Understanding colour and design principles through exploration and application across media, visual, and applied design genres. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of colour theory through design, such as layout, composition, balance, colour science as well as a diverse range of colour theories, and how to employ them creatively. These concepts will be reinforced through specific practical exercises, and activities that will serve to d...

Through this 'hands-on' course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, advanced features and tips to prepare images for digital output and print. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create, modify, and enhance sophisticated images using raster editing tools and features; craft special effects; work in 3D space; and prepare files for export to various applications in web, mobile, print, and manufacturing.

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 develops students' perceptual and descriptive skills through drawing media, techniques and subject matter by focusing on elements and organization principles of drawing. Students will learn contour lines, positive & negative space, perspective, sighting of angles and measurements of relationships. By mastering basic skills and experimenting with techniques and materials, students will begin to explore creative expression beyond preconceived boun...

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— a detailed technical drawing that comes into play after a building’s design intent has been established and approved. In this course, students will transform the design using their knowledge of construction methods 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 are introduced to project management as it relates to building construction. Students will learn about the roles and responsibilities, procedures and protocols, meeting management, documentation, scheduling and inspections in a typical project from the initial phases of construction to completion.

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 developing the initial part of the documentation through tee-up sheets, drawing lists, contents, formats, sheet numbering, labels, annotations and procedures as per Construction Industry Standards. The emphasis is on understanding the legal issues concerning 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.