Architecture: Course Details

Architecture Course Breakdown: 

Architectural Courses: 

ARCH 100 – Orientation Architecture  

This course is an introduction to architectural and construction technology fields of study and careers. Topics include a review of academic policies and requirements for successful completion of the program, and a review of techniques, procedures, and systems in architecture and construction. The course explores career opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial industries, and students will investigate areas of continued study at the upper-division level, i.e., transfer. The use of spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) will also be covered. 

ARCH 110 - Computer Aided Residential Drawings 

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of light wood frame construction within a residential context. Students will explore basic material and components used in building assemblies. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of computer aided drawing tools and techniques to document a light wood frame building using architectural drawing conventions. 

ARCH 125 - Architectural Design Graphics 

In this foundational design studio, students will be introduced to fundamental architectural design thinking, iterative design, design communication (both verbal and written), and architectural drawing techniques. Students will develop their architectural tool kit by developing a series of projects exploring drawing standards, relevant precedent, design iteration, and creative problem-solving.  

ARCH 135 - Architectural Design Fundamentals 

In this foundational design studio, students will develop their understanding of architectural design thinking, iterative design, design communication (both verbal and written), and architectural drawing techniques. Students will apply this knowledge to develop a series of architectural design projects. These projects will focus on small-scale architectural interventions and require students to hone their creative thinking to develop an architectural response.   

ARCH 150 - Statics & Strengths of Materials 

Selected topics include: analysis of basic forces, conditions for equilibrium, truss analysis, stress-strain relationships, riveted and bolted connections, investigation of simple beams by shear and moment diagrams, steel and timber beam analysis and design, and simple column analysis and design.  

ARCH 210 - Architectural Design I 

In this design studio, students will apply their technical and conceptual knowledge to develop a series of increasingly complex architectural design projects.  These projects will challenge students to utilize previous design tools while synthesizing new core principles. These core principles will focus the work on topics such as formal arrangement, sustainability, MEP, community engagement, spatial planning, regulatory/code parameters, iterative design, use of precedent, habitable space, and human occupancy.  

ARCH 220 - Commercial Detailing

This second documentation and detailing course introduces the student to the fundamentals of materials and components in building assemblies for commercial construction. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of building information modeling tools and techniques to document a commercial building. 

ARCH 240 - Architectural Design II 

In this final lower-division design studio students will be able to synthesize, organize and prepare clear and articulate architectural proposals that present the skills learned in the previous three semesters. Additionally, students will conclude this sequence by applying new concepts such as the integration of sustainable and mechanical systems, architectural detailing, and integrating digital design software into their final presentations. 

ARCH 250 - Architectural Digital Design 

This course introduces students to three-dimensional computer modeling and techniques for the digital production of architectural renderings. Students apply “3-D” techniques to buildings and other architectural features. Photo-realistic renderings and walk-throughs are covered. 

ARCH 300 - Architectural Digital Design II 

This course introduces students to advanced three-dimensional and parametric computer modeling and techniques for the digital production of architectural renderings. Students apply “3-D” techniques to buildings and other architectural features. Photo-realistic renderings and walk-throughs are covered. 

ARCH 330 - Architectural Design III

In this first upper-division design studio students will investigate the cultural, historic, and environmental characteristics of a community and apply these contextual principles to a building and site design project. The connection between technical details and human experience will be explored by studying building structures, aesthetics, and urban context and applying these lessons in an integrated design solution.   

ARCH 345 - Sustainable Systems I

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of environmental systems. Students will explore sustainable design principles including passive design strategies and active MEP building systems and how they relate to building systems, site, region, and human health and safety. This course focuses on energy use and materials in buildings and architecture. 

ARCH 350 - Structural Theory 

This course covers the application of forces for analysis and design of building structures. Included are load analysis for wind and seismic conditions. Analysis of building structural systems including lateral force resisting systems, frames, arches, and trusses is also covered. Students are exposed to basic design in timber, steel, masonry, and concrete. A research project and computer applications are integrated into the course. 

ARCH 370 - Architectural Design IV 

In this design studio, students will build from the previous semester’s coursework and be introduced to sustainable urban design and planning. Social, economic, and environmental considerations will be used to create a new community and the architecture, public spaces, and infrastructure that define that community. Architectural details such as structures, facades, materials, and building components will also be tied into larger urban design principles about how people live, inhabit, and grow a community. 

ARCH 401 - Portfolio Preparation 

In this course, students will explore, articulate, and document their learning by developing a portfolio, resume, cover letter, and appropriate interviewing skills. Other topics covered will be NCARB, computer graphics, and post-graduate opportunities. 

ARCH 410 - Professional Practices

An exposure to the legal, management and business aspects of architecture (with applications to engineering and construction management). 

ARCH 430 - Architectural Design V 

In this first advanced design studio, students will integrate the architectural concepts, both technical and conceptual, that they have learned previously while simultaneously implementing personal design concepts into a semester-long project. Final submissions will include detailed architectural drawings, a deep understanding of precedent and their application, a clear position towards site/context, articulate presentation, a reasonable application of structural, MEP, and regulatory conditions, and a clear concept. 

ARCH 460 - Structural Steel Design 

This course is a study of steel as a material, including analysis and design of steel framed members in building structures in conformance with AISC code. Typical structural components include tension members, compression members, beams, welded and bolted connections, trusses, and frames. Use of computer software to solve problems is included. 

ARCH 470 - Architectural Design VI 

In this second advanced design studio, students will develop an architectural project that synthesizes the architectural, structural, mechanical, regulatory, and conceptual concepts learned over the previous semesters in response to an architectural design brief. This semester long project will be prepared with a clear design intent, be thoughtfully organized, technically proficient, and link theory to practice.   

ARCH 480 - Reinforced Concrete Design 

This course is a study of concrete as a material, including analysis and design of concrete framed members in building structures in conformance with ACI-318 code. Typical structural components include flexural members, compression members, one-way and two-way slabs, footings, and walls. Use of computer software to solve problems is included.                 

ARCH 520 - Thesis Research 

Thesis Research will be a catalyst for developing and clarifying concepts to be explored, possible project ideas to be tested, and research completed in a specific area of interest within an architectural discourse. Satisfactory completion of this course is required to advance into ARCH 570.  

ARCH 530 - Architectural Design VII 

This comprehensive design studio focuses on technical concerns critical to the practice of architecture such as lighting, materials, structures, building envelopes and code requirements. These technical elements are studied through the lens of sustainability and integrated design. Technical software is used to analyze and document the building design.  

ARCH 570 - Architectural Design VIII 

Thesis Studio is the culminating design studio for all 5th year seniors completing a Bachelors of Architecture. Under the supervision of a faculty member students will investigate an architectural thesis generated in Thesis Research. This “site” of work will provide students with an opportunity to focus and produce a person architectural response. Completion of this course and submission of a final Degree Project Portfolio will be required to graduate.