Architectural Technology

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BS Degree - Code #1452

David I. Carli, Program Coordinator
Email Address: carlidi@alfredstate.edu

Our architectural technology programs are designed to provide you with a comprehensive architectural education. The AAS degree offers a broad range of skills and the BS furthers this by combining a philosophic and artistic perspective of building design with an applied technical knowledge of construction systems and materials acquired in a four-year studio structure.

All architecture degree programs have shared course work in the first two years, while the BS and BArch have some shared course work in the third and fourth years. Because of this alignment, the AAS and BS in architectural technology are required to meet the same NAAB "Student Performance Criteria" that apply to the BArch program (which was awarded initial candidacy as of Jan. 1, 2014).

Advantages

• Broad exposure gives students the ability to be conversant with and/or seek employment with all related professions within the architectural field.
• The degree may be accepted for credit toward professional licensure in New York State.
• Alfred State has an agreement with Sorrento Lingue International Language Institute (Sant’Anna Institute) in Sorrento, Italy, to offer an optional semester abroad to its students. To learn more, see www.alfredstate.edu/study-abroad/italy.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Comprehend architecture as being accountable to humanity's need for safe, affordable shelter, for dignified ways of living and for offering corresponding symbolic meaning - and the ability to produce designs infused by this understanding.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of architectural ideas (and associated principles, strategies and devices) throughout history and of how these were marshaled by architects in the service of certain intended purposes, as well as the ability to apply such ideas in the student's own designs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for infusing design generally, and structural expression particularly, with poetic dimensions that help to transform environments - that would otherwise be merely good functionally and of sound construction - into inspiring and uplifting places.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sustainability, construction technology, and integrated project delivery.
• Demonstrate the ability to take on/participate constructively in urban renewal/social innovation projects that seek to serve the common good.
• Info management (computer and research skills appropriate to degree level and type).
• Written and oral communication (appropriate to degree level and type).
• Critical thinking (problem solving, reasoning skills appropriate to degree level and type).  

Continuing Education Opportunities

Occupational Opportunities

• Architect (after successfully meeting state requirements)
• Construction manager
• Building inspector
• 3-D modeler/animator
• Computer illustrator
• Detailer
• Specification writer
• Estimator
• Model builder

Employment Statistics

Related Programs

Entrance Requirements/recommendations

Transfer Students

Prior to studio placement within the architectural technology BS program, each applicant must submit a digital portfolio for review that will be taken into consideration along with his/her overall grade point average and studio course grades.

Through the portfolio, the department hopes to get a sense of the applicant as a creative individual. We understand that the portfolio will not demonstrate mastery of architecture, but instead present a student's potential through explorations and representation of the built environment, which may be presented as art work such as drawings, sketches, models, sculpture, or photographs. The portfolio should focus mainly on the representation of space, but may also include a small representation of creative work such as woodworking, crafts, graphic design, and/or other creative endeavors (e.g., high school, college course) or from personal pursuits (e.g., employment, hobbies). Each portfolio should be a balanced representation of both two-and three-dimensional works.

The overall portfolio should include ten (10) to twenty (20) examples of the applicant's very best creative work and creative process. All images should be clear (not blurry or pixilated) and include a short description of the work. The description should include: when the work was completed, the medium (materials) used to create the work, the dimensions of the original work, and whether the work was completed as a personal project or as an academic project. If the work presented was part of a group effort, the description should clearly identify any other group members and state your specific role and contribution.

The Admissions committee strongly suggests using an online portfolio site such as AllYou, Behance, Portfoliobox, or similar site. All of these services offer a free option and are straightforward to set up. The department cannot answer questions about sign-in or set-up for these services. Questions about sign-in and set-up should be directed to the appropriate company.

The portfolio should be submitted by email to admissions@alfredstate.edu. Alfred State accepts students on a rolling admissions system, which means students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, early application and portfolio submission may be important for certain scholarship consideration.

Graduation Requirements

• The portfolio must contain a minimum of six (6) examples of creative academic work. These examples should demonstrate achievements as a designer. A minimum of two (2) examples must be from studio class projects in the last two years of the program. A maximum of two (2) examples may be of non-graphic work (example: written work).
• Each example will be accompanied by a short description of the project and solution, and include the name of the class the project was produced for. If the item is part of a group effort, the specific role of the student should be included.
• Completed portfolios must be submitted digitally in Portable Document Format (PDF) on a CD or as directed by the department chair.
• Portfolios will be evaluated to determine whether they should be graded as “High Pass,” “Pass,” or “Fail.” This assessment will appear on the student’s permanent Alfred State transcript.
• The completed portfolio must be submitted to the Department of Architecture and Design Office by April 1. This is an absolute deadline; no portfolios will be accepted after the April 1 deadline. Evaluation will be done on a yearly basis by faculty reviewers. All decisions are final.

Work in student portfolios should demonstrate:

• Understanding of the philosophy of building design and problem-solving skills through original and thorough design thinking.
• Ability to legibly communicate design ideas in graphic and written form.
• A working knowledge of a variety of construction systems and materials and how they affect building design.
• Competence in the use of graphic tools and techniques including freehand drawing, computer-aided drafting, physical models, and computer imaging.

Semester Abroad Option

Architectural Technology - BS Degree

TYPICAL EIGHT-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First

ARCH	1184	Design Fundamentals 1	4
FNAT	2333	Survey of Design	3
FNAT	1303	Architectural History I	3
MATH	1034	College Algebra of Functions	4
COMP	1503	Freshman Composition	3
			17

Second

ARCH	2394	Design Fundamentals 2	4
ARCH	2014	Computer Visualization	4
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective (Hist of West Civ)	3
MATH	2043	College Trigonometry	3
PHYS	1024	General Physics I	4
			18

Third

ARCH	3104	Design Studio 1	4
ARCH	3014	Construction Technology 1	4
ARCH	3003	Environmental Controls	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective (Social Science)	3
MATH	1063	Technical Calculus I	3
			17

Fourth

ARCH	4304	Design Studio 2	4
ARCH	4014	Construction Technology 2	4
CIVL	4103	Structures I	3
ARCH	4013	Municipal Codes & Regulations	3
SPCH	1083	Effective Speaking	3
			17

General Notes:

A typical day consists of two, one-hour lectures and a two-hour studio in the freshman and sophomore years. At the junior and senior levels, three-hour studios are required.

Entry level of student into math and composition/literature sequences is a function of student’s high school preparation and mathematics and English placement examinations.

Math through Technical Calculus I must be completed. Students who start at a higher level of math must meet SUNY general education and campus liberal arts and sciences course credit requirements for graduation.

Minimum combined GPA of 3.0 is required in Alfred State studio courses (ARCH 1184, ARCH 2394, ARCH 3104, and ARCH 4304) or comparable courses at another institution to guarantee admission into ARCH 5306 - Design Studio 3. A portfolio review is required of all continuing or transfer students not meeting this requirement.

If entry-level math requirement is met, take LAS elective to complete degree requirements of 3 or 4 credits, otherwise take free elective.

Fifth

ARCH	5306	Design Studio 3	6
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective (Foreign Language)	3
FNAT	5303	Architectural History II	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective - Upper Level	3
			15

Sixth

ARCH	6306	Design Studio 4	6
	xxx4	Gen Ed/LAS Elective	4
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective (Humanities)	3
CIVL	5213	Foundations and Concrete	3
			16

Seventh

ARCH	7306	Design Studio 5	6
ARCH	7003	Sustainable Building Design	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective - Upper Level	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective - Upper Level	3
			18

Eighth

ARCH	8306	Design Studio 6	6
ARCH	8003	Professional Practice	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed/LAS Elective (Am. Hist. or Other World Civ)	3
			15

Be advised that a prior felony conviction may impede a student's ability to participate in an internship and/or to receive licensure.

General Notes:

Students must complete at least one course from seven of the 10 SUNY General Education Silos.

Minimum grade of “C” is required for ARCH 5306, ARCH 6306, ARCH 7306 and ARCH 8306.