Graduate Calendar Archives: 2000 / 2001

Architecture

The School

Professional M.Arch.

Students are admitted to the Professional stream of the M.Arch. program on the basis of an undergraduate degree in Architecture similar in scope to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies offered at the School of Architecture at Carleton University (see undergraduate calendar) and a portfolio of creative work demonstrating architectural design abilities. Professional experience may be taken into consideration. The program is studio-based with a strong theoretical component leading to a two-credit Thesis Studio. The latter is expected to include both a written text and design work with appropriate modes of two-dimensional and three-dimensional representation. Candidates should note that due to the high level of expectation of the Thesis Studio, students are expected to take two terms of work to complete their thesis requirement.

Post-Professional M.Arch.

Students are admitted to the program on the basis of a first professional degree in Architecture, evidence of undergraduate studies in the humanities and/or social sciences, and a portfolio of creative and scholarly work demonstrating academic and architectural design abilities. Professional experience may be taken into consideration. The School admissions committee will consider applications from candidates in related design disciplines on the basis of professional work, academic experience, and the demonstration of design ability.

The program is research with students expected to do research and/or design thesis. Design theses are expected to include both a written text and appropriate modes of two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation. As far as possible, within the limits of this framework and the resources of the program, the particular interests of individual students will be encouraged.

Students may pursue studies in the following fields.

Theoretical Issues in Architecture and Culture

Architecture and Cultural Diversity

Design and Technology

Qualifying-Year Program

Architecture
degree in Architecture may be required to register in the qualifying-year program (normally 5.0 credits at the 400-level). All courses must be approved by the graduate admissions committee of the School in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Upon successful completion of these courses, students may be permitted to proceed to the M.Arch. (Design Studies) program.

Master of Architecture

Professional M.Arch.

The normal requirement for admission to the "Professional" M.Arch. degree program is a four-year studio-based undergraduate degree in architecture, similar in scope to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies offered by the School of Architecture at Carleton University (see undergraduate calendar). Where applicants do not possess such a four-year degree but hold nonetheless a four-year undergraduate degree with a concentration in architecture, equivalence may be considered on the basis of significant professional work and exceptional design abilities.

Applicants are required to submit a complete portfolio of artistic and architectural work produced during their undergraduate education. Significant professional work may complement the portfolio of school work. In such cases, a precise description of the applicant's involvement and responsibility in the completion of the project or building must accompany the documents.

Applicants must also provide two confidential letters of reference on the prescribed forms and a statement of academic and career objectives.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research requires applicants whose native tongue is not English to be tested for proficiency in English, as described in Section 3.6 of the general regulations. Note, however, that students with a TOEFL score below 600 will not be considered for admission to the "Professional" M.Arch. Architecture are as follows: March 1 for students requesting financial assistance, May 1 for students who are not seeking financial assistance. No admissions are made for the Winter term.
The School's admission policy is governed by the availability of graduate student space. Possession of the minimum admission requirements does not, in itself, guarantee acceptance.

Program Requirements

Year 1

Fall Term Architecture 76.520, 77.510, 80.515
Winter Term Architecture 76.521, 78.420 Professional Practice* or 0.5 credit elective**, 80.516

Year 2

Fall Term 0.5 credit elective**, Architecture 80.599***
Winter Term Architecture 78.420* or 0.5 credit elective**, 80.599***

*Architecture 78.420 is mandatory for the successful completion of the program of study. It can be taken, however, in the Winter term of either year 1 or year 2. Please refer to the Undergraduate Calendar for a description of the course.

** An advanced course at the 400-level or above chosen from a selected list of approved electives. A list of elective courses that may be used for credit is available from the School.

*** The Thesis Studio is normally expected to extend over two terms. By the end of the first therm of thesis registration, students are expected to submit a written component for which an interim grade will be awarded.

Academic Regulations

Post-Professional M.Arch.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of design, graphic, or fine arts work, together with sample research papers or other written material in the cultural disciplines. The portfolio must be judged to be sufficient to document adequate preparation for success in the program.

Applicants must also provide two confidential letters of reference on the prescribed forms and a statement of academic and career objectives. Application is made on the forms available from the office of graduate studies in the School of Architecture.

An admissions committee, which includes the supervisor of graduate studies, will determine the merits of each candidate on the basis of academic record, evidence of visual and architectural design ability, and, where applicable, professional experience. Enrolment is limited.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research requires applicants whose native tongue is not English to be tested for proficiency in English, as described in Section 3.6 of the General Regulations (see p.52.) Applicants must have an ability to write in English.
The deadlines for submission of applications for graduate studies in Architecture are as follows: March 1 for students requesting financial assistance; June 1 for students who are not seeking financial assistance but who are seeking admission in September; October 1 for students who are seeking admission in January.

Program Requirements

* 3.0 credits

* A thesis equivalent to 2.0 credit which must be defended at an oral examination

At least 4.0 of the 5.0 credits required for the master's program must be at the 500-level or above except for students in the design and technology stream who must complete 4.5 credits at the 500-level or above. A list of theory, elective and cultural theory courses which may be used for credit is available from the School of Architecture. All courses must be approved by the supervisor of graduate studies.

The program will normally be completed in three terms of full-time study.

Students enrolled in the Theoretical Issues in Architecture and Culture and the Architecture and Cultural Diversity streams are required to successfully complete the following:

* Architecture 76.501 and 76.502 (1.0 credit)

* Architecture 76.503 (0.5 credit)

* 0.5 credit in the area of architectural theory (an advanced course at the 400-level in the theory of architecture offered by the School)

* 0.5 credit in the area of cultural theory (a course at the 500-level or above in the general field of cultural theory)

* 0.5 credit elective chosen from an approved list of courses in the area of cultural studies, cultural theory, cultural production, the built environment and related subjects

* Architecture 76.599

Students enrolled in the Design and Technology stream are required to successfully complete the following:

* Architecture 77.501 and 77.502 (1.0 credit)

* Architecture 79.511 (1.0 credit)

* Architecture 79.512 (0.5 credit)

* A total of 0.5 credit of electives chosen from an approved list of courses in the area of culture and technology which may be at the 400- level, as approved by the Graduate Supervisor.

* Architecture 77.599

Graduate Courses

F,W,S indicates term of offering. Courses offered in the fall and winter are followed by T. The number following the letter indicates the credit weight of the course: 1 denotes 0.5 credit, 2 denotes 1.0 credit, etc. Qualified students in other departments may, with permission of the School, enrol in Architecture 76.501, 76.502, 76.503, 77.501, 77.502, 79.511 and 79.512

Architecture 76.501F1

Architecture Seminar 1

An exploration of the intellectual frameworks connecting design and culture as manifest in theories of culture and of architecture and

design. The seminar builds on previous undergraduate studies, and is not an introduction to these fields. The field of inquiry is both historical and contemporary.

Architecture 76.502W1

Architecture Seminar II

A continuation of Architecture 76.501, this seminar follows the same general description, but concentrates more on architectural design, on the contemporary condition, and on the ways of thinking that characterize embodiment of cultural content in architecture and other artifacts.

Architecture 76.503W1

Design and Culture Workshop

The prime objective of the workshop is experimental: to provide an opportunity to investigate cultural issues in architectural design. The workshop operates as a directed studies in which to explore a theoretical issue.

Architecture 76.520F1

Graduate Seminar 1: Introduction to Critical Thought in Architecture

Introduction to critical theories and research approaches relevant to the field of architecture. Identification of issues through a coordinated series of lectures and readings. Development of analytical and interpretative skills through seminar discussions and writing culminating in a scholarly position paper by the student.

Architecture 76.521W1

Graduate Seminar 2: Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives in Architecture

Lectures, readings, and case studies on contemporary issues in architecture and allied fields of study. Critical analysis of current trends and possibilities set against traditional modes of architectural thought and practice. This course serves as a forum for a preliminary articulation of the thesis proposal.

Architecture 76.599F4, W4, S4

Master of Architecture (Design) Thesis

The M.Arch. requires a Design Thesis, written in conventional thesis form and supported by the models and drawings that normally document architectural design. Topics are proposed by the student and must be approved by the graduate committee of the School of Architecture.

Architecture 77.501F1

Introduction to Design and Multimedia

An introduction to the broad field of multimedia and interactive design as it relates to architecture and the general field of design. Special topics include virtual environments, user interface in software, web and product design, perceptual and cognitive science, navi

gation, film/videosound editing and animation technologies.

Architecture 77.502W1

Topics in Multimedia

Introduction to multimedia programming (HTML, JavaScript, VRML and Lingo) and the technical aspects of emerging software with an emphasis on the world wide web. Through specific exercises, students will augment and customize various software applications introduced in 79.511.

Architecture 77.510F1

Advanced Building Systems

This course will introduce advanced design in building technology. Leading edge building materials, technologies and philosophies will be explored through intensive case study research and analysis, comparing, and critically evaluating, traditional methods with current computer modeling and analysis techniques.

Architecture 77.599F4, W4, S4

Design and Technology Thesis

Basic or applied research in architectural, industrial, and digital design. Areas include interactive education/training, product/interface design, programming/scripting, culture/technology, or research as defined by the student.

Architecture 79.511F2

Interactive Design Workshop I

Introduction to the design of interactive environments. Evaluation of multimedia software and authoring programs (Macromedia Director, Premiere, Illustrator Photoshop, Form Z, and 3-D Studio) and HTML scripting. Basic design, graphic design and software literacy.

Architecture 79.512W1

Interactive Design Workshop II

An introduction to the design and multimedia products with an emphasis on user interface design and conceptual product development. Topics include user-centered design; information architecture including graphic treatment and sound; navigation development and metaphors; usability testing and prototype development; project management and presentation.

Architecture 80.515F1

Graduate Studio 1

An architectural investigation within a contemporary urban setting, usually dealing with central-city sites and complex programs. Projects address the question of urban architecture both from practical and theoretical perspectives. Architecturally relevant building technology and systems will be introduced in the Studio as required.

Architecture 80.516W1

Graduate Studio 2

The design of a large-scale and culturally significant building project, set within a prominent urban or natural landscape. Integrated resolution of the combined issue of site, program, and expression is expected. Architecturally relevant building technology and systems will be introduced in the Studio as required.

Other Course Offerings

The interests and capabilities of the faculty members lie in the following areas:
 

History and Theory of Architecture

Scholarly studies in architectural thought from renaissance to modern movement, current debate and contemporary issues; Canadian architecture; Mayan architecture; Islamic architecture.

Architecture and Society

Ethnicity, multiculturalism and architectural expression; international development and indigenous architecture; heritage and preservation; evolution of the architecture profession.

Architecture and Technology

Building envelope and construction detail; design economics; structures; energy; lighting; acoustics; integration of systems.

Architecture and the City

Urban morphologies, architectural content of urban planning and design; social, cultural, economic, and political matrix in the urban society and the contemporary architectural reality.

Computer-Aided Design and Management

Design and modelling, visual communication, computer graphics; computers and architectural practice.

Architecture and Morphology

Studies in form, space, structure, and order; geometric and symbolic orders in architecture.

An Honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, as well as permission of the School, is a requirement for registration in the following courses: