Apr 20, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2015-2016 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2015-2016 [Archived Catalog]

Courses


 
  
  • ARCH 1200 - Beginners Architecture Career Discovery Program


    Two-week introduction to architecture for rising high school juniors and seniors includes morning programs and introductory lectures in history and theory of architecture, computing and simulation, freehand and extreme drawing, building ecologies, building conservation, and construction systems.  There will be field trips and career counseling.  Afternoons will have individually critiqueed (tutored) design studios, group and individual projects, reviews, and public presentation.  Acts as an opportunity for career discovery to decide whether a design education in architecture is appropriate.  Summer term annually.  Dates TBA. 9:00 - 4:00 pm.

    When Offered: Summer term annually.



  
  • ARCH 1210 - Advanced Architecture Career Discovery Program


    Similar structure as the Beginners program.  The Advanced program will continue to cultivate design foundations explored in the Beginners course.  Dates: TBA. 9:00 - 4:00 pm.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 1200.

    When Offered: Summer term annually.



  
  • ARCH 2110 - The Building and Thinking of Architecture 1


    This course addresses the history of architectural and related developments in selected Western and non-Western civilizations to construct a conceptual and strategic understanding of the relationships between architecture, geography, culture, technology, and thought.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 2120 - The Building and Thinking of Architecture 2


    This course expands upon notions introduced in ARCH 2110 that architecture is a practice embedded in human cultures characterized by particular ways of thinking in action. In addition, notions that its domain of interests, physically and intellectually, extends beyond the limits of individual buildings are elaborated through specific examples. This is done against the background of the major shift in intellectual developments beginning in the 17th century that provide stimulus for the scientific, cultural, technological, and social revolutions of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Unlike ARCH 2110, this course for the most part, does not proceed in a chronological fashion.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2110.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2140 - The Building and Thinking of Architecture 3


    This course builds on the content and ideas of ARCH 2110 and 2120 to examine the history of architecture in medieval and Renaissance periods of Western civilization. In doing so, it will examine the implications of these developments for the architecture of later eras as well as the chronology of specific important events in the time period from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2120.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2150 - The Ethos of Architecture


    This course will examine the spectrum of architectural phenomena and ideas without a specific chronology using examples ranging from antiquity to the contemporary world in western and non-western civilizations and produced in both vernacular and disciplinary cultures. An essential part of this course is to stimulate students’ curiosity about architecture and the larger world and introduce them to key issues of architecture regarding space, form, critique, technology, aesthetics, societal and cultural contexts, etc. Crucial to this goal is to encourage students to pursue and develop their own unique vision and voice in architecture throughout their education and practice. Fundamental to this process is making students aware of the necessity to challenge their own subjectivities, biases, and presuppositions.

     

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2160 Architectural Media.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2160 - Architectural Media


    This course continues the inquiry begun in ARCH 2150 The Ethos of Architecture and focuses especially on the implications that various media and means of representation have on the breadth of concerns within the history, theory, and critical practices of architecture and especially the generation of architecture.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4090 Architectural Case Studies

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2200 - Design Studio


    Design studio introducing students from all disciplines to general design through a series of short projects. The projects stress critical and creative thinking and invention, interdisciplinary collaboration, observation and perception, communication and visualization. Students will begin open-ended investigations using sketching, photography, model making, and computing.

    When Offered: Fall and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 2210 - Architecture Design 1


    Design studio introducing students to the processes of critical inquiry specifically as it relates to architecture investigations. These processes are seen as interrelated and always informed by the societal, technological, and historical contexts within which architects work. Parallel instruction in drawing, computing, and construction technology are integrated within the work of this studio. Technology 1: The technology aspects focus on discovering the basic systems used to create space, such as structural systems, enclosure types, and systems for movement. Emphasis is placed upon constructability and sustainability. These discoveries are through hands-on applications and field visits. Computing: Explorations with the computer focus on both the development of a fundamental knowledge of 3-D modeling and 2-D image manipulation software and a nontraditional application of this knowledge to design representations. The computer media (3-D modeling “space,” computer printouts, video projections) are conceived of as yet another “physical” material for experimentation, and are integrated in this way with the studio design projects. Drawing: The drawing segment consists of freehand drawing exercises that relate to studio projects and help students develop basic drawing skills and a familiarity with two-dimensional design concepts.

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2220 - Architecture Design 2


    A continuation of the pursuit of architecture as critical inquiry within a broad societal context. Instruction integrates considerations of drawing, computers, and construction with design projects. Technology 2: The technology aspects focus on the microclimate and environment context, including shade and shadow analysis, developing skyline plots, and sharing system design and analysis, as well as outdoor environments with emphasis on structure, material, and passive solar systems. Computing: explorations with the computer continue to focus on developing knowledge of 3-D modeling and 2-D image manipulation software and their application to design representations. Computer media are integrated with studio design projects. Drawing: freehand drawing exercises related to studio projects further develop basic drawing skills and familiarly with 2-D design concepts.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2210.

    When Offered: Fall and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2230 - Architecture Design 3


    Architecture Design Studio 3 develops practices that focus on the relationship between specific architectural design situations and issues of representation; conceptual, analytical, and critical thinking; ethical dilemmas; and the role that technical issues play in space-making.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2220.

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2330 - Structures 1


    Introduction to Structures introduces the student of Architecture to the principles of structural mechanics and their application to basic architectural structures comprised primarily of wood. The fundamentals of statics are presented in order to gain an understanding of the way in which external forces produce internal stresses in individual members and, in essence, flow through the building system to be resolved at the foundation level. The principles of strength of materials are studied to understand how particular structural materials and configurations manage to resist these forces without unacceptable distortions, or even failure. Wood structural properties are studied in all their complexity as a means to internalize the more theoretical topics broached. Through in-class presentations, reading, homework and project work, computer lab, field trips, and case studies, the student will be aided in developing this intuitive (while practical) understanding. It is recognized that intuitions of building technologies are not acquired quickly but result from much study, observation, and practice. Introduction to Structures makes use of the several approaches above to ensure that the beginning student is provided with a broad, solid base for future structural investigations. WebCT will be used to expand the student’s access to course materials and allow for a measure of distance learning. Sustainability: The following notions are introduced as important attributes of sustainable structures and construction: durability and service life, and life cycle cost.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2510 except M.Arch students.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 2350 - Construction Systems


    Construction Systems centers on the development of a technical knowledge of, sensibility to, and intuition for the process by which an architectural design is realized in built form. The interdependence among building materials, acoustic qualities, enclosure systems, interior, finish, and other systems is investigated, with an emphasis on the broader architectural design endeavor. Drawing as a means of understanding forms the basis for a semester-long project to be done in small groups. Case studies will center on concepts and systems that have not yet found their way into mainstream practice. The course approach will involve in-class presentations, project work, field trips, and case studies. WebCT will be used to expand the student’s access to course materials and allow for a measure of distance learning. Sustainability: The notion that design intentions can be nullified through incorrect construction is stressed. The importance of proper detailing, construction, and maintenance to accomplish lasting and efficient enclosures is highlighted. Skills to diagnose and treat incorrect construction are developed.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2510 except M.Arch. students.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2360 - Environmental and Ecological Systems


    An exploration of the fundamental principles of human physiology, thermal and luminous comfort, and indoor quality. Emphasis is on bioclimatic and psychrometric climate analysis and its relationship to architectural design, understanding the energy exchange between body in space, the natural meaning of enclosures, and nonstructural materials and systems. The focus is on passive heating, cooling, and daylighting systems and their design. Exercises include vital sign analysis of existing spaces (thermal, air, luminous), forming hypotheses of building performance, using scientific instrumentation, tenant survey techniques, and physical modeling and simulation techniques related to daylighting and shading techniques.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: PHYS 1500, ARCH 2820 or permission of instructor.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 2370 - Energy, Comfort and Ecology


    This course addresses fundamental principles relating the environmental context to human needs and comfort. Topics include the principles of thermodynamics at the architectural scale, optimization vs variability, principles of building sites and orientations, psychometrics, and human comfort and an introduction to energy modeling. This course is required of all students in the B.Arch. degree program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2360 Environmental and Ecological Systems

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2410 - Design Drawing


    Drawing as the architect’s chief design tool and most potent medium of communication. Major ideas about communication, its cultural roots, and its implications for architecture. Demonstrations of and studio practice in graphical techniques used in all phases of the design process, from initial conceptual patterning to final presentation. Drawing exercises in abstracting, symbolizing, behavioral mapping, depicting processes and typologies, expressing spatial character.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: at least one year of design studio courses recommended.

    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 2510 - Materials and Design


    This course establishes an understanding of the most common materials, their properties and resulting uses, and the implications of their uses in the larger context of material life cycles. The structural makeup of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials is discovered and their resulting properties, costs, and life cycle consequences are clarified. An understanding of basic mechanical properties is established hands on by conducting tension, compression, and 3-point bending tests (mse-lab). Physical performance of material constructs as synergy between form and material properties is further illustrated. Experiments are conducted that introduce such major concepts as structural loading, properties of sections, and resulting system performance. Sustainability: The concept of life cycles is introduced; material and energy flows are tracked throughout the entire material life cycle. This will be accomplished alongside introducing major material groupings (metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites). Students come to realize that environmental concerns are directly related to structural composition and material availability. Consequences of resource extraction, distribution, manipulation, use, and disposal, reuse or recycle are addressed at both local and global scales. Selected field trips to materials extraction, processing, manufacturing, disposal, and recycling facilities are aimed to give physical meaning to the concept of life cycle.

    When Offered: Fall and summer annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2520 - Digital Constructs 1


    This course will examine and teach methods of representation and the communication of design concepts.  Skills taught will enable students to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital models, as well as drawings from multiple perspectives.  Students will understand virtual environments as they pertain to model making, drawing, scale, and materiality.  Students will be introduced to digital modeling and graphic design softwares. This course is offered in the fall semester and is required of all first-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.  Coordination of the relationship of course content to Architectural Design Studio 1 will be between the Digital Constructs 1 faculty instructor and the first-year architectural design studio coordinator and faculty.  

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2530 Digital Constructs 2; corequisites: ARCH 2800 Architectural Design Studio 1.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2530 - Digital Constructs 2


    This course builds upon topics covered in Digital Constructs 1 by focusing upon contemporary means of producing and communicating architectural ideas.  Students will use digital methodologies through all phases of a project as well as advanced representation and digital fabrication techniques.  The use of digital modeling as a sketch and iterative tool will be emphasized.  Tools taught in Digital Constructs 2 will build upon those software programs taught in Digital Constructs 1. This course is required of all first-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.  Coordination of the relationship of course content to Architectural Design Studio 2 will be between the Digital Constructs 2 faculty instructor and the first-year architectural design studio coordinator and faculty.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2540 Digital Constructs 3; corequisite: ARCH 2810 Architectural Design Studio 2.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2540 - Digital Constructs 3


    This course introduces computational and procedural design approaches that are a logical extension to topics covered in Digital Constructs 2. Students will develop an understanding of computational logic through introductory design applications, both as advanced tooling and as generative design techniques. Methodological approaches will be contextualized by a presentation of historical and theoretical precedents.  Techniques introduced will include scripting, Java, geospatial mapping. This course is offered in the fall semester and is required of all second-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.  Coordination of the relationship of course content to Architectural Design Studio 3 will be between the Digital Constructs 3 faculty instructor and the second-year architectural design studio coordinator and faculty.  

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2550 Digital Constructs 4, Corequisite: ARCH 2820 Architectural Design 3.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2550 - Digital Constructs 4


    Building on techniques taught in Digital Constructs 3, this course will expand upon the role of technology in architecture by introducing advanced methods of design analysis and resolution.  Students will learn to address issues of optimization, environmental surroundings, structure, and site by using various contemporary analytic software’s. This course is offered in the spring semester and is required of all second-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.  Coordination of the relationship of course content to Architectural Design Studio 4 will be between the Digital Constructs 4 faculty instructor and the second-year architectural design studio coordinator and faculty.  

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 4820 Comprehensive Design Studio; corequisite: ARCH 2830 Architectural Design 4.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 2600 - Graduate Design Studio


    Design studio introducing students to general design through a series of short projects. The projects stress critical and creative thinking and invention, interdisciplinary collaboration, observation and perception, communication and visualization. Students will begin open-ended investigations using sketching, photography, model making, and computing.

    When Offered: Summer and fall terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2610 - Graduate Architecture Design 1


    Design studio introducing students to the processes of critical inquiry specifically as it relates to architecture investigations. These processes are seen as interrelated and always informed by the societal, technological, and historical contexts within which architects work. Parallel instruction in drawing, computing, and construction technology are integrated within the work of this studio. Technology: The technology aspects focus on discovering the basic systems used to create space, such as structural systems, enclosure types, and systems for movement. Emphasis is placed upon constructability and sustainability. These discoveries are through hands-on applications and field visits. Computing: Explorations with the computer focus on both the development of a fundamental knowledge of 3-D modeling and 2-D image manipulation software and a nontraditional application of this knowledge to design representations. The computer media (3-D modeling “space,” computer printouts, video projections) are conceived of as yet another “physical” material for experimentation, and are integrated in this way with the studio design projects. Drawing: The drawing segment consists of freehand drawing exercises that relate to studio projects and help students develop basic drawing skills and a familiarity with 2-D design concepts.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2600.

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2620 - Graduate Architecture Design 2


    A continuation of the pursuit of architecture as critical inquiry within a broad societal context. Instruction integrates considerations of drawing, computers, and construction with design projects. Technology: The technology aspects focus on the microclimate and environment context, including shade and shadow analysis, developing skyline plots, and sharing system design and analysis, as well as outdoor environments with emphasis on structure, material, and passive solar systems. Computing: explorations with the computer continue to focus on developing knowledge of 3-D modeling and 2-D image manipulation software and its application to design representations. Computer media are integrated with studio design projects. Drawing: freehand drawing exercises related to studio projects further develop basic drawing skills and familiarly with 2-D design concepts.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2610.

    When Offered: Fall and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2630 - Graduate Architecture Design 3


    Graduate Design Studio 3 develops practices that focus on the relationship between specific architectural design situations and issues of representation; conceptual, analytical, and critical thinking; ethical dilemmas; and the role that technical issues play in space-making.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2620.

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 2800 - Architectural Design Studio 1


    This course introduces students to design as a way of thinking, creating, and making through a series of short projects. The projects stress critical and creative thinking and invention, interdisciplinary collaboration, observation and perception, communication and visualization. Using sketching, photography, model making, and computing students pursue open-ended investigations of form, space, materials, and the ideas that both generate and are generated by them. This course is required of all first-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch.  program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2810 Architectural Design Studio 2, Corequisite: ARCH 2520 Digital Constructs 1.

    When Offered: Fall and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 2810 - Architectural Design Studio 2


    This course continues the processes of critical inquiry in relation to design and design creativity through a series of hands-on projects that incorporate fundamental issues of technology, materiality, abstraction, tectonics, and theory that consider the array of architectural issues in the design of built environments that consider architecture in a wider sense that includes its involvement with site, context, situation, and simple program. This course is required of all first-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch.  program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2820 Architectural Design Studio 3, Corequisite: ARCH 2530 Digital Constructs 2.

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 2820 - Architectural Design Studio 3


    This studio focuses on the relationship between building and landscape in terms of conceptual, pragmatic, ideological, aesthetic, and functional issues. As such, it endeavors to examine critically the disciplinary boundary between building and landscape. It also critically assesses the connections and inherent complexities between an institutional situation, workplace activity, and residential inhabitation in order to explore questions of publicness and privacy. This studio also addresses the tectonic dimensions of construction and structure in architectural design. This course is required of all second-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2830 Architectural Design 4, Corequisite: ARCH 2540 Digital Constructs 3.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 2830 - Architectural Design Studio 4


    This design studio builds on prior studios emphasizing projects of greater scale and complexity. Typically, the studio designs large-scale housing developments but other projects of similar complexity may be used. The studio requires the analysis and critique of precedent and the writing of an architectural program. This course is offered in the spring semester and is required of all second-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 4820 Comprehensive Design Studio, ARCH 4830 Design Development Studio, and ARCH 4770 Architectural Design Studio 5; corequisite: ARCH 2550 Digital Constructs 4.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 2850 - Building Performance Studio 1


    This studio considers the design of architectural form and space from the perspective of how the many factors of environmental and ecological forces give shape to them. The studio will employ architectural design projects as a means to explore these issues qualitatively and quantitatively. This course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.S. in Building Sciences program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2860 Building Performance Studio 2.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 2860 - Building Performance Studio 2


    This studio continues the work of the Building Performance Studio 2 to consider in greater depth and detail the design of architectural form and space from the perspective of how the many factors of environmental and ecological forces give shape to them. The studio will employ architectural design projects as a means to explore these issues qualitatively and quantitatively. This course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.S. in Building Sciences program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 4530 Building Sciences Capstone.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 2940 - Projects in Architecture and Environmental Design


    Individual projects and readings adapted to the needs of individual students.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 6

  
  • ARCH 2960 - Topics in Architecture and Environmental Design


    Experimental courses tried out in one or two terms as the general program requires.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 4

  
  • ARCH 4010 - Seminar in Sensory Culture


    This seminar examines human perception from a designer’s perspective. It draws on perspectives from the sciences, arts, and humanities in order to build an understanding of how people perceive and interact with the environments they create. One can not only read about perception, the seminar will augment reading with a range of direct experiences as source material for discussion. 

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4020 - Bedford Architecture Engineering Seminar


    This interdisciplinary seminar consists of students from both the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering department. Presentation of a variety of structural typologies bears direct relation to practical experience and the necessity for constructive interdisciplinary discourse. Specific structural typologies are examined through historic and contemporary project examples that are critically deconstructed and critically analyzed with respect to their basic engineering principles and architectural concepts. Students will be exposed to the collaborative methods inherent within the architect/engineer relationship. The course consists of lectures concerning each topic, case studies and presentations of relevant projects, an interdisciplinary design project and discussion of the projects and presentations with respect to interdisciplinary discourse. Content and delivery may vary by instructor. Taught with CIVL 4020.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2330 Strucutres 1.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Cross Listed: CIVL 4020.

    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 4040 - Cities/Lands


    This lecture-seminar is an examination of the parallel historical formation and operation of human settlements together with the territories associated with them, and the interrelations among them in Western Europe, North America, China, the Middle East, and North Africa. The purpose is to better understand the role spatial organization plays in the construction of social practices, human subjectivities, and technologies of power. While the differing paradigmatic notions of architectural and landscape practices will be explored in each cultural situation, the emphasis will be on the formative processes operating at all scales and among scales, and the more general design practices that have emerged, and could emerge, from these understandings.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 2110, ARCH 2120, ARCH 4150, ARCH 2140, ARCH 2230, and ARCH 4140.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4050 - Cities and Their Territories


    An important ancillary concern throughout the previous eight courses of the history, theory, and criticism sequence has been the examination of architecture as a fundamental part of the forces of urbanization and humanity’s interventions into the landscape and environment. This course highlights the perspective of that dimension of architectural understanding by examining in detail both historically and contemporarily many of the most significant ways that human habitation has engaged the world at the large scale of cities and geographies. This 2-credit course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4060 - Surface as Structures as Form


    The seminar will analyze twentieth century pioneers of reinforced concrete as well as their contemporaries in art and sculpture.  The analysis will consist of a general survey of the work of a particular architect, engineer, or artist, followed by an in-depth formal analysis of one of their projects.  A new project will then be developed in order to speculate on the contemporary implications of these principles in conjunction with new instruments of computation.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4070 - Twisted Siblings: Relationships Between Contemporary Painting and Digital Architecture


    Architecture and painting are two of the oldest forms of societal expression and have been historically linked in complex and dynamic ways. In the 20th century, the movements of Cubism, Futurism, Neo-Plasticism, Constructivism, Purism, Surrealism and Dadaism consisted of dynamic dialogs between architecture and painting. These exchanges allowed each to have a profound and deep impact upon the other. By contrast, in early 21st century, there seems to be all but a mute relationship between the two. This course intends to help break that silence. This course will begin to bridge the divide by establishing new connections between the current preoccupations with materials, procedures, and affects that are emerging in both, contemporary painting and architecture. Twisted Siblings seeks to explore and discover new relationships between the most cutting-edge digital technologies and how painting may influence the expressive capacities of these technologies. As contemporary painting and architecture seek to establish future directions, a new dialog and exchange of ideas should be emerging, to ensure a dynamic and radical future for both. The course will consist of a series of lectures, discussions, and presentations. Students will be expected to research a number of individual architects, painters, and writers who are producing work of related interest. Students will be responsible for completing a research project, which synthesizes the content of the course. 

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4080 - Landscape Patterns: From Region to Site


    This course introduces the essential components of landscape planning from a design perspective.  It will introduce methods for visualizing and interpreting landscape patterns, including the suitability analysis approach espoused by Ian McHarg and colleagues, the language of American landscape ecology, and Kevin Lynch’s place legibility concept.  Synthesis of this regional information will then be used to develop a focused understanding of sustainable design implications at the site level.

    When Offered: Sping term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4090 - Architectural Case Studies


    Works of architecture embody knowledge, ideas, and imagination that express formally, spatially, and materially the ways of living and values of the civilizations in which they occur. In continuing the inquiry begun in The Ethos of Architecture and employing the skills and values acquired in that course and Architectural Media, the intent of this course is to teach students the means for investigating buildings coherently, rationally, and interpretively to understand the technical and cultural knowledge embedded within works of architecture. A select number of modern and contemporary buildings that represent a high degree of sophistication in the way their architects have approached the breadth of design issues both within and external to the programs of those works will be analyzed critically in order to ascertain the significance and relationships of the multiple systems of order inherent to a work of architecture.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4120 Modernity in Culture, Civilization, and Architecture 1.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4100 - An Architectural Genealogy 1


    This course addresses the history of architectural and related developments in selected Western and non-Western civilizations in order to construct a conceptual and strategic understanding of the relationships between architecture, culture, technology, and thought. In doing so, it will focus on key constructed spatial phenomena of the pre-modern world and where relevant elucidate the connection of these works of architecture and their motivating ideals to those of the modern and contemporary world.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4110 An Architectural Genealogy 2.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4110 - An Architectural Genealogy 2


    This course addresses the history of architectural and related developments in selected Western and non-Western civilizations in order to construct a conceptual and strategic understanding of the relationships between architecture, culture, technology, and thought. In doing so, it will focus on key constructed spatial phenomena of the pre-modern world and, where relevant, elucidate the connection of these works of architecture and their motivating ideals to those of the modern and contemporary world.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4150 Contemporary Design Approaches.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4120 - Modernity in Culture, Civilization, and Architecture 1


    Building on the knowledge, critical perspectives, and abilities that students have acquired in the previous courses in the history, theory, and criticism sequence, this course along with its successor, ARCH 4130 Modernity in Culture, Civilization, and Architecture 2, begins a study of the ideas, values, theories, and practices that contributed to the rise of modernity in the western world and eventually on a global scale. This course explores the ideal of modernity as both a cultural phenomenon as it emerged in the Enlightenment with ideas of progress, the technological enframing of the world, scientific rationality, historical consciousness, etc.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4130 Modernity in Culture, Civilization, and Architecture 2.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4130 - Modernity in Culture, Civilization, and Architecture 2


    Building on the knowledge, critical perspectives, and abilities that students have acquired in the previous history, theory, and criticism courses, this course continues the study begun in ARCH 4120 Modernity in Culture, Civilization, and Architecture 1 of the ideas, values, theories, and practices that contributed to the rise of modernity in the western world and eventually on a global scale. This course explores the ideal of modernity as both a cultural phenomenon as it emerged in the Enlightenment with ideas of progress, the technological enframing of the world, scientific rationality, historical consciousness, etc.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4100 An Architectural Genealogy 1.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4140 - Modernity in Culture and Architecture


    An exploration of the idea of modernity as both a cultural phenomenon (extending back to Enlightenment ideas of progress, technological enframing of the world, scientific rationality, historical consciousness, etc.) and as an artistic/architectural discourse unfolding in the 20th century as a radical requestioning of all traditional concepts of program, construction, and aesthetics. As such, this is both a theory and a history course.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 2120 and ARCH 2130.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4150 - Contemporary Design Approaches


    Reflecting on the knowledge and understandings acquired in all the previous courses in the history, theory, and criticism sequence, this course is a critical inquiry into the principal ideologies and premises of the most substantive architectural practices in the contemporary world. As such, the content of the course must necessarily evolve as the intellectual and cultural parameters of both theory and practice in the contemporary world change. The principal aim of the critique of various contemporary positions is to reinforce in students the importance of developing and critically maintaining their own values, vision, and voice in the design and making of architecture that was initiated in ARCH 2150 The Ethos of Architecture. Fundamental to this process is to encourage the students’ awareness of the necessity to challenge their own subjectivities, biases, and presuppositions.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 4050 Cities and Their Territories.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4160.80 - Research Investigations: Project Built Ecologies


    This class is taken by professional students from the School of Architecture’s Troy campus accepted into the one-semester visiting program at CASE in NYC. The course is structured to integrate visiting students into ongoing research at CASE by forming cohort groups that work directly with in-resident Ph.D. students. Architectural research methods are explored throughout the semester and include; case studies, modeling, simulation, and prototyping of building systems. The course consists of topical lectures, and discussions regarding progress of ongoing research projects.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 4170.80 - Environmental Parametrics


    The work of this course sets out to describe the meaning, values, and methods of using parametric techniques as both an analytical tool and a generative device in comprehensive performance-based building design.  The students learn techniques to set-up feedback between analysis and tactical response in performance-based design while also situating these techniques within the broader discourse and methodology of fostering design ecologies and creating ecologies of design as they relate to the construction of the built environment and contemporary issues of sustainability. This course is offered at the Center for Architectural Science + Ecology (CASE) in NYC to B.Arch. students who have been selected to participate in the semester-long, off-campus study program at CASE in NYC.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4240 - Architecture Design 4


    An upper level design studio emphasizing the interacting combinations of dynamic influences arising from both global and local scales in the design of portions of the urban landscape, usually including some substantial housing component.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2230.

    When Offered: Fall and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 4250 - Architecture Design 5


    A series of upper-level design studios that focus on significant concerns in architecture.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 4240 for ARCH 4250. ARCH 4300 may be taken after ARCH 4250.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 4260 - Architecture Design 6


    A series of upper-level design studios that focus on significant concerns in architecture.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 4250 for ARCH 4260. ARCH 4300 may be taken after ARCH 4250.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 4300 - Design Development


    A technology-based design studio emphasizing the materialization and making of architectural design projects. The integration of building code requirements for fire protection, life safety, accessibility, building environmental systems, structure, construction, and materiality is central to effectively achieving design intent. Students become aware of how these affect and inform design decisions. They learn to integrate technology, systems, and materials in the comprehensive resolution of building design and gain exposure to construction documents and design documentation. Construction and site visits are an integral part of the studio as is an integrated electronic media seminar on CAD applications. Students must coregister for ARCH 4540, a concurrent two-credit course that introduces codes, the regulatory process, agreements, contract documents, building design cost control, and administration. This course maybe taken any time after ARCH 4820.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 4820, ARCH 4330. ARCH 4740 may be taken as a prerequisite or corequisite. It is recommended that ARCH 4740 be deferred one semester for students studying abroad only (ex: China) and take ARCH 2360 as a corequisite.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 4330 - Structures 2


    This course builds on the material presented in Structures 1, with an emphasis on the analysis and design of structures compressed primarily of steel and site cast and pre-cast concrete, with an overview of load-bearing masonry and advanced systems. The theoretical concepts covered in the introduction course form the conceptual basis for work in Structures 2, with relevant new concepts/techniques covered. Innovative, non-normative structural systems are investigated and discussed. Analysis and design will proceed using primarily computer-aided techniques. The course approach will involve in-class presentations, homework and project work, computer lab, field trips, and case studies. WebCT will be used to expand the student’s access to course materials and allow for a measure of distance learning. Sustainability: The following notions are introduced as important attributes of sustainable structures and construction: structural robustness, and programmatic flexibility. (Design optimization approaches are introduced and explored as avenues to accomplish more optimum design conditions under increasingly strict design constraints.)

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 2510 except M.Arch. students, ARCH 2350, ARCH 2330.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 4340 - Structural Morphology


    This is a research-based course that examines the structural behavior of various complex systems and complex forms in the context of their performance. Innovative and emerging structural topologies are of special interest. A form-finding investigation and exploration will include computer evaluation, load testing of physical models, and laser scanning of the geometry to feed back into the computer models. In addition, the course will address fragility and robustness estimates. This work is individual or a group research project that may continue work from previous years. The course will also allow for architectural and structural explorations driven by specific student interests.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4360 - Graduate Architecture Design 4


    An upper level design studio emphasizing the interacting combinations of dynamic influences arising from both global and local scales in the design of portions of the urban landscape, usually including some substantial housing component as well as facilities for the public realm.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2630.

    When Offered: Fall and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 4430 - Electronic Media: Physical Design Processes


    This course will examine processes of design prototyping and fabrication via 3-D scanning, CNC milling, and other techniques in a critical design context. Two particular foci will be established: the application of these tools as means for physical design visualization of computer-based design work and the exploration of the systemic biases these tools give to the design conceptualization process. In both cases, creative exploration of design opportunity will be encouraged. Students will be expected to create multiple material experiments during the term and will be responsible for purchasing their own materials.

    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4460 - Electronic Media: Critical Visualization


    This course is offered as an advanced design course concerned with the integration of computer modeling, animation, and multimedia technologies into the design methods of the architect. It stresses the need to integrate critical thinking about computer technology and focused learning of software tools and methods. Software used will vary per instructor and will require no previous knowledge of these specific tools. Students, however, should have a fundamental knowledge of and be comfortable with computer systems and operating systems. Some background in computing, for example CSCI 1100, is recommended.

    When Offered: Spring term annually. Limited enrollment.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4510 - Construction Industry Seminar 1


    This course introduces the construction industry as an essential context for realizing architecture. It is a survey of the people, organizations, and professional and industry groups involved in design, construction, finance, insurance, and regulation of building. Current issues influencing design quality are identified by the class and are explored in a series of student-organized in-depth seminars with industry participants. This is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.S. in Building Sciences program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4520 Construction Industry Seminar 2.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4520 - Construction Industry Seminar 2


    This course continues the examination of the diverse and interconnected aspects of the construction industry as an essential context for realizing architecture. It surveys the history and current developments of the people, organizations, and professional and industry groups involved in design, construction, finance, insurance, and regulation of building. Current issues influencing design quality are identified by the class and are explored in a series of student-organized in-depth seminars with industry participants. This is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.S. in Building Sciences program.

     

     

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4530 Building Sciences Capstone.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4530 - Building Sciences Capstone


    This course offers the students the opportunity to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of issues and practices in an important subject within the building sciences through a self-initiated and faculty-directed independent design, research, or research/design project. This is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.S. in Building Sciences program.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4540 - Professional Practice 1


    An introduction to architectural practice as related to accomplishing design projects. An overview of professional obligations, registration and conduct, architects’ roles in project delivery, and office organization and management for delivering professional services. In-depth examination of architects’ responsibilities for health, safety, and welfare in design; building code requirements for fire protection, life safety, and accessibility; economics of building systems and assemblies; design and construction contracts; and design documentation.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Corequisite: Students in ARCH 4830 Design Development are required to coregister.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4550 - Professional Practice 2


    This course covers topics that are essential to developing an effective professional architectural practice. The course will address professional obligations and ethics, contracts, registration, office organization, and management. The course will emphasize effective communication, negotiating, public speaking and team development. 

     

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4560 - Materials and Enclosures


    In a world of rapid technological change, this course aims to equip future architects with the ability to position, understand, and implement new materials and systems in meaningful ways. The working principles of selected advanced materials and systems are explained and issues of material development, applications, and integration into buildings systems are addressed. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the issues involved when combining and installing new materials or systems into buildings. Students are further introduced to detail development. Sustainability: New materials and systems are explored with the objective of formulating meaningful technological response to critical environmental and societal issues such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and globalization.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ARCH 2510 except M.Arch. students, and ARCH 2350.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4580.80 - Materials Systems and Productions


    The goal of Material Systems and Production is threefold: to develop a fundamental understanding of materials through first principles, classification, production, and impacts, to develop models for material properties and testing, and to develop criteria to make reasoned choices for the implementation of materials in the built environment. Students will engage directed research projects with the intent of opportunistically identifying intrinsic material properties, exploiting production-forming logics and developing a prototype detail assembly for testing.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 4590 - Economics and Architecture


    Economic issues related to the practice of architecture. Topics will include economic cycles and building construction, globalization of architectural practice, case studies of models of practice, setting and negotiation of fees for services, economic relationships of architects and consultants, cost estimation. This course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    When Offered: Sping term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4620 - Introduction to Computation-Based Design and Programming


    This course offers project-centered training in at least three different design-based programming tool kits. Students will gain a working and applied knowledge of design programming techniques as well as an introductory understanding of the general application of algorithms, automated design systems, and programming languages to architectural design.

    When Offered: Fall term annually. Limited enrollment.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4690 - Case Studies: Investigations into Architectural Knowledge


    “The best instructor of all…is a building which is being pulled down.” (John Willis Clark, “On the Construction of the Vaults of the Middle Ages,” 1842). Buildings embody cultural knowledge. Their forms and spaces are invested with traces of habitation and beliefs through the employment of materials that are wrought by craft and technology. It is the intention of this course to teach how to investigate buildings in order to reveal the technological and cultural knowledge that is embedded within them. In this course, a select number of significant buildings are “disassembled” through intense questioning, and their artifactual significance is probed through careful analysis.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites:  ARCH 4140, ARCH 4330 and ARCH  4560; A pre or corequisite to ARCH 4300.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4730 - Sustainable Building Design Strategies


    This course addresses an exploration of design strategies that produce environmentally responsible buildings. A review of the principles for a variety of green strategies will be presented. Case studies will be employed to demonstrate best practices in the design integration of green strategies. The material covered can be incorporated into a studio design development course. 

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4740 - Building Systems and Environment


    Design analysis and performance characteristics of building environmental systems, emphasizing heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting systems. In addition, building electrical systems, acoustics, water, waste, and drainage systems are covered in terms of fundamental theory, designs, and calculations. Case studies, field trips, and system design project work are required.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 2360.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4750 - Sustainable Building Design Metrics


    A review of current and anticipated metrics associated with sustainable building design will be reviewed as well as construction practices in the building industry will be discussed.  We will review how sustainable design practices can mitigate the climate change in a positive way. An understanding of energy terminology is useful for this course. Lectures, discussions, field trips, and assigned reading will be utilized to explore the subject matter.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4730 Sustainable Building Design Strategies.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4760 - Workshop


    This course seeks to cultivate a more explicit understanding of –“what is material?”– through hands-on experiences with several standard building materials: concrete, steel, wood, etc. The basic characteristics of each material and a few basic techniques for working with each will be presented in discussion and demonstration. Students will work in groups with the given materials on several projects. The ambition of the course is for each student to attain an intuitive understanding of materials through direct experiences with them.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4770 - Architectural Design Studio 5


    This is an upper division architectural design studio that explores topics of contemporary interest to the discipline. Students apply for this studio based on their personal interest and professional objectives. Three such studios Architectural Design Studio 5, Architectural Design Studio 6, and Architectural Design Studio 7, are required for the degree.

    This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 2830 Architectural Design Studio 4, and ARCH 4780 Architectural Design Studio 6.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4780 - Architectural Design Studio 6


    This is an upper division architectural design studio that explores topics of contemporary interest to the discipline. Students apply for this studio based on their personal interest and professional objectives. Three such studios Architectural Design Studio 5, Architectural Design Studio 6, and Architectural Design Studio 7, are required for the degree. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4790 Architectural Design Studio 7.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4790 - Architectural Design Studio 7


    This is an upper division architectural design studio that explores topics of contemporary interest to the discipline. Students apply for this studio based on their personal interest and professional objectives. Three such studios Architectural Design Studio 5, Architectural Design Studio 6, and Architectural Design Studio 7, are required for the degree. This course is offered in the fall semester and is required of all first-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

     

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4920 Final Project Design Studio.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4810 - Advanced Technology Seminar


    Introduction to architectural research and emerging technologies as an essential component for changing architecture. A survey of people and organizations involved in research, design, prototyping, and use of emerging technologies. The emphasis is on exploring how emerging technologies impact architectural design and construction. Current issues and ideas are identified by the class and are explored in a series of student-organized, in-depth seminars with leading designers, scientists, and inventors.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 4820 - Integrated Design Schematic


    This studio is a design-based studio that focuses on the integration of structural, technical, detail, zoning, and code-related issues with respect to the design of a moderate to large-scale building of civic importance. Such building types are (but not limited to) libraries, theaters, city halls, judicial buildings, educational buildings, etc. An important focus of the design project will be the relationship of the building to its urban context. An essential part of the design will involve programming of the building as well as responding to numerous of the learning outcomes defined by the NAAB (the accrediting agency for professional architecture programs) for a comprehensive design project. 

    This course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4830 Integrated Design Development.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4830 - Integrated Design Development


    This studio is a technology-based design studio emphasizing the materialization and making of architectural design projects. The integration of building code requirements for fire protection, life safety, accessibility, building environmental systems, structure, construction, and materiality is central to the effective achievement of design intent. Students become aware of how these issues affect and inform design decisions. They learn to integrate technology, systems, and materials in the comprehensive resolution of building design and gain exposure to construction documents and design documentation. Construction and site visits are an integral part of the studio as is an integrated electronic media seminar on CAD applications. Students must coregister for ARCH 4540 Professional Practice 1, a concurrent 2-credit course that introduces codes, the regulatory process, agreements, contract documents, building design cost control, and administration. This course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4920 Final Project Design Studio, Corequisite: ARCH 4540 Professional Practice 1.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4840 - Architectural Acoustics 1


    This course provides an overview of the essentials for architectural acoustics design of performance and public spaces, including concert halls, theaters, museums, classrooms, sports arenas, courtrooms, and religious buildings. There are no prerequisites, but the course may be used as the starting point for a certificate in Architectural Acoustics, a concentration in an architecture student’s professional electives, or the beginning of a master’s degree in acoustics. The course covers basic principles of sound, room acoustics, sound absorption in rooms, sound isolation and privacy, acoustics of mechanical systems, and sound quality. After both Architectural Acoustics 1 and 2, the student should be prepared for a basic entry-level position in either acoustics in architecture or in acoustical consulting.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4850 - Architectural Acoustics 2


    In the spring semester, students will have the opportunity to design their own performance hall. This process will include continued studies of acoustics measurements, simulated sound fields, community noise issues, and professional practice in acoustics consulting. The course will also have detailed lectures on concert hall acoustics, sound quality, and synthesized sound fields. Students will be introduced to a variety of simulation software and measurement equipment in the Acoustics Research Laboratory. After both Architectural Acoustics 1 and 2, the student should be prepared for a basic entry-level position in either acoustics in architecture or in acoustical consulting.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 4840 or instructor approval.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 4860 - Applied Psychoacoustics


    Topics include the functional overview of the auditory system, loudness, pitch, and timbre perception, masking, binaural hearing, auditory scene analysis, multi-modal integration, and auditory perception in rooms. Required signal processing methods will be covered as well. Course taught with ARCH 6860.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 4910 - Final Project Design Research Seminar


    This seminar is the first required course of the two-semester, 5th-year Final Project course sequence in the undergraduate program and as such serves as a prerequisite to the spring semester ARCH 4920 Final Project Design Studio.  The Design Research Seminar provides a forum for readings and discussions as well as design and/or material experimentation as it relates to the respective Final Project instructor’s thematic framework.  The seminar also covers fundamentals related to standard methods of research and analysis. This 3-credit course is required of all architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4920 Final Project Design Studio.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 4920 - Final Project Design Studio


    This design studio is the second required course of the two-semester, 5th-year Final Project course sequence in the undergraduate program.  The Final Project Design Studio provides a forum for the design and development of a comprehensive architectural proposal pertinent to the Final Project course sequence. This course is required of all first-year architecture undergraduates in the B.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ARCH 4910 Final Project Design Research Seminar.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4940 - Advanced Individual Projects in Architecture and Environmental Design


    Individual projects and readings adapted to the needs of individual students at the advanced level.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 6

  
  • ARCH 4960 - Special Topics in Architecture and Environmental Design


    Experimental courses tried out in one or two terms as the general program requires.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 4

  
  • ARCH 4980 - B.Arch. Final Project 1


    In the context of a faculty directed design research area, students initiate, research, and plan a comprehensive project that creatively engages the material inhabited world. The FP1 semester is research intensive and the first of the two-semester Final Project sequence. The semester includes a research/methods seminar that is common to all students. The integrated design research phase is executed under the guidance of a final project studio professor in a studio context. In that phase, each student initiates, prepares, and develops a project for completion in ARCH 4990 Final Project 2. For students in the B.Arch. program only. This is a communication-intensive course.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 4981 - Methods Seminar


    Situated within the context of the Final Project (ARCH 4980) directed research studio sequence, this course addresses general methods of design research with an emphasis on studying the ways in which the discipline of architecture engages other fields of knowledge. Through a series of historical and contemporary writings as well as specific precedents in architectural design, it will look at how the discipline of architecture has absorbed external disciplinary, technological, and cultural influences as a means of advancing itself in the world.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Corequisite: Students in ARCH 4980 are required to coregister.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 1

  
  • ARCH 4990 - B.Arch. Final Project 2


    The final phase of B.Arch. Final Project culminates in a comprehensive investigation manifested in a design project that engages the material inhabited world. Students continue the integrated design research phase of an approved project that was initiated in Final Project 1 (ARCH 4980) and complete its design under the guidance of a final project studio professor.  For students in the B.Arch. program only. This is a communication-intensive course.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 4980.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 6

  
  • ARCH 5100 - History, Theory, Criticism 1


    This course addresses the history of architectural and related developments in selected Western and non-Western civilizations in order to construct a conceptual and strategic understanding of the relationships between architecture, culture, technology, and thought. In doing so, it will focus on key constructed spatial phenomena of the pre-modern world and where relevant elucidate the connection of these works of architecture and their motivating ideals to those of the modern and contemporary world. This course will also explore the history of the ideas, values, theories, and practices that contributed to the rise of modernity in the western world and eventually on a global scale. This course investigates the ideal of modernity as both a cultural phenomenon as it emerged in the Enlightenment with ideas of progress, the technological enframing of the world, scientific rationality, historical consciousness, etc. This course  is required of all architecture graduate students  in the M.Arch. program.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 5110 - History, Theory, Criticism 2


    This course addresses the history of architectural and related developments in selected Western and non-Western civilizations in order to construct a conceptual and strategic understanding of the relationships between architecture, culture, technology, and thought. In doing so, it will focus on key constructed spatial phenomena of the pre-modern world and where relevant elucidate the connection of these works of architecture and their motivating ideals to those of the modern and contemporary world. This course builds upon the pre-modern precedents to examine the ideas, values, theories, and practices that contributed to the rise of modernity in the western world and eventually on a global scale. This course explores the ideal of modernity as both a cultural phenomenon as it emerged in the Enlightenment with ideas of progress, the technological enframing of the world, scientific rationality, historical consciousness, etc. This course meets is required of all architecture graduate students  in the M.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 5100.

    When Offered: Spring term anually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 5140 - Structures 1


    Introduction to Structures introduces the student of Architecture to the principles of structural mechanics and their application to basic architectural structures comprised primarily of wood. The fundamentals of statics are presented in order to gain an understanding of the way in which external forces produce internal stresses in individual members and, in essence, flow through the building system to be resolved at the foundation level. The principles of strength of materials are studied to understand how particular structural materials and configurations manage to resist these forces without unacceptable distortions, or even failure. Wood structural properties are studied in all their complexity as a means to internalize the more theoretical topics broached. Through in-class presentations, reading, homework and project work, computer lab, field trips, and case studies, the student will be aided in developing this intuitive (while practical) understanding. It is recognized that intuitions of building technologies are not acquired quickly but result from much study, observation, and practice. Introduction to Structures makes use of the several approaches above to ensure that the beginning student is provided with a broad, solid base for future structural investigations. WebCT will be used to expand the student’s access to course materials and allow for a measure of distance learning. Sustainability: The following notions are introduced as important attributes of sustainable structures and construction: durability and service life, and life cycle cost. This course is required of all architecture graduate students  in the M.Arch. program.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 5150 - Structures 2


    This course builds on the material presented in Structures 1, with an emphasis on the analysis and design of structures compressed primarily of steel and site cast and pre-cast concrete, with an overview of load-bearing masonry and advanced systems. The theoretical concepts covered in the introduction course form the conceptual basis for work in Structures 2, with relevant new concepts/techniques covered. Innovative, non-normative structural systems are investigated and discussed. Analysis and design will proceed using primarily computer-aided techniques. The course approach will involve in-class presentations, homework and project work, computer lab, field trips, and case studies. WebCT will be used to expand the student’s access to course materials and allow for a measure of distance learning. Sustainability: The following notions are introduced as important attributes of sustainable structures and construction: structural robustness, and programmatic flexibility. (Design optimization approaches are introduced and explored as avenues to accomplish more optimum design conditions under increasingly strict design constraints.)

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 5140.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 5160 - Digital Constructs 1


    This course focuses upon contemporary means of producing and communicating architectural ideas.  Students will use digital methodologies through all phases of a project as well as advanced representation and digital fabrication techniques.  The use of digital modeling as a sketch and iterative tool will be emphasized.  Tools taught in Digital Constructs 1 will support softwares taught in Digital Constructs 2. This course is required of all first-year architecture graduate students in the M.Arch. program.  Coordination of the relationship of course content to Graduate Architecture Design 1 will be between the Digital Constructs 1 faculty instructor and the architectural design studio coordinator and faculty.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 5170 - Digital Constructs 2


    Building on techniques taught in Digital Constructs 1, this course will expand upon the role of technology in architecture by introducing advanced methods of design analysis and resolution.  Students will learn to address issues of optimization, environmental surroundings, structure, and site by using various contemporary analytic softwares. This course is required of all second-year architecture graduate students in the M.Arch program.  Coordination of the relationship of course content to Graduate Architecture Design 2 will be between the Digital Constructs 2 faculty instructor and the studio coordinator and faculty.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 5160.

    When Offered: Spring term anually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 5200 - Graduate Architecture Design 1


    This studio focuses on the relationship between building and landscape in terms of conceptual, pragmatic, ideological, aesthetic, and functional issues. As such, it endeavors to examine critically the disciplinary boundary between building and landscape. It also critically assesses the connections and inherent complexities between an institutional situation, workplace activity, and residential inhabitation in order to explore questions of publicness and privacy. This studio also addresses the tectonic dimensions of construction and structure in architectural design. This course is required of all first-year architecture students in Master of Architecture program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 5100.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 5210 - Graduate Architecture 2


    This design studio builds on prior studios emphasizing projects of greater scale and complexity. Typically, the studio designs large-scale housing developments but other projects of similar complexity may be used. The studio requires the analysis and critique of precedent and the writing of an architectural program. This course is required of all first-year architecture students in Master of Architecture program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 5200.

    When Offered: Spring term anually.



    Credit Hours: 5

  
  • ARCH 5300 - Materials and Construction Systems


    Construction Systems centers on the development of a technical knowledge of, sensibility to, and intuition for the process by which an architectural design is realized in built form. The interdependence among building materials, acoustic qualities, enclosure systems, interior, finish, and other systems is investigated, with an emphasis on the broader architectural design endeavor. Drawing as a means of understanding forms the basis for a semester-long project to be done in small groups. Case studies will center on concepts and systems that have not yet found their way into mainstream practice. The course approach will involve in-class presentations, project work, field trips and case studies. WebCT will be used to expand the student’s access to course materials and allow for a measure of distance learning. Sustainability: The notion that design intentions can be nullified through incorrect construction is stressed. The importance of proper detailing, construction, and maintenance to accomplish lasting and efficient enclosures is highlighted. Skills to diagnose and treat incorrect construction are developed.

    This course is required of all architecture graduate students  in the M.Arch. program.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

  
  • ARCH 5310 - Environment and Ecological Systems


    An exploration of the fundamental principles of human physiology, thermal and luminous comfort, and indoor quality. Emphasis is on bioclimatic and psychrometric climate analysis and its relationship to architectural design, understanding the energy exchange between body in space, the natural meaning of enclosures, and nonstructural materials and systems. The focus is on passive heating, cooling, and daylighting systems and their design. Exercises include vital sign analysis of existing spaces (thermal, air, luminous), forming hypotheses of building performance, using scientific instrumentation, tenant survey techniques, and physical modeling and simulation techniques related to daylighting and shading techniques. This course is required of all architecture graduate students in the M.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Corequisite: ARCH 5210.

    When Offered: Spring term anually.



    Credit Hours: 4

  
  • ARCH 5330 - Economics and Architecture


    Economic issues related to the practice of architecture. Topics will include economic cycles and building construction, globalization of architectural practice, case studies of models of practice, setting and negotiation of fees for services, economic relationships of architects and consultants, cost estimation. This course is required of all architecture graduates in the M.Arch. program.

    When Offered: Spring term anually.



    Credit Hours: 2

  
  • ARCH 5340 - Materials and Enclosures


    In a world of rapid technological change, this course aims to equip future architects with the ability to position, understand, and implement new materials and systems in meaningful ways. The working principles of selected advanced materials and systems are explained and issues of material development, applications, and integration into buildings systems are addressed. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the issues involved when combining and installing new materials or systems into buildings. Students are further introduced to detail development. Sustainability: New materials and systems are explored with the objective of formulating meaningful technological response to critical environmental and societal issues such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and globalization. This is required of all architecture graduate students in the M.Arch. program.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ARCH 5300.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 2

 

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