Architecture

College: Graduate School of Science and Engineering

The Architecture specialization focuses on the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures. Students develop skills in design, urban planning, construction technology, and architectural history. Graduates are prepared for careers in architectural firms, urban planning agencies, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of architectural design and theory.
• Develop proficiency in building design, urban planning, and sustainable architecture.
• Learn techniques for creating architectural drawings, models, and digital renderings.
• Explore principles of building technology, materials, and construction methods.
• Analyze and interpret architectural history and cultural contexts.
• Develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills for effective architectural practice.

Major Outline:

1. Introduction to Architecture - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in architecture. - Fundamentals of architectural design, history, and theory.
2. Architectural Design - Principles of architectural design, including form, space, and aesthetics. - Techniques for creating architectural drawings, models, and digital renderings.
3. Building Technology - Principles of building technology, including materials, structures, and construction methods. - Techniques for designing and constructing buildings.
4. Urban Planning - Principles of urban planning, including land use, zoning, and community development. - Techniques for designing and managing urban spaces.
5. Sustainable Architecture - Principles of sustainable architecture, including green building design and energy efficiency. - Techniques for designing environmentally friendly and sustainable buildings.
6. Architectural History - Principles of architectural history, including styles, movements, and cultural contexts. - Techniques for analyzing and interpreting historical architectural works.
7. Digital Architecture - Principles of digital architecture, including computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM). - Techniques for creating digital architectural models and drawings.
8. Architectural Internship/Practicum - Real-world experiences in architecture, including internships, projects, and practical design tasks in architectural firms or planning agencies. - Application of learned skills in practical architectural scenarios.
9. Architecture Capstone Project - Comprehensive project applying skills in architectural design, urban planning, or sustainable architecture. - Submission of a polished architectural design project, report, or presentation.

Assessment Methods:

Architectural design projects, building technology analyses, urban planning studies, sustainable architecture designs, architectural history analyses, digital architecture models, internship/practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Architecture: Form, Space, and Order" by Francis D.K. Ching.
• "Building Construction Illustrated" by Francis D.K. Ching.
• "Site Planning" by Kevin Lynch.
• "Sustainable Architecture: Ecology, Culture, Humanism" by Thomas Fisher.
• "A Global History of Architecture" by Francis D.K. Ching, Mark M. Jarzombek, and Vikramaditya Prakash.
• "Digital Architecture: An Introduction to CAD" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of art, design, and mathematics. Suitable for students interested in architectural design, urban planning, and building technology.

Duration of Specialization:

Typically 4-5 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, design studios, practical training, and internships. Additional advanced degrees or certifications may be required for specialized roles.

Certification:

Graduates can obtain a degree in Architecture and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as a Master of Architecture or related specializations. Licensure from national architectural boards, like the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), may also be pursued.

Target Audience:

Aspiring architects, urban planners, building designers, and individuals seeking careers in architectural firms, urban planning agencies, construction companies, and related fields. This major equips students with the design, technical, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in architecture, supporting careers in architectural firms, urban planning agencies, and related fields.