Fall Core Courses

ARC 501- Architecture Design Studio 1

Course Title: Good Neighbors 

Workshop to prepare students for critical thinking on basic architectural issues through groups of spaces and places. Through exploration and design, students will deal with spatiality and embodiment in a scale that should be familiar to them. The workshop will prepare students to explore issues of analysis of precedents, program, movement, geometry, site, scale, materiality, perception, landscape, order, and context, among others, constructing an intense introductory studio experience to their graduate program. Provides foundational experiences used throughout all graduate Architecture design studios.

ARC 503- Architecture Design Studio 3

Course Title: CITY BUILDING/BUILDING CITY

Addresses site planning, building program development, design, planning, materials, construction technologies, environmental systems and reference the integrative nature of architectural design. Investigates formal, spatial and conceptual potential of building materials and construction systems. Examines the potential of integrating aesthetic, technical, social, and cultural aspects of building design. Develop abilities to formulate ideas and site-specific architectural building proposals within conceptual frameworks that work at different scales.

The studio will focus on the design of a building in an urban setting.It will address civic architectures through studies of contemporary buildings, texts, precedents and cities.Students will examine cities and prepare individual design proposals for a new building.

ARC 511- Architectural Media 1

This course will expose students to various strategies and methods of architectural representation. Students will explore techniques to communicate spatial conditions and concepts, including forms of drawing, image production, and model-making. Targeted exercises in using both digital and manual tools will help students develop and enhance abilities to analyze and translate spatial observations through processes of visualization and fabrication. Beyond the development of skills, this course will help students discover more nuanced ways of perceiving and interpreting the built environment. Through engaging with theoretical frameworks, this course will challenge students to think critically about representational techniques, and will demonstrate how modes of representation are connected to design process.

ARC 531- Architectural History 1

Introduces the development of urban and architectural form in a cultural context from the first settlements of Neolithic times to the consolidation of architecture as a discipline in the 1450s.

ARC 541- Environmental Systems 1

Overview on interrelationship of the physical environment and buildings, specifically examining site design and environmental technologies, as they relate to environmental building systems design. More specifically, will develop an ability to respond to site characteristics including urban context, developmental patterning, zoning, soils, topography, ecology, climate, and building orientation. Students will also be introduced to the environmental technologies of lighting and acoustics including criteria relating to concepts and analysis in support of building systems design. Includes lectures, labs, field work, readings, exams, and projects.

ARC 553- Structures 2

The second course in the Structure sequence will broadly investigate the relationship between structure and architecture. To discuss the role of structural knowledge on architectural practice, innovative structural design cases will be reviewed in the context of the conversation between the structural engineer and architect. A basic numerical understanding of structural requirements will be studied, with which the concept of force equilibrium, structural stability, loads, member strength design, and serviceability will be explored. Parametric 3d modeling and structural analysis method will be investigated. Structural materials such as Steel and Concrete will be reviewed as gravity and lateral force resisting systems in the context of the contemporary structural design. Critical details in structural design will be reviewed to understand how structural ideas are developed and applied in the construction documentation. Lastly, based on the understanding of structural integrity, students will examine novel cases in various urban dynamics where the function of structural design is evident for the broader impact on human behaviors.

ARC 555- Structures 3

Begins by emphasizing the investigation of reinforced concrete structures and continues by studying various types of foundation systems, such as footings, and retaining and bearing walls. Also includes a general overview of indeterminate structures and the behavior of continuous beams. Concludes with the study of lateral forces and dynamic loading, and their impact on the design of seismic and wind-resistant structures. May be offered on an intermittent basis. 

ARC 562- Architectural Theory

Overview of architectural theory and approaches. Examines architectural theory as applied to building design, using architectural theory as a basis for developing design paradigms. Introduces research methods used in architectural theory.

ARC 573- Environmental Systems 2

Examines active systems of climate control in buildings and their relation to energy management. Assesses evaluation and selection of mechanical equipment systems, cost implications, and effectiveness. Investigates design considerations of integrating various building systems, including: mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment; water; and wastewater systems. Introduces sanitation, fire protection, and vertical transportation systems. Considers techniques for solar heating, passive cooling, indoor air quality, and human health.

ARC 603- Architecture Design Studio 3

Course Title: CITY BUILDING/BUILDING CITY

Addresses site planning, building program development, design, planning, materials, construction technologies, environmental systems and reference the integrative nature of architectural design. Investigates formal, spatial and conceptual potential of building materials and construction systems. Examines the potential of integrating aesthetic, technical, social, and cultural aspects of building design. Develop abilities to formulate ideas and site-specific architectural building proposals within conceptual frameworks that work at different scales.

The studio will focus on the design of a building in an urban setting.It will address civic architectures through studies of contemporary buildings, texts, precedents and cities.Students will examine cities and prepare individual design proposals for a new building.

ARC 611- Architectural Media 3

This course is intended to introduce students to various digital and computational design applications. Will include topics such as image processing, vector drawing, 3D modeling, Parametric Modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and rendering techniques. Sessions are intended to provide students with hands-on instruction in order to assist in developing a comfortable skill level. 

ARC 697- Portfolio

The Portfolio is an important communication tool for architects and designers to share their own project work. During the seminar, the portfolio design process should incorporate the cultivation, selection, edited viewpoint, presentation, etc. of your work which will contribute to a personal statement about who you are. The course objective is to design a portfolio that is a culmination of student work documented in a professional format. Students will learn how to self-evaluate, organize, layout, and edit their work to allow for future maintenance of their portfolios as their professional careers develop.

Class Schedule

For more specific information on courses including instructor, scheduled times, days, modality and restrictions, please see the class schedule.