As city dwellers, our lives are deeply intertwined with architecture: the places where we live, work, and play define our communities, interactions, and everyday habits. In looking at the ways in which architecture impacts and assists us in our daily lives, Under Construction: The Art of Architecture focused on the social responsibility of the architect and the ways in which architecture can impact communities. Using the new MoMA building, as well as New York City itself as vibrant resources for learning, students explored various examples and interpretations of our built environment—from nearby buildings to architectural drawings. Working individually and in small groups, the class engaged in a series of design exercises—from architectural drawings of fruits to designing mobile emergency housing units—that encouraged creative problem solving and technical skill development. Conversations with MoMA curators and several practicing architects from Obra Architects, Storefront for Art & Architecture, and a special visit with Vito Acconci provided students with a greater understanding of the larger context of architecture while also inspiring their own studio work.