aspects of students' individual studio projects and the excursion to a construction site will bridge the gap between class room and the world of building.
Open to Junior Interior Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Interior Studies
INTAR 2397-02
DESIGN THESIS PREP
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar is the second of the three-part Design Thesis sequence in the department of Interior Architecture. This course is designed to assist students in identifying a thesis topic and respective design project through discussions that include studies of precedents, site related issues, program, and regulations, all of which are specific to adaptive reuse. Through group discussion and individual interviews, outline proposals will be approved in principle, requiring each student to prepare a feasibility report for their proposed Design Thesis. This completed feasibility report will be submitted for evaluation at the end of the Fall semester. Approved proposals will proceed to the next course in the sequence, where the proposal will be further refined, culminating in the design phase that will take place during the following Spring semester.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate Interior Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MDes Interior Studies
Spring 2024 Courses
INTAR 2379-01
THEORY STUDIO: INVESTIGATING INTERIORITY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar is intended as a reinforcement of and preparation for the self-choice Design Thesis taking place the following Spring. The seminar will assist the student in becoming more aware of factors which determine a successful outcome for a design intervention within an existing building. As the first part of the three-part thesis sequence, the course serves as the building block for INTAR-2397 and the student's approved Design Thesis Feasibility Report.
Open to Graduate Interior Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MDes Interior Studies Adaptive Reuse