Architectural Technology Schedule

MODEL SCHEDULE FOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY

SEMESTER 1
ARCH 106 - Fundamentals of Architectural Drafting 3
ARCH 111 - Materials of Construction 3
ARCH 116 - Residential Details 3
ARCH 122 - AutoCad Architecture 2
ARCH 123 - Building Information Modeling 2
MATH 137 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) 3
CIS 111 - Intro to Computer Applications 3

SEMESTER 2
ARCH 156 - Specifications, Estimating, and Contracts 2
ARCH 161 - Working Drawings 4
ARCH 166 - Rendering and Illustrations 2
ARCH 172 - Advanced CAD 3
MATH 141 - Trigonometry* (or higher) 3
ENG 106 - English Composition 3

SEMESTER 3
ARCH 206 - Advanced Methods and
Materials of Construction 4
ARCH 211 - Structural Systems 2
ARCH 216 - Site and Microclimate Design 3
PHYS 113 - Statics 3
ENG 216 - Technical Writing* 3

SEMESTER 4
ARCH 256 - Environmental Systems 2
ARCH 261 - Life Safety and Building Codes 2
ARCH 266 - Architectural History 1
ARCH 271 - Individual Design Studio 4
ARCH 276 - Group Design Studio 2
Humanities Elective 3

Additional General Education Requirements
HEAL Elective HEAL 106 or HEAL 111 1
Elective General Studies Elective 3

Total Credits 69

Click here to download PDF Version of Architectural Technology Curriculum 


 

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY (ARCH)


ARCH 106 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of Architectural Design
Serves as an introduction to architectural drafting. Focuses on communication of design concepts and instructions to builders. Investigation and analysis of drawings and other means to communicate architecture. Exploration and development of an individual’s communication of ideas and thoughts by means of graphic representation.


ARCH 111 (3 credits)
Materials of Construction
Presents fundamental aspects of the design profession. Involves the application and technology of materials. An appreciation of the limits and the potential of materials is fundamental to well-executed designs. Investigation and analysis of actual materials and their application as a means to give form and substance to creative ideas.

ARCH 116 (3 credits)
Residential Details
Research of specific building elements necessary for construction. Application of knowledge and creativity in the development of details. Typical and standard details applicable to residential construction. Learning how to communicate with the construction crew. Involves sketch details and drafted details. Also requires drawings and exercises showing typical details and drafting skills.

ARCH 122 (2 credits)
Autodesk® Architecture®
Intensive introduction to CAD including computer literacy, hardware, software, input, output, printing, introductory computer drafting skills, and completion of specific drawing exercises. Instruction is based on current Autodesk® Architecture® (the industry standard software program). Use of CAD to draw architectural elements such as floor plans, lighting, furniture, wall treatments, and other related elements.
Co-requisite: ARCH 123


ARCH 123 (2 credits)
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Course teaches students to design and construct using building information modeling (BIM) methodology. BIM employs the concept of parametric modeling by assigning information to three-dimensional objects and automatically updating building components as the model changes or evolves. Using BIM, students generate orthographic drawings and supporting documentation, which may include specifications, schedules, cost management, etc. BIM provides continuous and immediate feedback for students. Through this course, students will become competent in using BIM as a new and efficient way for multi-disciplines to work collaboratively. The software used for this course is Autodesk® Revit®.

Co-requisite: ARCH 122

ARCH 156 (2 credits)
Specifications, Estimating, and Contracts
Introduction to three important aspects of architectural technology: Construction specifications, estimating, and design services contracts. Students learn about the differences between residential, commercial, and federal specifications. The basics of cost estimating for construction is also incorporated, along with simple cost estimates using calculators and computers. Students learn about the provisions that make up typical design services and construction contracts, the legal language, the link between contracts, government regulations, and working drawings.

ARCH 161 (4 credits)
Working Drawings
Students design their own houses in this capstone course, creating a complete set of working drawings including site plans, floor plans, elevations, building sections, wall sections, details, and schedules. Students prepare preliminary presentation drawings; create a presentation model and a structural model; and prepare a full set of working drawings. CAD is used to prepare all drawings.


ARCH 166 (2 credits)
Rendering and Illustrations
Students learn how to use perspective, color, shadow, and computer-aided animation and rendering to illustrate architectural design. Work in this course builds on skills explored in previous courses.
Prerequisite: ARCH 106


ARCH 172 (3 credits)
Advanced Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
An intensive follow-up to ARCH 122 and 123, this course uses AutoCAD® for efficient production of architectural drawings. Completes the development of a solid foundation of CAD skills designed to give students appropriate entry-level CAD skills.
Prerequisites: ARCH 122 and ARCH 123 (minimum grade of “D” in both)


ARCH 206 (4 credits)
Advanced Methods and Materials of Construction
Detailed investigation of commercial construction systems with a more in-depth review of construction materials than introduced in the first year. Materials considered in a systems approach, including floor, wall, roof, glazing, and finish systems. Selected criteria of cost, installation, long-term material performance, limitations, and whole-building integration are identified for individual materials.
Prerequisite: ARCH 161


ARCH 211 (2 credits)
Structural Systems
Historical development of structures. Includes the loads and stability of structures. Identifies various stresses, including tension, compression, sheer, and bending. Looks at design requirements, characteristics, limitations, and rules of thumb utilizing wood, steel, and concrete systems; analyzes beams, columns, frames, trusses, and connection components and details in structural design.

ARCH 216 (3 credits)
Site and Microclimate Design
Specifies site parameters and impact on building design from site investigation to finished project. Reviews initial design concerns, site vegetation, terrain, winds, waterways, solar access, and seasonal effects. Building design issues are landscaping, grading and drainage, site utilities, paving and roadways, and site amenities.


ARCH 256 (2 credits)
Environmental Systems
Theory, history, design, and explanation of systems affecting building environmental quality. Includes review of plumbing, water, and sanitary systems; the options available in the selection of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; and an energy overview (thermal control, heat load analysis, utilization of solar alternatives, and understanding of indoor air quality concerns). Electrical equipment requirements and loads, artificial and natural lighting and illumination criteria and fixtures are covered, as well as acoustical control construction practices and vertical transportation impact on building design.


ARCH 261 (2 credits)
Life Safety and Building Codes
Philosophy and approaches to life safety, including fire protection systems and the impact of various types of construction on life safety. Traces evolution of building codes and analyzes the building code compliance of various hypothetical case studies. Covers means of egress and construction system assemblies. Reviews barrier-free design requirements and implication on project design.


ARCH 266 (1 credit)
Architectural History and Theories of Design
Overview of architecture, from prehistoric to the 20th century and beyond, including Ancient, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Eastern, Colonial, and Modern. Stylistic characteristics of historical architecture reviewed and analyzed with specific concentration on American architecture. Includes history of urban design and the current changing face of the building environment, from city and suburb to farm.


ARCH 271 (4 credits)
Individual Design Studio
Utilization of material learned throughout the previous three semesters. Students select commercial/institutional building type and design the entire building, from initial design concept to completion of construction documents. Students are responsible for building programming, square footage requirements, design concept, and integration of site, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical considerations. Finished project includes a written building program, construction drawings, outline specification, and presentation graphics.


ARCH 276 (2 credits)
Group Design Studio
Project simulates a real-world approach to professional practice by involving the design of a hypothetical renovation and addition to an existing campus building. Small student teams are responsible for delegating all project tasks and monitoring project deadlines and completion dates. At the end, a group effort includes initial design concept, construction budget estimates, construction drawings, outline specifications, and presentation graphics.


ARCH 320 (3 credits)
Understanding Greece: Art, Architecture History, Mythology
A twelve-day guided tour of architectural sites in Greece. The focus is on understanding the contribution of Greece to Western architecture. Studying architecture exposes students to the social, political, economic, and technological history of Greece. Introductory lectures prepare students before the course, which is offered at the end of the spring term.


ARCH 340 (3 credit)
Understanding Italy’s History through Its Art and Architecture
A ten-day guided tour of architectural sites in Italy. The focus is on understanding the contribution of Italy to Renaissance art and architecture. Studying art and architecture exposes students to the social, political, economic, and technological history of Italy. Introductory lectures prepare students before the course, which is offered during the spring break of the spring term.


ARCH 360 (3 credits)
Understanding Spain’s History through Its Art and Architecture
A ten-day guided tour of architectural and cultural sites of Spain. The focus is on understanding the contribution of Spain to world of art and architecture. Studying art and architecture exposes students to the social, political, religious, economic, and technological history of Spain. Introductory lectures prepare students before the course, which is offered during the spring break of the spring semester.