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ARCH 1184  Design Fundamentals 1

Credits: 4.00 Credits

This course is an introduction to fundamental design, architectural design drawing, written and verbal communication skills and applied drawing techniques. Students are introduced in lecture to design and drawing principles, and techniques and conventions used to develop and communicate architectural ideas. Studio assignments emphasize the relationship between drawing and three-dimensional form and space, and include exercises in basic design and model-making. Topics include ordering systems, spatial relationships, the design process and architectural theory. Students explore and practice, observational sketching, depicting light, texture and depth, analytical drawing, orthographic projection systems, and professional standards for layout, lettering, use of line weights, and dimensioning of architectural drawings.

ARCH 2014  Computer Visualization

Credits: 4.00 Credits

This is an introductory course that examines the practical and theoretical issues of architectural modeling software (BIM) as a tool for all aspects of the architectural design and development process. Students learn to create and execute projects populated with elements of "process and technique" that will form a foundation tool for sequence courses.

ARCH 2394  Design Fundamentals 2

Credits: 4.00 Credits

An introductory course designed to expose students to fundamental design and communication skills, research, site analysis skills, and assessment tools, use of precedent studies, design program development, color theory, and site planning. Students also continue to develop their understanding and application of the design process, spatial relationships, design ordering systems and design principles. The course examines these topics through readings and quizzes, and design projects incorporating graphic, written and verbal presentation skills. Students also explore the characteristics of materials through hands on material alteration and model building.

ARCH 3003  Environmental Controls 1

Credits: 3.00 Credits

This course introduces the student to the fundamental principles of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems for small buildings. Students will explore passive design strategies and their effects on active MEP building systems. The course will emphasize holistic analyses of sites, buildings and small building systems with respect to geographic regions. Instruction will focus on impacts of the built environment on global resources. Tests, calculations and delineation of building systems will form the basis of instruction.

ARCH 3014  Construction Technology 1

Credits: 4.00 Credits

This course introduces students to the materials, methods and systems commonly used in residential construction. Students will study the inherent qualities of materials and develop an understanding of their use and integration within a residential structure. The process of construction and the resulting assemblies will be graphically explored using Building Information Modeling (BIM). Emphasis will be placed on the graphic standards used in the architectural industry and developing a basic understanding of construction documents. As the course progresses, each student will apply their understanding of residential construction technology, materials and the software environment by producing a series of architectural documents. As the semester progresses, these drawings, which start as schematic graphics addressing issues of design and organization, will develop into contract documents for construction.

ARCH 3104  Design Studio 1

Credits: 4.00 Credits

This course explores the programming, schematic design and design development phases of the architect's design services. This course presents students with a systematic approach to architectural design methods. Methods of graphic thinking are introduced as a means of exploring and evaluating issues related to the design process. Architectural form is investigated relative to human needs and environmental context. Student verbal and graphic communication skills are refined in project presentations.

ARCH 4013  Municipal Codes & Regulations

Credits: 3.00 Credits

This course covers the municipal code review process and definition of model building and zoning codes. The course emphasizes use and occupancy, special use and occupancy, building heights and areas, types of construction, fire-resistive construction, interior finishes, fire-protection systems, means of egress, accessibility, interior environment, energy efficiency, exterior walls, roof assemblies, structural provisions, building materials and systems and existing structures as described in the Building Code of New York State.

ARCH 4014  Construction Technology 2

Credits: 4.00 Credits

This course builds on the construction topics begun in Construction Technology 1. The course is focused on construction techniques for commercial buildings. Topics covered include steel frame, reinforced concrete, pre-cast concrete and building envelope systems. Emphasis is placed on contemporary details and methods of construction. Student evaluations are based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) computer generated projects and periodic tests.

ARCH 4304  Design Studio 2

Credits: 4.00 Credits

The course concentrates on problem-solving methods for a variety of architectural project types and sizes. Students working individually and in teams explore and document their work through sketches, study models and preliminary working drawings. The students are encouraged to develop a professional approach to investigating, analyzing and solving architectural problems. This is the second studio course and will help students in preparing for more advanced and challenging studio course work in the curriculum.

ARCH 4900  Directed Study

Credits: 1.00 TO 4.00 Credits

A student may contract for one to four credit hours of independent study through an arrangement with an instructor who agrees to direct such a study. The student will submit a plan acceptable to the instructor and to the department chairperson. The instructor and student will confer regularly regarding the process of the study.

ARCH 5306  Design Studio 3

Credits: 6.00 Credits

This studio is designed to develop the student's ability to apply and integrate architectural principles and methods to design of buildings and spaces. The exploration and study of architectural design and technology makes connections between theory and practice through the design of buildings and environments that explore the relationship between architecture, building systems, and human experience. Students will be expected to progress through the schematic design and design development phases of short-term and extended design projects.

ARCH 5900  Directed Study

Credits: 1.00 TO 6.00 Credits

A student may contract for one to six credit hours of independent study through an arrangement with an instructor who agrees to direct such a study. The student will submit a plan acceptable to the instructor and to the department chairperson. The instructor and student will confer regularly regarding the process of the study.

ARCH 5901  STAR Center Civic Engagement

Credits: 1.00 Credit

This course will be offered to students who want to pursue a civic engagement project through the Southern Tier Architectural Resource (STAR) Center. Each semester the project(s) for this course will change depending on the projects that the STAR Center receives from the public. Students will be given a "real-world" project within the Southern Tier Region to complete with an advising instructor and a client. The student should produce a final project that will be presented to the client at the end of the semester.

ARCH 6306  Design Studio 4

Credits: 6.00 Credits

This course is intended to develop a sensitivity to historical buildings. Specifically, this course concentrates on developing student critical thinking and problem solving skills associated with historic building projects, guided by treatments set forth by the federal and state governments. Over the course of the semester, students synthesize building research, analysis, and documentation in the scope of potential new building program requirements. As warranted, students may formulate schematic design proposals for future use. Projects will involve researching the historical evolution of the building, documentation of the existing, the analysis of building materials and structural conditions, understanding of the building's relationship to its wider physical, social and cultural environment and making appropriate design decisions with respect to future use.

ARCH 6406  Studio Sorrento

Credits: 6.00 Credits

Studio Sorrento is intended solely for students enrolled in the Third-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 abroad. Particular attention will focus on elements of traditional town design, sustainable building strategies, historic building analysis, and adaptive/sustainable re-use of historic structures. Student work for the semester will include: the development of a journal of site visits and analyses, photographic and metric documentation, reflective writing, and small design projects within the Sorrento environment.

ARCH 6433  Urban Sketching & Journaling

Credits: 3.00 Credits

Urban sketching and Journaling is offered to students enrolled at Sant'Anna Institute as part of the study abroad program in Sorrento, Italy. The course is designed to augment the architecture students' experience of their semester abroad by developing drawing skills and observational acuity. Emphasis is placed on the advanced use of drawing as an invaluable tool for seeing, learning, thinking, and communicating. Lectures are centered on the use of graphite, pen & ink, and watercolor, for observational sketching and note-taking. Lab exercises will capitalize on the unique urban environments of Sorrento and southern Italy. Students are required to keep a running journal that documents their thoughts and experiences throughout the semester.

ARCH 7003  Environmental Controls 2

Credits: 3.00 Credits

This course reinforces advanced technical and design strategies to maximize sustainability in large building design, and their relationship to other building service systems. Emphasis will be placed on applications of photovoltaic, geothermal and wind systems in a sustainable environmental context. Qualitative and quantitative measures of building environments with a focus on efficient use of energy through integrated design practices will be employed. Other topics of discussion will include commercial building design practices related to MEP, acoustic, communication, vertical transportation, security, and fire protection systems. Case studies and projects will form the basis of instruction.

ARCH 7306  Design Studio 5

Credits: 6.00 Credits

This studio focuses on the design of buildings and places in an urban setting that require an intense concentration of support systems. The course exploration and study of architectural design, technology and planning principles is designed to bridge the gap between architectural theory and practice through the design of structures and places for human use and inspiration. Students will be expected to progress through the schematic design and design development phases of short-term and extended design projects. Conventional media and three-dimensional computer modeling will be used to define, analyze and present solutions to complex architectural problems. Assignments and in-class exercises related to design, theory, technology and criticism will also be used to reinforce topics discussed in class. Civic Engagement Intensive (CEI) sections exist.

ARCH 8003  Professional Practice

Credits: 3.00 Credits

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 student's ability to function within the design professions and/or related disciplines.

ARCH 8306  Design Studio 6

Credits: 6.00 Credits

This course requires students to conceptualize and develop a comprehensive design solution for a semester-long project that integrates sound architectural design with thorough consideration of site conditions, environmental stewardship, structural systems, building envelope assemblies, building mechanical systems, and regulatory code compliance, including accessibility for the disabled. Emphasis is placed on the ability to make effective design decisions while generating and considering multiple options in a schedule-driven setting, punctuated by a series of milestone presentations throughout the semester. The students will individually present their final, comprehensive design solution to a panel of faculty and visiting professionals, and defend the decision-making processes that gave rise to their solution.

ARCH 8716  Design Studio 7-Thesis Defntn

Credits: 6.00 Credits

Thesis Definition is the first studio course of a two-studio course sequence offered in the final year of the B.Arch. program. The coursework prepares students for the culmination of their undergraduate academic professional preparation in architecture by providing a guided framework that will encourage the student to independently discern, discretely delimit and plan, research, manage, and successfully complete a comprehensive thesis project. Significant emphasis on research, planning, and iterative investigation of a topical architecture issue frames the project in which students will work closely with a thesis committee composed of a chief faculty mentor, a secondary faculty mentor, and a volunteer member of the profession. Throughout the duration of the semester each student will complete a research plan and a significant research and precedent study that will result in a rigorous and controlled schematic design. The initial output from this course will comprise the first portion of a 2-part publication and design project that will serve as the basis for further exploration, research, and development in the ARCH 8776 course that follows in sequence. The course is structured into a communal lecture section that will encompass weekly seminar discussions, and weekly tutorials on scientific method, design process, and the iterative process. Attendant to the lecture section is a lab section that is led by the primary thesis advisor for each individual student. Periodic, interim, and final critiques are scheduled as a function of the lecture section.

ARCH 8733  Modern Architectural Theory

Credits: 3.00 Credits

This seminar introduces the student to theories and criticisms of contemporary architecture from the beginnings of the modern period to contemporary issues. This seminar course is designed to be highly interactive and will consist of facilitated discussion, weekly writing assignments, in-class exercises and presentations. Students will have the responsibility of initiating weekly discussion of the assigned readings. In-class discourse includes discussion and analysis of the central arguments and conclusions of the theoretical constructs presented in the piece made relative to the contemporary and future practice of architecture. Students will prepare a series of long research papers that analyze and synthesize the arguments presented in the selected readings for the course. A brief oral presentation will accompany the term paper to engage classmates and invited guests in critical commentary.

ARCH 8753  Advanced Structural Concepts

Credits: 3.00 Credits

This course addresses advanced architectural structures, exterior building envelopes and production technologies. It explores structural elements and expands to include more complex forms, materials and systems. Materials covered are; glass, steel and advanced composites. Material performance and detailing of the exterior envelope are emphasized with digital projects utilizing node based parametric programing and pattern based surface development.

ARCH 8776  Design Studio 8-Thesis Develop

Credits: 6.00 Credits

This course is the capstone of the two-semester sequence of architectural design studios. Building upon the thesis research completed during the previous semester in Design Studio 7 – Studio Definition, 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 panel of faculty and visiting professionals, and defend the decision making process that gave rise to their design. The student is expected to show competence and care in their technological solutions and in the creation of a livable, efficient, and contextually appropriate structure.

ARCH 8793  Professional Development

Credits: 3.00 Credits

This comprehensive course will enhance the student's exposure to the architect's professional role based on case studies of real-world experiences. It expands upon previously introduced architectural business practices such as marketing, responding to client requests for services, assembling project teams, working with the appropriate consultants, and delivering a project, all within financial constraints of both project and business management. The changing role of the architect in nontraditional practice types and project delivery methods will also be explored. Throughout the course, professional written, verbal and graphic communication skills will be emphasized in relation to their importance in the business setting.