Architecture Courses

ARCH201 Architectural Drawing

[1–4, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the formal representation of architecture through orthographic projections and auxiliary drawings; proportion, plans, sections, elevations, isometric, axonometric, perspective, and shade & shadows. This course will also introduce students to the various tools and techniques of technical drawing using pencil and ink.

ARCH311 Structural Concepts

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces basic principles of mechanics and structural analysis in order to come to an understanding of the behavior of structural systems and their implication on the built environment. Main structural concepts are reviewed, looking into forces, loads, and stress, as well as approaching questions of strain.

Graphical and numerical analysis of statically determined and undetermined members allow the students to apply and verify these concepts and investigate basic structural objects.

Prerequisites: MTH102 Calculus II, PHY111 Mechanics

ARCH331 Design Studio III

[2–6, 6 cr.]

This studio builds upon and extends the theoretical knowledge gained in the foundation studios through a concrete application of conceptual and perceptual analysis to small- and medium-scale problems in design, and the exploration of the limits and means of developing concepts into architectural form. This studio focuses on the representation of ideas into drawings, specifically stressing the importance of hand drawing and model making as design tools.

Prerequisites: FND236 Design Studio II & ARCH201 Architectural Drawing

ARCH332 Design Studio IV

[2–6, 6 cr.]

This studio furthers the elaboration of projects based on investigations of specific theoretical themes, and concentrating on medium-scale, public projects.

The studio will initiate students to the analysis of canonical works as a basic tool in the design process.  The use of manual representational tools in translating ideas into drawings as well as, models will be stressed on.

Prerequisites: ARCH331 Design Studio III

ARCH351 Digital Drawing

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course specifically addresses architectural applications in digital graphics, for drafting of architectural plans, sections, elevations, 3D representations, and details. The course will familiarize students with techniques of 2D drafting and 3D modeling through manipulation of geometrical and free-form objects leading to the development of a complete project.

Prerequisites: FND251 Digital Media and ARCH201 Architectural Drawing

ARCH352 Digital Modeling

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course expands on digital skills learned to cover renderings and advanced visualization of space related to design issues. The course will cover user-defined lighting and materials application in order to generate realistic 3D renderings, walk-through, parts in motion, and other animation techniques while enabling students to explore new software and digital design tools.

Prerequisites: ARCH351 Digital Drawing

ARCH361 Theory I

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course introduces the basic principles and formal concepts that constitute an ‘architectural language’, such as proportion, rhythm, harmony, hierarchy. Through analysis of key architectural projects, these concepts would be illustrated and would serve as a basis for an understanding of the syntactical dimension in architecture. In addition, the course will introduce the anthropological and sociological dimensions, exploring the impact of spatial forms and architectural patterns on social organization and human behavior, by examining comparative models from various cultural settings.

Prerequisites: Eng.102& FND281 Design Culture

ARCH362 Theory II

[2–0, 2 cr.]

A survey of architectural theories in the Twentieth century, through critical readings of a selection of canonical texts by major architectural authors or movements, spanning from Early Modernism to Post-Modernism and later developments. Such readings would serve as a basis for a discussion of the aesthetic and ideological frameworks behind the paradigmatic changes in architecture during the past century.

Prerequisites: ARCH361 Theory I

ARCH371 History of Architecture I

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course surveys the history of architecture, from early civilizations until the 17th century. It covers Western and non-Western architecture within this time span. The survey explores the major architectural styles in Europe from Classical Greece to Baroque architecture, as well as the main traditions in Asia, pre-Columbian America and Africa. The survey will also cover developments in Islamic Architecture from the 8th century to the 17th century.

Prerequisites: Eng.102& FND281 Design Culture

ARCH372 History of Architecture II

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the major developments in Architecture from the 18th to the middle of the 20th century, focusing on the development of Modern Architecture in Europe and its dissemination around the world. The course will cover the post-World War II developments and the growth of new traditions, leading to the momentous period of contestation of Modern Architecture in the 1960’s.

Prerequisites: ARCH371 History of Architecture I

ARCH411 Structural Design

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course explores synergies of structure, form, and material, and considers structure as integral to the creative design process. Main systems and components are studied and estimated, evaluating the selection of an appropriate structural system, taking in account environmental factors and aspects of building construction. Material efficiency, life cycle, cost and code requirements are also reviewed.

Prerequisites: ARCH311 Structural Concept

ARCH421 Materials and Methods of construction

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on the process of construction as fundamental to the process of architectural design. Main theories of construction are introduced along vernacular and historical examples, providing a foundation for the study of materials, their origin, meaning, properties, and methods of assembly. Construction materials and systems such as concrete, masonry, steel, and wood as well as their basic details and components are studied, along with the revision of their role as finishing materials for walls, floors, and ceilings.

Prerequisites: ARCH332 Design Studio IV
Co-requisite: ARCH431 Design Studio V

ARCH422 Climate & Energy

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course investigates issues of climate and energy and their ramification in architecture, exploring the notion of thermal comfort and the necessary integration in the design decision of environmental parameters such as the sun, wind, light, and water. Passive and active solutions are studied and analyzed using performance assessment tools, providing students with a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable design strategies.

Prerequisites: ARCH332 Design IV

ARCH423 Building Technology

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on the enclosure of the building and the various essential roles it assumes, mainly as interface between the external environment and the internal spaces. Appropriate selection of enclosure materials and systems of assembly, positioning of windows and doors, and roofing solutions, are explored in detail. This includes the study of thermal conductivity and use of weather control membranes, insulation layers, and flashing elements.

Prerequisites: ARCH421 Materials and Methods of construction
Co-requisite: ARCH432 Design Studio VI

ARCH424 Building Services

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the basic physic principles and implications of environmental systems and building services. Methods of lighting and managing water are studied and designed, surveying different systems with their technical requirements and specifications. Issues of energy conservation are put forward in an effort to identify environmentally sound alternatives.

Prerequisites: ARCH431 Design V

ARCH431 Design Studio V

[2–6, 6 cr.]

This studio examines problematic of construction and materiality, focusing on building technology, building program, in addition to environmental and site factors, as essential parameters in the development and resolution of a design project. Students at this stage are expected to manage the complexity of mixed-use program within a critical site. In correlation with studio work, building technology courses will inform the translation from conceptual design to material and construction techniques.

Prerequisites: ARCH332 Design Studio IV, ARCH351 Digital Drawing and ARCH361 Theory I

Co-requisite: ARCH421 Materials and Methods of construction

ARCH432 Design Studio VI

[2–6, 6 cr.]

This studio deals with projects of greater complexity in terms of program aspects, site constraints, accessibility, and introduction to life safety criteria. A specific attention will be given to the interrelation of structure and architecture as essential factors in the design process in view of creating an integrated project. Students at this level are expected to elaborate a clear set of drawings highlighting the tectonic aspect of their projects.

Prerequisites: ARCH431 Design Studio V, ARCH311 Structural Concept, ARCH422 Climate & Energy

Co-requisite: ARCH423 Building Technology

ARCH441 Regional Architecture (Topic in Regional Architecture)

[3–0, 3 cr.]

A historical survey of the regional architectural heritage with a specific focus on the traditional domestic architecture of Lebanon, and the analysis of its setting, building techniques, climate and other factors which led to the development of this specific type of architecture in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth century. The course will take as a reference the major publications on this topic, and will initiate case studies of particular landmarks or domestic houses, with on-site surveys, analysis and documentation.

Prerequisites: ARCH371 History of Architecture I

ARCH442 Modern Architecture in Lebanon (Topic in Regional Architecture)

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will discuss the development of architecture in Lebanon from the late 19th century to the present. It traces the various experimentations in architecture in the country and their relationship to various international movements and styles. It explores the relationships among architecture and the various social, economic and political changes.

Prerequisites: ARCH372 History of Architecture II, ARCH362 Theory II

ARCH443 Architecture in the Middle East (Topic in Regional Architecture)

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will trace architectural developments in the Middle East from the end of the Nineteenth century to the Present. The survey will cover the colonial period and the process of westernization in Middle Eastern countries, as well as the formation of National schools of architecture and the ensuing spread of Modernism. The problematic relationship between modernity and local traditions will be examined, in addition to the particular ‘postmodern’ reactions that followed.

Prerequisites: ARCH372 History of Architecture II, ARCH362 Theory II

ARCH444 Regional Urbanism

[3 cr.]

This course entails students preparing a case study of a regional town, supported by a field survey of the urban environment and its historical development, as well as an investigation of the role of climate, topography, typology, building technology and other factors in the development of its urban plan and morphology.

Pre-requisite: ARCH 332 Design Studio IV                                                                      

ARCH461 Contemporary Trends

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course continues the architectural history survey, from the 1960’s until the present date. The course will examine major architectural developments following the partial eclipse of Modern Architecture in the 1960’s and the emergence of alternative movements from Post-Modernism to Deconstruction, and will conclude by surveying the contemporary condition in its multi-faceted manifestations around the world.

Prerequisites: ARCH362 Theory II

ARCH462 Seminar in Architecture Theory

[3 cr.]

This seminar will address theoretical topics of relevance to contemporary architectural developments. The course will consist of a series of thematic lectures, followed by student presentations on related topics, complemented by critical debates. The course will explore the inter-relation between ideas and the development of built forms in different contexts and cultures, and will serve as a platform for individual research

Pre-requisite: ARCH362 Theory II                                                                                                              

ARCH463 Landscape Architecture

[2–0, 2 cr.]

An introduction to the multidisciplinary field of landscape architecture, examining its historical evolution and the development of landscape design as a practice. The course will explore the different underlying theories behind landscape architecture, as well as its contemporary developments around the world, with a focus on regional and local case studies.

Prerequisites: ARCH371 History of Architecture I, ARCH361 Theory I

ARCH481 Construction Documents

[1–4, 4 cr.]

This course prepares students to efficiently realize their projects through the elaboration of complete set of execution drawings with introduction to specifications and Bill of Quantities.

Prerequisites: ARCH432 Design Studio VI

ARCH501 Internship I

[0–250, 4 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the professional practice, the ability to work as part of the team, and the ability to work for the public and the private. The course involves a documented practical experience (250 work hours) in a professional firm, approved by the Department.

Prerequisites: ARCH432 Design Studio VI

ARCH502 Internship II

[0–250, 4 cr.]

This course is an introduction to site construction and project management, to develop shop drawings and to work with multidisciplinary environment. The course involves a documented practical experience (250 work hours) in a professional firm, approved by the Department.

Prerequisites: ARCH532 Design Studio VIII, ARCH501 Internship I

ARCH511 Advanced Building Systems

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course offers insights into advanced construction solutions, exploring innovative and hybrid structural systems such as wood, steel and high performance concrete, and contemporary finishing materials. Topics such as efficiency, flexibility, adaptability, and sustainability are investigated through an in-depth study of historical and contemporary cases of construction solutions. The sessions emphasize interdisciplinary work by inviting experts from other fields to present unconventional and innovative solutions recently introduced in architecture.

Prerequisites: ARCH423 Building Technology and ARCH411 Structural Design

ARCH531 Design Studio VII

[2–6, 6 cr.]

This comprehensive design studio entails the integration of questions of structure, building assemblies and environmental systems within a design experimentation. Students must develop their design proposal into a full-detailed solution, documented using various media at the appropriate scale.

Prerequisites: ARCH432 Design Studio VI, ARCH411 Structural Design, ARCH424 Building Services and ARCH481 Construction Documents

ARCH532 Design Studio VIII

[2–6, 6 cr.]

This course is an advanced design studio that addresses community-based projects within urban or rural settings. Students will analyze problems of practical relevance to contemporary issues, with an investigation of social, economic and ideological aspects.

Prerequisites: ARCH531 Design VII and ARCH541 Urban Planning I

ARCH541 Urban Planning I

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is a survey of the modern city as a historical development in relation to economic, social and political factors, from the Nineteenth century to the contemporary period. The course will also present an overview of planning theories, from the context of modernist ideals of utopian planning, to current planning practices in the Unites States, Europe and the Middle East.

Prerequisites: ARCH432 Design Studio VI

ARCH542 Urban Planning II

[3 cr.]

his course is a study of actual planning processes, issues and problems, urban and regional zoning, and demographical projections, with comparative studies of regional or international planning cases.                                                                                     

Pre-requisite: ARCH541 Urban Planning I

ARCH580 Topics in Architecture

[3 cr.]

his series of courses will deal with specific topics of current importance, and which are not covered in the Architecture curriculum. The topics and themes dealt with will vary depending on contemporary problematic with the purpose of enriching students’ exposure to these issues. Every course in this series will be assigned a subtitle once the theme has been defined and listed in the course offering.                        

Pre-requisite: ARCH432 Design Studio VI                                                                                                                                  

ARCH581 Professional Practice I

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is a study of the local building and urban codes, and offers an introduction to international codes (USA, Europe and Regional). The course will also cover the architect’s responsibility in public and private projects in relation to safety codes and the ensuing legal responsibilities.

Prerequisites: ARCH431 Design Studio V

ARCH582 Professional Practice II

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces the business aspects of the design practice, through the exploration of the financial, legal, and managerial components. It covers contract negotiations, marketing design services, as well as the managing of the client and contractor relationships. The course will introduce quality, economic, and time management principles of design projects; financing, budgeting, ethic – social and legal responsibility.

Prerequisites: ARCH581 Professional Practice I

ARCH591 International Studio

[3 cr.]

This course involves a study abroad, covering specific works of classical or modern architecture, supported by a preparatory series of lectures/presentations on the subject of study. Students would be required to analyze and document specific works and study their relationship the urban history and culture of the area, to be documented and presented in a portfolio.

Pre-requisite: ARCH432 Design Studio VI                                                                                                                

ARCH631 Final Project Research

[1–3, 3 cr.]

This is a research course supervised by the selected advisor for the final project studio, with the elaboration and definition of a thesis proposal, including a detailed program and site analysis, as well as the documentation of any other relevant research material.

Prerequisites: ARCH532 Design VIII, ARCH582 Professional Practice II

ARCH632 Final Project

[2–6, 6 cr.]

The final studio is an opportunity for students to undertake an individual project through the development of the critical problematic that was elaborated as part of the Final Project Research. Students must develop their design proposal into a full comprehensive architecture design project.

Prerequisites: ARCH631 Final Project Research