Architecture (ARCH)

Effective use of representational media, computer aided design, and digital media to engage formal, organizational, and environmental principles. Emphasis on the appropriate media to inform two-dimensional and three-dimensional design based upon the conventions of architectural graphic communication. The course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills, and A.4 Architecture Design Skills. DFTG 2319 at DMC or ARCH 2319 at TAMUCC.

Prerequisite: ARCH 2319.

An examination of ordinances, codes, and legal documents as they pertain to construction specifications and architectural drawings. Explores the roles, responsibilities, and legal relationships among owners, architects, and contractors. Includes analysis of building codes and standards relevant to architectural design, construction practices, and inspection procedures.

Parametric-based design software for 3D design and drafting.

Development of freehand drawing skills in architecture. Methods and skills, including emphasis on principles of light, shade, scale, proportion, line, and tonal quality, for exploring and developing conceptual ideas and for clear graphic presentations. The course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills, and A.4 Architecture Design Skills.

This course explores critical concepts in contemporary architectural thinking with the goal of providing a framework of topics for use in design studio and to further develop the architectural vocabulary. ARCH 1301 and ARCH 1302 at DMC.

A continuation of practices and techniques in computer-aided design, including the development and use of prototype drawings, construction of pictorial drawings, extracting data, and basics of 3D. DFTG 1305 Introduction to Technical Drawing at Del Mar College.

Application of advanced CAD techniques in Revit and Lumion.

Prerequisite: ARCH 2319.

This course surveys the history of modern architecture from its influences in the late-nineteenth century through to the twentieth century in Europe, and the United States. Emphasis is placed on understanding the motivations, needs, and outcomes of the modern movement. ARCH 1301 Architectural History I and ARCH 1302 Architectural History II at Del Mar College.

An exploration of the relationship between architecture and urban design, focusing on contemporary interpretations of future urban forms and the factors influencing the location, spatial structure, growth, and decline of cities. This course is integrated with ARCH 3604 Architectural Design VI.

Introduction to building envelopes in relation to architectonic systems. Emphasis on the materials and methods of facades and cladding systems and their components, structural design, and an introduction to the integration of environmental systems in architectural design. This course is integrated with ARCH 3603 Architectural Design V. ARCH 2375 Architectural Technology II Gravity at DMC.

Study of environmental systems and their components with emphasis on their relationships, applicable building and energy codes, construction specifications, and an introduction to sustainable design strategies. Analysis of heating, air conditioning, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, acoustics, daylighting, and integration with building envelop systems.

Prerequisite: ARCH 3350.

This course includes instruction in digital design and the processes of fabrication. Solid modeling and parametric design through digital manufacturing methods such as a rapid prototyping new material processes across different fields and the related fabrication and building methodologies.

Special topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. Creation of multiples, fabrication of functional/kinetic components, iterative prototyping of complex structures, scalable design, construction of large structures from repeated simple components. This course introduces students to tools, workflow, aesthetics and communities surrounding computer-aided-design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and its creative applications within art practice. The CAD/CAM process is particularly well-suited for certain tasks, including the creation of multiples, for fabrication of functional/kinetic components, iterative prototyping of complex structures, scalable design, construction of large structures from repeated simple components, and other ingenious digital/physical workflows.

Prerequisite: ARCH 3356.

This course focuses on interior design programming, the design development process, simple contract document preparation and presentation methods of intermediate sized commercial and other non-residential spaces. ARCH 2604 Architectural Design IV at Del Mar College.

This architectural design studio is a further development of the design problem solving skillset that focuses on the building envelope and the integration of various building systems. This studio design course is integrated with ARCH 3350 Architectural Technology III (Assemblies). ARCH 2604 Architectural Design IV at Del Mar College.

This architectural design studio emphasizes urban design as a critical extension of architectural practice. This studio explores the relationship between buildings, public space, infrastructure, and broader urban systems. Students will engage with complex, multi-scale projects that address social, environmental, and spatial challenges within urban contexts. This studio design course is integrated with ARCH 3313 Theory of Urban Design.

Prerequisite: ARCH 3603.

This course approaches architectural design as an inherently ethical practice. Through this lens, students will explore the fundamentals of office operations, the various definitions and roles of clients in the design process, the legal responsibilities of the profession, and the importance of ongoing professional development. Emphasis is also placed on the architect’s obligation to provide civic leadership and to engage responsibly with both the built and natural environments.

Study of sustainable design and emerging technologies. Emphasis on sustainable design strategies, materials and methods used in sustainable construction, the integration of various building systems that conserve energy and resources, and project delivery strategies. This course is integrated with ARCH 4603 Architectural Design VII.

The course explores how physical, social, economic, and political forces shape urban design and planning over time. Students will analyze patterns of development, transformation, and decline in urban areas, and apply this understanding to contemporary planning challenges. Emphasis is placed on reading the city as a layered, dynamic system and using morphological analysis to inform design and policy decisions.

Independent study centered on an approved internship requiring a minimum of 300 hours completed during the semester.

This architectural design studio is a further development of the design problem solving skillset that focuses on sustainable design and the exploration of innovative technologies and design solutions. This studio design course is integrated with ARCH 4340 Sustainability and Innovation Technology.

Prerequisite: ARCH 3604.

This architectural design studio is a further development of the design problem solving skillset that includes a more comprehensive list of design issues and applications in advanced design projects. Students cultivate comprehensive design abilities by addressing more complex relationships between program, site, and form within a defined cultural context. The design process incorporates elements of architectural theory, building technology, and computational methods.

Prerequisite: ARCH 4603.

This course provides a focus on market research, innovative thinking, concept development, and presentation skills for student product ideas. The deliverables include a high-quality product, a video to explain the concept, and construction drawings showing assembly.

Prerequisite: ARCH 3357.

Introduction to the management of architectural projects, emphasizing organizational strategies, contract administration, and coordination with consultants.

A continuation of the study of the management of architectural projects, emphasizing advanced business and construction administration principles.

Prerequisite: ARCH 5361.

The course emphasizes understanding user needs, site conditions, functional requirements, and environmental context as critical inputs in the early phases of the architectural design process. Students will learn to gather, analyze, and synthesize information to create comprehensive design briefs that guide thoughtful, effective architectural solutions.

This course introduces the role of research in architecture and how hypothesis formulation, data acquisition, verification, and analysis can create research results that influence design outcomes.