Course Descriptions Architecture & Sustainability

ARCH 323 Structural Design (3 credit hours)
Expansion of general structural principles and methods of analysis from prior course work in statics and strength of materials with advanced analysis and design of steel, concrete, and masonry systems. Material properties and structural behavior of each are examined in terms of safety, sustainability, economy, planning and construction.

ARCH 341 Architectural Design 1 (5 credit hours)
Students will utilize basic architectural design concepts to explore architectural form and space. Program requirements and user needs are addressed in a manner that sustains and enhances the natural and social environment.

ARCH 342 Architectural Design 2 (5 credit hours)
Students will explore the constraints and opportunities presented by an existing architectural environment. Projects may include renovation of or addition to an existing building. Solutions will address needs of users in a manner that sustains the natural environment and enhances the social context of the community.

ARCH 361 Environmental Systems 1 (3 credit hours)
An exploration of sustainable building strategies and practices. Topics covered include; climate and site analysis, water and energy conservation, sustainable materials, alternative energy sources, rating systems and code requirements for building energy conservation.

ARCH 362 Environmental Systems 2 (3 credit hours)
An exploration of electrical systems, power distribution, communication systems and building controls. Other environmental factors explored include illumination and acoustics. Special emphasis will be placed on sustainable practices.

ARCH 419 Sustainability in Architecture: Advanced Topics (1 credit hour) Rooted in a topical, deep reading, this seminar critically considers holistic strategies for sustainability within the built environment and how these strategies contextually relate to architectural problem solving. Through independent research, analysis, critical readings, and peer review, students develop – and defend in writing – their own professional and personal sustainability ethic. Student led discussion, presentations, and individual research projects will require active student engagement.

ARCH 421 Current Issues in Architecture (3 credit hours)
A seminar that responds to the issues of the day and how they relate to architecture; this course integrates ecology, sociology, history, literature and technology, allowing students to apply what they are learning to the conditions of the times in which we live.

ARCH 441 Architectural Design 3 (5 credit hours)
A course that addresses a real world architectural problem in its social and environmental context. Students will research and analyze existing conditions and client needs, define project requirements, and develop macro level schematic solutions based on input and feedback of a client community. Emphasis is placed on the analysis, process, and synthesis of architectural problems and their solutions.

ARCH 499 Architectural Design 4 (5 credit hours)
A capstone course that comprehensively addresses a real world architectural problem in its social and environmental context. Students will focus on the detailed development of a specific architectural problem integrating knowledge, skills and content gained in previous courses. Projects require students to consider issues of building science, environmental responsibility, and community planning.

FMAN 322 Project Management (3 credit hours)
Overview of facility project management concepts and methods. Course topics include: development of project plans and teams, sequencing of activities, development of schedules, estimating of resources, coordinating and monitoring of projects, and relocation and move management.

FMAN 432 Principles of Interior Architecture (3 credit hours)
Overview of the elements of interior design and their application. Students apply the principles of interior design with regard to program requirements, context, environment, ergonomics, code and regulatory issues. The visual effects and physical attributes of various components of the interior space are studied.

Architectural Electives

ARCH 250 Cost Estimating (3 credit hours)
A foundation course in methods of construction cost estimating based on a systems approach. Emphasis is placed on takeoff and preparation of estimates that are appropriate for use during the design phase of a project.

ARCH 246 Twentieth Century Architecture (3 credit hours)
An investigation of the primary styles and movements in Western architecture from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. The course will examine cultural and architectural changes wrought by the Industrial Revolution and responses to them through the Arts and Crafts Movement, the International Style and Modernism, as well as the development of Post-Modern and Deconstructivist architectural theories.

ARCH 270 BIM and Parametric Design (3 credit hours) 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.

ARCH 285 House: An American Evolution (3 credit hours)
A survey of the development of various housing styles in the USA and their relationship to each other as well as social and economic developments. Students study the essence of architectural elements common in successful residential design. Students will design a house following the design conventions of the style of their choice for a given program.

ARCH 350 Site Design (3 credit hours)
A study of the physical, biological, and cultural aspects of a site and its development, with emphasis placed on connecting a site to its surrounding context through the use of sustainable design principles. Analysis, technical and legal knowledge, and design skills are used to prepare site development plans.