Course Descriptions

ARCH 323 Structural Design
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
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
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
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 362 Environmental Systems 2
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 421 Current Issues in Architecture
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
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
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
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
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 216          Professional Practice
Survey of legal relationships between owner, architect, and contractor, and a study of written contractual documents developed for an architectural project.  Office procedures, AIA standard documents, and currently accepted formats are discussed.  Student develops the technical section content of a specification based upon a previously completed project.  Job seeking skills and portfolio preparation are included.

ARCH 250          Cost Estimating
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
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          Building Information Modeling
This course explores the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to design, present and document buildings.  The philosophical implications of BIM methodology will be examined and serve as the basis for the course.  Construction documents, quantity and material take-offs, and cost estimates will be generated.  Photo realistic presentations in both still and walk-through form will also be explored.

ARCH 285          House: An American Evolution
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.