Architectural Design

This course builds on the principles learned in Drawing 1 and looks at how we apply them to the field of architecture and design. Students will build their skill set in order to be able to deliver industry standard drawings, and will hone their ability to use drawing as a tool of expression to convey design intent. Focus will be paid to applying the concepts and principles of perspectives to built structures.

This introductory-level course will explore the fundamental features of the industry standard AutoCAD software. Students will learn to use the tools, features, and commands to create simple drawings in the context of developing a small design project.

This course will explore the basic residential, commercial, and public building fire and safety codes as they apply to external and internal building features and the immediate building environment. The course will focus on the influence of the application of building codes on a building’s internal design and construction. Students will learn how codes and standards impact the design process and how they must be applied to ensure that the final design is compliant. There will be special attention on sustainability and how it interacts with the building code. Additionally, students will gain experience navigating with local and national building authorities.

This course aims to introduce students to the studio process by giving them the opportunity to further develop their design narrative and applying it to single family residential structures. Students will be exposed to the design process and learn the steps required to successfully create and execute a residential home design.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of building construction and practices; the technology, materials, and techniques used in constructing small-scale buildings; the role of the environment; and the importance of considering what materials to use. Students will conduct practical structural modeling exercises and develop a basic understanding of the quantitative and qualitative behaviour of structures. Students will be drafting final drawings for all assignments in AutoCAD for assignment 2 onward.

This course will introduce students to industry standard architectural rendering software that allows the user to increase the level of detail in their 2D/3D drawings and renderings. Students will also be introduced to the Building Information Modeling (BIM) system and learn how to manage projects across programs and platforms. BIM is a process that facilities the generation, sharing, and management of 3D visual representations of physical space and the functional components and systems found in them. This course will focus on creating a working understanding of SketchUp and how to apply it in the design and building process.

In this course students will explore the advanced features of AutoCAD and how they can apply them to the standards of working drawing creation, A & D Practice, and for the creation and sharing of designs. Students will be required to create and modify complex digital design documents representing detailed 3D interior and exterior spaces. The course will begin by exploring advanced drawing and modification tools and techniques.

This course introduces the next stage after the design process is complete. When a building’s design intent has been established and approved, detailed technical drawings are then created. In this course students will learn how to transform the design using their knowledge of methods of construction into a series of technical drawings.

In this course students will build on the principles and concepts learned in Studio 1 and learn skills and approaches they can apply to multi-family residential structures. Students will be exposed to the complexity and coordination required to create a successful design, layout, materiality, and documents.

Building upon the information learned in the Architectural Drafting stream, students will learn the applications of these concepts through the use of Revit Software. Students will learn how to use and apply this software while exploring BIM methodology and applications that can translate between drafting and 3D platforms.

Students will be introduced to project management as it relates to design and building construction. Students will learn about roles and responsibilities, procedures and protocols, meeting management, documentation, scheduling, and inspections in a typical project from the initial phases of construction through to completion. This course will focus on interactions and coordination with consultants and specialists.

In this course students will be exposed to the process of building a physical model and creating and documenting details of building structures. Emphasis will be placed on terminology, the process of building, problem-solving, and material management.

This course introduces the various materials used in exterior façade treatments and their types and properties. Students will research, analyze, sample source, and cost materials based on a set of specifications. The importance of material selection in the construction process is stressed and explored in depth.

Building on the concepts learned in Arch Drafting 4, students will further develop their Revit skills to apply on design projects. A deeper understanding of conventions of model creation and working drawings will be honed and applied.

This course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in Building Construction I. Students will apply their growing technical expertise in designing small to medium-scale buildings focusing on structural systems, building elements, materials, components, connections, construction methods and detailing. Students will develop a practical understanding of the materials and technical dimensions of building design, current trends in the construction industry, and collaborative practices when working with a team of consultants and stakeholders.

This course will familiarize students with architectural design,and architectural theory to apply to their craft. A variety of architectural design disciplines will be examined. Students will be introduced to ideas, principles, and architectural problemsolving methodologies. Students will begin to develop critical design thinking skills and the ability to imagine solutions in 3 dimensions. They will learn the process and model for how projects are set up and completed.

This course further develops students’ abilities to interpret industry standard architectural rendering software that allows the user to increase the level of detail in their 2D/3D drawings and renderings. Students will also be introduced to Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is a process that facilitates the generation, sharing, and management of 3D visual representations of physical space and the functional components and systems found within them.

In this course, students will be introduced to the Construction Industry Standards of document management, and procedures and requirements for owners, consultants, contractors, and trades that they will be subject to when working on a construction project.

Students will be exposed to the design structures that are highrise, mixed-use, and commercial, with basement parking. Students will conduct research, analysis, and space & concept planning studies. They will be taking into consideration material specifications, methods of construction, and sustainability principles. Students will prepare a design presentation package that includes models, drawings, and reports. Assessment and emphasis will be on the design, function, efficiency, and buildable construction methods.

This course teaches students the conventions of coordination with Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing System (MEP). Students will gain an in-depth understanding and knowledge of each system and how they play an integral part in the efficiency of a building. This will include the relationships between building envelope design and mechanical system design, particularly with regards to sustainability, energy use, and human comfort. Mechanical systems include HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and fire protection. Electrical and mechanical building codes are studied as well as indoor air quality, communications, life safety, and security.

This course will cover the principles and applications of sustainability and focus on the use of Passive House technology. Students will be introduced to different sustainability measures, systems, theory, and construction methods.

This course introduces the construction drawing documentation process. Students will become familiar with the process of developing the initial part of the documentation through drawing lists, drawing contents, formats, sheet numbering, labels, annotations, and procedures as per construction industry standards. Emphasis is placed on understanding the legal issues with respect to accurate documentation.

Students will build a detailed project brief. Using and applying knowledge and skills acquired in the program, students will produce an architectural design project complete with design drawings and renderings. Emphasis will be placed on design, planning, function, efficiency, buildability and sustainability. Students will be mentored throughout the process. Students will present their final project to the class at the end of term.

Design Studio 4b focuses on the creation of a full working drawing package to be built in tandem with the design being developed in Design Studio 4a. At the end of this class, students will have an industry-standard working drawing package and will develop an understanding of how to develop drawings as well as designs simultaneously as done in the industry.

This course will prepare students for graduation and final portfolio completion. The portfolio will showcase the strengths and talents of each student in a branded visually appealing presentation. Time will be spent focusing on content that showcases primary skills such as presentation techniques, sharing information, and creating a strong portfolio for entering the industry.