ARCH - Architecture and Design

This studio course emphasizes the design process and space planning for modest size facilities. The students will apply color rendering techniques to present interior design solutions. Students will select appropriate materials for various spaces in accordance with accepted design standards. Design issues such as furniture planning and layouts, application of color, and building code and ADA (American with Disabilities Act) considerations are included.

This is an introductory course that examines the practical and theoretical issues of the computer as a tool for the production of architectural presentations. Technical skills in SketchUp, Revit and Photoshop are learned through tutorials and projects. Students learn to create and execute projects utilizing the computer as an architectural tool through the application of technical skills.

This course is a fundamental course that investigates the properties and principles of basic color theory and its interrelationship with lighting. The focus is on the psychological and physiological effects of color and lighting as they apply to the form, texture, and finish of interior spaces. It also provides a basic understanding of lighting calculations, types of lamps and their uses. Additionally, there will be a segment on calculations related to acoustical performance.

This survey course examines the selection, specification, composition, manufacture, and application of finishes and materials in interior design and presents an overview of furniture construction, types, planning and selection.

Introductory course designed to acquaint students with the basic educational, practical and theoretical aspects of the profession. Students will study of the relationships between the aesthetic, technological, experiential, social, environmental and legal forces that effect architectural design and its allied professions. The course proposes architecture as a way of understanding and experiencing the world.

The context within which buildings and spaces are created is rapidly evolving as is the way in which architecture and design is practiced. This advanced course is designed to provide the future practitioner with a comprehensive study of the business and practice of architecture and design. Emphasis will be placed on practical skills and usable information that will enhance the students’ ability to function within the design professions and/or related disciplines.

This course will consist of lectures and associated exercises intended to provide the student with a framework that will support and guide them through the beginning stage of their senior thesis project exploration. Emphasis will be placed on developing research and writing skills that will enhance the student's ability to select an acceptable thesis project and site, and develop a program based on a given set of requirements.

Studio Sorrento is intended solely for students enrolled in the Junior Year Study Abroad Program in Sorrento, Italy. The course will be structured around the experiences, field trips and other learning opportunities during the semester of study in Italy. Particular attention will focus on elements of traditional town design, sustainable building strategies, historic building analysis, and adaptive/sustainable re-use of historic structures.

Sustainable building design is a relatively new approach to architectural design which evolved from solar design solutions of the past three decades. In this field, architects attempt to design structures that have a minimum negative impact on the natural world. In this course students concentrate on five major area of sustainability including energy, air, water, materials, and site planning. Students will produce a final design project that integrates the five major areas discussed.

This course is the capstone of the six semester sequence of architectural design studios. Building upon the thesis research completed during the previous semester, students will finalize a design program for their chosen thesis project. They will carry out a comprehensive design development study, present their design solution to a jury of faculty and visiting professionals, and defend the decision making process that gave rise to their design.