School of Built Environment
605 S. Warren
GRN 227
Big Rapids MI 49307
(231) 591-3773
ARCH 101 Architectural Graphics
A foundation in the graphic methods used to plan and present buildings. Hard line
and sketching techniques will be used to develop orthographic, axonometric, pictorial,
and modeled representations of buildings. Emphasis will be placed on drawing layout,
graphic communication, and visual enhancement.
ARCH 102 Architectural Digital Graphics
Introduction to the use of digital graphic media as tools of architectural design,
representation and documentation. Includes 2-D documentation and 3-D modeling and
rendering techniques.
ARCH 112 Structural Materials, Systems, and Codes
Survey of properties, characteristics, limitations, selection criteria, and graphic
interpretation of concrete, steel, masonry and wood used in foundation, substructure,
and superstructure building systems. Includes aesthetic, performance, maintainability,
and cost/benefit aspects. Introduces major building codes, material and industry standards,
and utilization of manufacturer's catalogs.
ARCH 115 Interior and Exterior Finishes and Systems
Survey of properties, characteristics, limitations, selection criteria, and graphic
interpretation of common interior and exterior finish materials and systems used in
exterior closure, roofing, and interior construction. Includes aesthetic, performance,
maintainability, and cost/benefit aspects.
ARCH 119 Sustainability in Architecture: Introduction
An overview of the history of sustainability with an emphasis on the built environment.
Lecture topics range from the roots of environmental thought to contemporary challenges.
ARCH 203 Architectural Documentation
Introduction to the graphic language, methods, and organizational principles of construction
documents. Emphasis is placed on building materials, processes and assemblies and
their graphic depiction in working drawings. Additional emphasis is placed on adaptation
of standard practices to increase sustainability. Student projects are created in
digital environment following principles of standard practice in the architectural
profession.
ARCH 204 Architectural Detailing
Introduction to the process of developing construction details and the assembly of
materials that serves both functional and aesthetic requirements of architecture.
Emphasis is placed on product research, performance evaluation, cost/benefits studies,
and sustainability. Various methods of presentation will be employed to communicate
understanding of material relationships and assemblies.
ARCH 241 Design Principles
An exploration of the principles underlying architectural design such as shape; form
and space; pattern and texture; scale and proportion; function and circulation; color
and light; environment, context and meaning. Students will develop a design vocabulary;
skills in public presentation; advanced graphic and model-making skills; and an understanding
of the integration of architectural form with complementary disciplines.
ARCH 244 Architectural History 1
An investigation of the primary styles and movements in Western and non-Western architecture
from the prehistoric period through Middle Ages. The course will examine cultural,
architectural and technological developments during the periods of formation of civilizations,
expansions of empires, and developments in religious and governmental structure.
ARCH 245 Architectural History 2
An investigation of the primary styles and movements in Western and non-Western architecture
from the Renaissance through the 20th Century. The course will examine cultural, architectural,
and technological developments during the periods of modernization in world history,
including the Industrial and Technological revolutions.
ARCH 223 Statics and Structures
Provides an awareness of the primary structural systems including wood, concrete,
and steel, and the appropriate use of each material. Basic static and strength of
material principles are introduced and students are familiarized with references such
as AISC Steel handbook and the ACI Code.
HVAC 337 Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Buildings
Awareness of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, water supply, sanitary,
storm, fire protection systems, electrical distribution, lighting, and acoustical
systems for buildings. Emphasis is on system integration, energy considerations and
their effects on building planning, detailing, and construction. Discusses equipment,
code requirements, and building applications.
ARCH 242 Architectural Design Principles (ARCH 241) An introduction to the principles of architectural design and the architectural design process. This course builds upon basic design principles applying them to architectural forms. Emphasis is placed on form, space, proportion, tectonics, and materiality as they apply to architectural design that meets basic programmatic requirements.
ARCH 250 Systems Cost Estimating (MATH 116 or 120, ARCH 203) Basic methodology of construction cost estimating based on a systems approach. Problems will include takeoff and preparation of estimates that would be appropriate for use during the design stage of a project.
ARCH 270 BIM and Parametric Design (ARCH 203) An introduction to the fundamentals of computational and parametric design within a BIM environment. The potential for data driven BIM models to aid the architectural design process is examined with emphasis placed on self-directed exploration of advanced parametric and computational tools. Working within Revit generated BIM models, generative scripting, computational methods, and basic parametric tools are used to develop architectural solutions informed by environmental data, performance criteria, code requirements, and/or other contextual factors. Graphical Scripting Interfaces and their ability to generate parametric and computationally derived forms are also introduced.
COHP 330 OSHA Law This course is designed to present the basic concepts of Occupational Safety and Health law. Students will be exposed to various legal concepts, the OSHA Right to Know law (Hazard Communication Law), general duty clause, law library usage, case law evaluation, OSHA laws and compliance activities before and after inspections. Periodic discussions of current events related to the Occupational Safety and Health Act play an important part in understanding and compliance with OSHA.
CONM 211 Construction Quantity Estimating The elements involved in the preparation of the contractor's bid proposal. Quantity takeoff, crew sizes, daily outputs, unit costs and organization of the bid packages into general contracted and subcontracted work.
CONM 212 Soils and Foundations An introduction to soil mechanics. The origin and engineering characteristics of soil, soil classification systems, the strength of soil masses, control of structural embankments, and an introduction to the design of foundations.