Overview
Architecture 330 explores the creative process of design through a series of reading, investigation, and analysis of ideas in architectural form and relationships. By understanding how architects convey the ideas and values of society in built form, students will recognize the purpose of architecture as a cultural artifact. The course will introduce students to the process of critical thinking, and help them to synthesize the information collected and to base their decisions on valid premises.
Outline
Architecture 330 consists of the following four units:
- Unit 1: Primary Elements in Architecture
- Unit 2: Form and Space
- Unit 3: Ordering Principles and Meaning in Architecture
- Unit 4: Responsive and Responsible Architecture
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- demonstrate objective awareness of the natural and built environments (past and present) through critical observation.
- explain the basic nature of the design process.
- use specific vocabulary related to the design process.
- use analysis and derive ideas from abstract thinking.
- demonstrate a critical approach to architectural thinking.
- criticize your own work.
Evaluation
In order to receive credit in ARCH 330 students must achieve an overall grade of C+ (67%). It should be noted that students who wish to be certified by the CACB must achieve and maintain a final grade point average of at least 2.3 (67%).
| Activity | Weight |
| Collection 1 | 10% |
| Collection 2 | 20% |
| Collection 3 | 20% |
| Collection 4 | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Ching, F. D. K. (2015). Architecture: Form, Space, & Order (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Clark, R. H., & Pause, M. (2012). Precedents in Architecture: Analytic Diagrams, Formative Ideas, and Partis (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Students will have access to online learning materials created by AU and to relevant external online resources linked to from those learning materials. In addition, students will use the following two eTexts throughout the course.