Architectural Technology Course Descriptions

ARCH 106 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of Architectural Technology
Serves as an introduction to architectural technology, which is the application and study of construction technologies, specific to the design of residential building structures. Focuses on the effective and efficient communication of design concepts to all invested.’ stakeholders. In-depth analysis, exploration, and development of individuals’ thoughts, through means of graphic representation, to satisfy performance, production, and procurement criteria.

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 124 (3 credits)
CAD in Architecture
Intensive introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) including computer literacy, hardware, software, input, output, printing, introductory computer drafting skills, and completion of specific drawing exercises. Instruction is based on current industry standard software/applications. Use of CAD to draw architectural elements such as floor plans, building sections, exterior elevations, lighting, furniture, and other related elements.

ARCH 157 (3 credits)
Construction Specifications
This course offers an in-depth exploration into the critical role of construction specifications in architectural technology. Students delve into the creation, interpretation, and implementation of detailed construction specifications pivotal in translating design concepts into tangible structures. Students examine the fundamental principles of construction specifications, encompassing materials, methods, and standards utilized in residential construction. Emphasis is placed on industry standards, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations embedded within construction documentation.

ARCH 162 (3 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 167 (3 credits)
Rendering and Illustration
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.

ARCH 172 (3 credits)
Advanced CAD in Architecture
An intensive follow-up to ARCH 124, this course uses Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) for efficient production of architectural drawings. Completes the development of a solid foundation of CAD skills, designed to give students an appropriate entry-level skill set.
Prerequisites: ARCH 124

ARCH 207 (3 credits)
Advanced 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 212 (3 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 257 (3 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 262 (3 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 267 (3 credit)
Architectural History
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 272 (3 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 (3 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.