Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

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Elective Groups

Following are the elective groupings and possible electives which might be offered by the Faculty, on consensus of the Department Graduate Committee. Students may also select elective courses offered within the other graduate programs of the Faculty of Architecture and/or the University on approval of their supervisor.

+Design Theories and Methods

-Architectural Surveys and Measured Drawings
Documentation and interpretation of sites and buildings and graphic recording techniques.

-Case Studies in Architectural Design
Each section deals with a specific problem such as housing, high-rise design, interiors, community development. Studio work is supplemented by lectures, discussions, readings,

-Social and Cultural Factors in Design (3,0)
Study of relationships between social and institutional functions and environments. A survey of the relations between social functions and architectural design, with respect to individuals, groups, families, neighborhoods and organizations. 

+History and Theory of Architecture

-History of Architecture (3,0)
Thorough and systematic survey of the history of architecture, interior design, and planning from the early times to the 21st century.

-History of Modern Architecture Theories (3,0)
This seminar attempts to explore theories of contemporary architectural history. The aim is to re-read and historically contextualize histories of modern architecture. The seminar deals with a set of texts that propose historical interpretations of architecture.

-Contemporary Architecture Theories (3,0)
This seminar explores the theme of autonomy in contemporary theories of architecture. Since the 18th century and apropos of what is called the French Revolutionary Architects, architecture had the chance, though for a short period of time, to have the pleasure of entertaining its autonomy from the classical wisdom. Though in more than one way architecture soon had to confront the imperatives of the capitalist cycle of production and consumption, nevertheless, architects have attempted to dwell on the notion of autonomy even by plunging into interdisciplinary issues or critically reflecting on ideas endemic for modern architecture.

+Structures and Construction

-Construction Methods
Systematic approach to construction. Investigation of systems, concepts, and system-building.

-Structures, Constructions and Space in Great Historical Buildings (3,0)
Study into a relationship between architectural space, structural behavior, and constructions system/ methods in historical  buildings.

-Design and Computer Analysis of Structure(3,0)
Design and analysis of whole structural building systems with the aid of finite element analytical method.

-Advanced Architectural Detailing (3,0)
An exploration of the life of details in building. Examines the ways in which technical decisions are made, and focuses on details and constructions within particular regional contexts.

-Introduction to Structural Design
A first course in structures for undergraduate or graduate students with degrees in other disciplines. Develops analytic and critical skills through both mathematical and visual investigation of structures. Topics include static; mechanics of materials; computer-based structural analysis; and the design and behavior of basic structural elements and systems.

-Construction and Intention
Explores the properties of basic building materials and construction systems. Introduces building construction from a variety of viewpoints, with emphasis on ecological thinking in architectural decision-making. Students will analyze and critique materials and construction systems, and how they correspond to aesthetic, technical, financial, and ethical issues.

-Structural Design for Dynamic Loads
Examines wind and earthquake loads in structural design, reviewing the vocabulary of lateral resisting systems, and the basic dynamic theories that underlie building code requirements. Explores recent developments in research and practice. Student projects include reviewing and presenting literature on lateral load research and design. 

+Technology and Computer

-Graphic Media I (3,0)
Introduction to the use of graphic media as tools of architectural design. Emphasis placed on the integration of traditional and digital media in the design process. Includes CAD, rendering techniques, perspective, sketching and modeling.

-Graphic Media II (3,0)
Introduction to the use of graphic media as tools of architectural design. Emphasis placed on the integration of traditional and digital media in the design process. Includes 3-D modeling and rendering software, advanced rendering techniques, perspective sketching and modeling.

-The Visual Manifesto (3,0)
Examination and production of the architectural manifesto in written, graphic, and multimedia form. Involves the integration of text, traditional graphic media and computer software

-Computer Aided Architectural Design
Explores design worlds that are made accessible through computer-based media. Lectures provide a theoretical framework for computer-aided design, describe current methods, and speculate on advanced methods. Workshop exercises focus on computer-based 3-D geometrical modeling, including photo-realistic and abstract methods of rendering, materials simulation, texture mapping, reflection mapping, image processing, color-table manipulation, photomontage, lighting, animation, and combined media applications.

-Computer Graphics and Design Application
Application of geometrical modeling to design problem-solving using an array of solid modeling, geometrical modeling, rendering, and image processing tools.

-Digital Movie-making and Animation
Explores the simulation of architecture, urban design, and environmental design through movie making. Examines parallels between the treatment of motion in movies and the treatment of motion in design. These parallels include how moviemakers and designers may treat the space-time continuum, three dimensional depth, movement, change over time, lighting, and montage. Further examines movie making as a medium for design exploration, for architectural aesthetic expression, and for undertaking a critical analysis of design.

-Computables of Architectural Design
Explores the quantitative basis and geometrical order of forms occurring in nature and architecture. Covers instructions, exercises, and examples of coding in a programming language during the first two thirds of the term. Students develop a case study in design methods that extends a CAD system as the basis for a computational project in the last third of the term. Programming knowledge is not assumed; class pace is individually adapted for students with previous experience.

-Photography and Digital Media
This course seeks to give students the ability to conceive and create digital photographic imagery with control and sophistication. Topics include fundamentals of photography, color theory, digital control of visual qualities, and methods of image montage for both still images and short animations. Methods include production and presentation for both printed hard copy and for the world wide web.

+Building and Environmental Factors

-Building and Climate
This course examines the role of design in mediating between dynamic climatic forces such as wind, energy and light and the human response to the environment. Weaving discussions of fundamental principles with case studies and illustrative exercises, the course focuses on the design of the boundary between the internal and external environments.

-Environmental Systems
Study of the fundamental principles applied to the design of thermal and luminous environments as well as plumbing/drainage and electrical systems. A studio project is selected for additional analysis and design development focusing on the energy-conscious building envelope, mechanical systems selection, natural and artificial lighting schemes, and the building services layout.

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