Sample Courses

Introduction to Environmental Design

This introductory course equips students with the fundamental understanding of our built environment, from the design of an object to a building to a city. Through a series of projects and lectures, the students will develop critical analytical skill in evaluating the different factors that influence our spatial experience. The development of basic skills in concept development, design methodologies and visual representation will be covered. Readings on the topics of architecture, landscape and urbanism will help students grasp the importance of holistic approach in design.

Conceptual Spatial Design

The course is designed to introduce students to ideas, principles, and methods of solving architectural problems in a studio setting. Through a graduated sequence of exercises culminating in a major semester project, students explore the architectural concepts of space, form, function, and technology. Projects will range in scope from the design of overall immersive spaces to the detailed elements that define them, focusing on the design and integration of furniture, lighting, materials and graphics. Instruction is via highly personalized critiques of individual student work. Weekly presentations and lectures on significant artists, designers and architects will also take place.

Understanding Building Informational Model (BIM)

This course introduces the concept of BIM in the current building industry and examines its role in the different type of project delivery methods. The majority of the course teaches student how to create a BIM model using Revit that is useful not only for documentation, but also for coordination, material scheduling and crash detection. An overview of other BIM- related software will help students to navigate the ever more sophisticated informational exchange system in the building industry.