Theory
The nine-square problem
Explore in the Atlas →An introductory design exercise conceived at the University of Texas in 1954 by Hejduk with Slutzky and Hirsche, in which a 3×3 grid of fields is articulated through floors, walls and roofs to teach plan, elevation, section and axonometric as reciprocal generative tools; ubiquitous in global first-year studios since.
Pedagogy Type Tectonics
Details
- Introduced
- 1954
Referenced by
- Robert Slutzky proposed
- Education of an Architect: A Point of View (Cooper Union, the Nine-Square Problem) articulates
- John Hejduk proposed
Sources
- Hejduk, John. Education of an Architect: The Nine-Square Problem. Cooper Union, 1985.
Cite this entry
First published May 2026Last revised Jul 2026
CLAD. "The nine-square problem." Atlas of Architectural Thought. CLAD, 2026. https://www.cl-ad.com.au/research/atlas/theory/nine-square-problem/. Accessed July 17, 2026.