This course will build students’ understanding of colour and design principles through exploration and application across media, visual, and applied practice. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of colour theory through design, such as layout, composition, balance, colour science and theory and teach them how to apply these principles. These concepts will be reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will...

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the application and importance of image editing and construction as a universal skill in across diverse design genres. This course introduces students to raster image-editing software, Adobe Photoshop. Through this 'hands-on' course, students will acquire skills with workflow fundamentals, as well as advanced features, and tips, and acquire the skills to prepare images for digital output and print. Emph...

This course introduces students to the preparation of 2D architectural drawings. Topics include identification and use of drafting equipment, drafting in scale, basic lettering, line weights, dimension techniques and standard notation conventions, including orthographic projections related to floor plans, elevations, and ceiling plans. Students will prepare drawings of residential and commercial buildings, typically used for construction and obtaining building perm...

This course will familiarize students with architectural design and practice and introduce ideas, principles, and architectural problem-solving methodologies emphasizing urbanism and landscape as influenced by the rapidly changing landscape of the arts and sciences. In this course, students will develop critical design thinking skills and the ability to imagine solutions in four dimensions.

This course will focus on the development of perceptual and descriptive skills through an introduction to a variety of drawing media, techniques, and subject matter. Through this course, students will acquire a thorough understanding of the elements of art and the principles of organization as related to drawing. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of contour lines, positive and negative space, perspective, sighting of angles, and measurements of...

This course explores the history and dichotomy between utilitarian structural design and the influence of art and design in architecture. The course will examine how designs, structures, and buildings have evolved and influenced each other throughout history and the impact this influence has had in the 21st century.

This course introduces students to the environmental aspects of architectural design and the analysis of building landscape forms. Students will learn the creative, analytical and planning techniques and processes used in small and large site development, how architects can convey their ideas and societal values in built form, including the purpose of architecture as a cultural artifact.

This course is an introductory level course that will explore the fundamental features of industry-standard Autocad software. Through developing a small design project, students will learn to use the tools, features, and commands to create simple drawings.

By providing students with their first opportunity to create imaginative design solutions working on a single-dwelling design project under Type V Construction, this course aims to develop architectural design skills.

This course builds upon Drawing I. In this course, the student continues to explore using complex shapes and drawing techniques. Topical coverage includes drawing styles, observation of reality, plans, elevations and projections, perspective views, shading, forms and structure, drawing architecture and working with colour and black and white drawings.

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.

This course introduces students to industry-standard architectural rending software that increases the level of detail in their 2D/3D drawings and renderings. Students learn Building Information Modeling (BIM)— a process that facilities the generation, sharing and management of 3D visual representations of physical space and functional components and systems found in them.

In this course, students will explore the advanced features of AutoCAD. They create and modify complex digital design documents representing detailed 3D interior and exterior spaces. Students start by exploring advanced drawing and modifying tools and techniques before moving to advanced drawing and modeling of 3D solids and surfaces.

This course leverages the knowledge and skills gained in Design Studio I by introducing students to additional design and building complexities in creating conventional and nonconventional multi-unit buildings. Students take into consideration environmental and urban issues.

This course explores lighting as one of the fundamental elements in the design of interiors and exteriors. Students learn the principles and techniques of working with lighting to create a desired impact on space. The course will explore light sources, daylight, the layered approach to lighting and the different types of lighting applications for residential, office, and other specialty institutions.

This course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in Building Construction I. Students 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 develop an understanding of the materials and technical dimensions of building design, current trends in the construction industry, and collaborative practices.

This course introduces industry standard 3D computer rendering software. Students will use the software to produce three-dimensional renders.

This course introduces the types of materials used in exterior façade treatments and their usages, properties, and conformity. Students research, and analyze sample sources and cost materials based on specifications. The importance of material selection in the construction process is stressed.

This course builds upon Design Studio II by understanding the construction and design of commercial buildings. The course will introduce students to the accepted processes and design stages; concept study, space planning, research, analysis, code requirements, materials specification, construction and sustainability. Students will prepare a design package that includes models, drawings and reports — with emphasis on the design, function, efficiency and builda...

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.

Human activity is having a significant impact on the planet’s resources, ecology and environment. This course introduces the student to the systems and ecologies impacted by global climate change and examines how this influences resource management, building design and construction practices.

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.

This course explores residential, commercial and public building, fire and safety codes and how they apply to external building features and the immediate building environment and influence the application of building codes in 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 compliance in the final design.

Students will consider material specifications, methods of construction and sustainability principles and prepare a design presentation package that includes models, drawings and reports. They will be assigned a high-rise mix-use commercial building with basement parking facilities under Type 1 Construction and conduct research, analysis, and space and concept planning studies. The assessment will focus on the design, function, efficiency and buildable construction...

This course introduces students to Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing systems (MEP), where they will learn each system and how they play an integral part in efficiency, the relationships between the building envelope and mechanical system design, particularly sustainability, energy use and human comfort. Mechanical systems include HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, fire protection, electrical and mechanical building codes, indoor air quality, communications, life sa...

Students learn the construction industry standards, procedures and requirements owners, consultants, contractors, and trades are subject to on a construction project. Students will become familiar with the required standards for all contracts and agreement specifications concerning the supply and installation services, materials and products, as well as the importance and implementation of liabilities, penalty damages and other legal issues.

This course will prepare the student for graduation and final portfolio completion by focusing on content that showcases primary skills. The portfolio will showcase the strengths and talents of each student in a visually-appealing branded presentation.

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.

This course prepares students by introducing relevant research, methodology, and design themes. Students are provided with a detailed project brief where they apply knowledge and skills acquired in the program to produce an architectural design thesis, emphasizing planning, function, efficiency, buildability, and sustainability. Students are mentored through the process and will present their final project to a review committee.

This course builds upon Final Thesis I, the student's final thesis compiled into a completed final presentation package that includes all supporting drawings and documentation, which will demonstrate an innovative solution to a design problem. It will be presented and defended to a panel of instructors and industry professionals.