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Architecture

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.S. in Architecture

The objective of this program is to develop design and job-related skills necessary for entry into the professional field of architecture. The curriculum focuses on development of critical thinking and problem solving abilities as a means to creative thinking. College preparation for a career in architecture spans several disciplines and includes the development of knowledge and competencies in areas such as: architectural history and design; visual communication and drawing; computer modeling and rendering; construction methods and materials; energy systems and an understanding of human needs and sociology as they relate to the built environment.



HIGHLIGHTS

*Participation in architecturally-related events such as the Design Village Competition at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

*Field trips to a variety of architectural sites for study and appreciation of the built environment.

*Special studies in environmental sustainability and energy conscious design.

*Liaison with professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specification Institute (CSI).

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARCH 300 Introduction to Design Professions 2
ARCH 310 History of Architecture 3
ARCH 320 Architectural Design and Communication I 3.5
ARCH 321 Architectural Design and Communication II 3.5
ARCH 322 Architectural Design and Communication III 3.5
ARCH 325 Architectural Digital Design and Communication I 3
ARCH 326 Architectural Digital Design and Communication II 3
ARCH 329 Architectural Working Drawings 4
ARCH 330 Design Fundamentals 3.5
ARCH 332 Design Awareness 3
ARCH 334 Advanced Design in Three Dimensions 3
ARCH 342 Introduction to Green Buildings 3
CMT 310 Materials of Construction 3
Total Units: 41

The Architecture Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1: Have the necessary technical knowledge and reasoning skills to identify, articulate, record information, assess evidence, investigate precedents and solve problems pertaining to the built environment and perform the tasks required within the architecture and environmental design professions. This includes the ability to use basic formal organizational and environmental principles; build abstract relationships to inform two and three‐dimensional design; and understand the impact of ideas based on research, analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.
  • PSLO #2: Have the necessary communication skills, using a diverse range of techniques and media to think about and convey architectural ideas including writing; analytical and envisioning drawing; speaking to peers and groups; computer modeling and physical model‐making.
  • PSLO #3: Be able to comprehend the technical aspects of design, systems, sustainability, constructability, and materials, and be able to apply this comprehension to architectural solutions. This includes: 1. Site Design: Ability to respond to site determinants such as context and planning issues in the development of a project design. 2. Life Safety: Ability to apply basic principles of life‐safety systems and exiting. 3. Environmental Systems: Understanding the principles of environmental control systems and sustainable design. 4. Structural Systems: Understanding the basic principles of structural behavior in withstanding gravity and lateral loads and the appropriate structural alternatives. 5. Building Envelope Systems: Understanding of the basic principles of building materials and characteristics in the appropriate selection relative to performance, aesthetics, moisture control, energy and durability.
  • PSLO #4: ave the values of ethics and understanding of historical, cultural, human, aesthetic, environmental, public health and social issues to be able to affect creative change. This includes understanding the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical abilities, social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals.
  • PSLO #5: Be able to work effectively as a team member or as an individual.
  • PSLO #6: Have the professional attitude and desire for life‐long learning. This includes developing habits of research, precedent, and independent learning.

Career Information

Architecture; Building Information Modeler; Inspection; Planning; Construction Administration. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.

Certificates of Achievement

Architectural Technology Certificate

The objective of this certificate is to develop design and job-related skills necessary for entry into the professional field of architecture. The curriculum focuses on development of critical thinking and problem solving abilities as a means to creative thinking. College preparation for a career in architecture spans several disciplines and includes the development of knowledge and competencies in areas such as: architectural design; visual communication and drawing; computer modeling and rendering; construction methods and materials; energy systems and an understanding of human needs and sociology as they relate to the built environment.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARCH 300 Introduction to Design Professions 2
ARCH 320 Architectural Design and Communication I 3.5
ARCH 321 Architectural Design and Communication II 3.5
ARCH 322 Architectural Design and Communication III 3.5
ARCH 325 Architectural Digital Design and Communication I 3
ARCH 326 Architectural Digital Design and Communication II 3
ARCH 329 Architectural Working Drawings 4
ARCH 330 Design Fundamentals 3.5
ARCH 332 Design Awareness 3
ARCH 334 Advanced Design in Three Dimensions 3
ARCH 342 Introduction to Green Buildings 3
CMT 310 Materials of Construction 3
Total Units: 38

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1: Have the necessary technical knowledge and reasoning skills to identify, articulate, record information, assess evidence, investigate precedents and solve problems pertaining to the built environment and perform the tasks required within the architecture and environmental design professions. This includes the ability to use basic formal organizational and environmental principles; build abstract relationships to inform two and three‐dimensional design; and understand the impact of ideas based on research, analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.
  • PSLO #2: Have the necessary communication skills, using a diverse range of techniques and media to think about and convey architectural ideas including writing; analytical and envisioning drawing; speaking to peers and groups; computer modeling and physical model‐making.
  • PSLO #3: Be able to comprehend the technical aspects of design, systems, sustainability, constructability, and materials, and be able to apply this comprehension to architectural solutions. This includes: 1. Site Design: Ability to respond to site determinants such as context and planning issues in the development of a project design. 2. Life Safety: Ability to apply basic principles of life‐safety systems and exiting. 3. Environmental Systems: Understanding the principles of environmental control systems and sustainable design. 4. Structural Systems: Understanding the basic principles of structural behavior in withstanding gravity and lateral loads and the appropriate structural alternatives. 5. Building Envelope Systems: Understanding of the basic principles of building materials and characteristics in the appropriate selection relative to performance, aesthetics, moisture control, energy and durability.
  • PSLO #4: Have the values of ethics and understanding of historical, cultural, human, aesthetic, environmental, public health and social issues to be able to affect creative change. This includes understanding the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical abilities, social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals.
  • PSLO #5: Be able to work effectively as a team member or as an individual.
  • PSLO #6: Have the professional attitude and desire for life‐long learning. This includes developing habits of research, precedent, and independent learning.

Career Information

Architecture; Building Information Modeler; Inspection; Planning; Construction Administration. Some career options may require more than an Architectural Technology certificate. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.


Green Buildings Certificate

The purpose of this certificate is to develop job skills and an understanding of green strategies for high performance buildings and livable communities. It is focused at students and professionals in the fields of architecture; construction; building management; construction management; building inspection; design technology; landscape; and planning, who want to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of an integrated, economic life-cycle approach to the design of the built environment. It includes study of green rating systems, material choices and environmental strategies for a livable, sustainable future.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARCH 342 Introduction to Green Buildings 3
CMT 310 Materials of Construction 3
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
ARCH 332 Design Awareness (3)
ARCH 334 Advanced Design in Three Dimensions (3)
ADT 320 Architectural Design Technology - Building Information Modeling (BIM) I (3)
ADT 322 Architectural Design Technology - Building Information Modeling (BIM) II (3)
BIT 150 California Energy Code – Building Energy Efficiency Standards (3)
CONST 143 Solar Photovoltaic Systems (3)
ECON 306 Environmental Economics (3)
GEOG 302 Environmental Studies & Sustainability (3)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Establish meaningful ethical, social and environmental objectives for buildings and communities based on the values of energy and resource conscious design.
  • Compare and contrast societal and economic implications of utilizing renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
  • Compare and contrast the effect of contextual issues and evaluate their impact on energy consumption, environment and the beneficial experience of interior and exterior spaces.
  • PSLO 2: Identify and articulate issues related to the choice of various building, landscape and environmental systems; ideate responsive solutions; and compare the alternatives in making effective, sustainable decisions.
  • Analyze and calculate energy use to make informed, environmentally-sound and economic choices to satisfy human needs for comfort and aesthetics.
  • Explain the concepts of resource conservation and waste reduction and make sustainable design choices related to materials and construction.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of green rating systems, livable communities strategies and the ability to apply these concepts in decision-making.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate independent learning, teamwork and continuing education habits that will help to encourage a life long pursuit of knowledge.
  • To use a team work process to identify issues, analyze criteria, research and apply learned principles to synthesize solutions to specific design projects.
  • To demonstrate habits of visual note making and independent research by developing a sketch and notebook to record learning.

Career Information

This certificate helps to develop the knowledge base related to sustainable green buildings and environments for the careers of architecture, construction, construction management, building inspection, horticulture, landscape architecture and architectural design technology.