Graduate Calendar Archives: 2001 / 2002

Electronic technologies and screen-based interfaces extend and challenge traditional modes of visual expression. Simulated realities, expert systems, electronic modeling, visualization, and CAD applications open infinite possibilities in visual, written, and interactive communications. Moreover, the convergence of data as digital information allows for an unprecedented mixing and integration of media.

'The Design and Technology' area of the program addresses the need to engage technically-advanced tools in design studies and to bring design expertise to bear on new media, interfaces, software and technology products. The design of physical environments has long been the purview of architects; the Design and Technology specialization brings principles of architectural and graphic design to bear on virtual spaces, environments and graphic interfaces.

Please note that the M.Arch. Post-professional is not recognized by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board as an academic prerequisite for professional certification. Students wishing to pursue professional studies in architecture are referred to the professional M.Arch. discussed above.

Qualifying-Year Program

Candidates with deficiencies in certain areas may be required to take additional prescribed courses as prerequisites to their graduate work. Applicants who do not possess a professional 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.

Admission Requirements

M.Arch. Professional

Students may be admitted to the M.Arch Professional program following the successful completion of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (see undergraduate calendar) or a four-year undergraduate degree deemed comparable to the B.A.S. by the School's graduate admissions committee. All applicants are expected to have maintained a minimum academic average of B- in their undergraduate studies. In addition to these academic credentials, applicants must submit for review two examples of academic writing and a portfolio of creative work demonstrating facility in architectural design and methods of representation. Professional experience may be taken into consideration.

Where applicants do not hold a B.A.S. of comparable four-year degree, but hold a four-year undergraduate degree with a concentration in architecture, equivalence may be considered on the basis of a demonstrated, exceptional design ability and high academic standing (B+ minimum average). Applicants are required to submit a complete portfolio of artistic and design work produced during their undergraduate studies and two examples of academic writing. Professional experience may also be taken into consideration.

When professional work is included as part of an applicant's portfolio, a precise description of the applicant's involvement and responsibilities in the completion of the project must be included.

All applicants must provide two confidential letters of reference on the prescribed forms and a statement of academic and professional 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 M.Arch Professional.

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. Enrollment is limited. The School's admission policy is governed by the availability of graduate student space. Possession of the minimum academic admission requirement does not, in itself, guarantee admission.

The deadlines for submission of applications for graduate studies (professional) 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. Applications are not accepted for admission in January.

M.Arch. Post-Professional

Students are admitted to the post-professional stream of the M.Arch. program on the basis of a first professional degree in architecture with evidence of undergraduate studies in the humanities and/or social sciences. Students are expected to have maintained a minimum academic average of B-. In addition to these academic credentials, applicants must submit for review two examples of academic writing and a portfolio of creative work demonstrating facility in architectural design and methods of representation. Professional experience may also be taken into consideration.

Where applicants do not hold a professional degree in architecture but possess either a professional degree in a related design discipline or an Honours B.A. in Fine Arts or the Humanities, equivalence will be considered on the basis of a demonstrated, exceptional design ability and a high academic standing (B+ minimum average). Applicants are required to submit a complete portfolio of artistic and design work produced during their undergraduate education and two examples of academic writing. Professional experience may also be taken into consideration.

All applicants must provide two confidential letters of reference on the prescribed forms and a statement of academic and professional objectives.

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. Enrollment is limited. The School's admission policy is governed by the availability of graduate space. Possession of the minimum admission requirements does not, in itself, guarantee acceptance.

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.

The deadlines for submission of applications for graduate studies (post-professional) 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

M.Arch. Professional

General requirements:

* 2.0 core course credits

* 1.0 elective course credits

* 3.0 studio credits

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

A list of approved electives is available from the Graduate Administrator at the School of Architecture. All non-core courses must be approved by the Supervisor of Graduate Studies.

Specific requirements:

Year 1

Fall Term Architecture 76.520, 77.510, 80.515

Winter Term Architecture 76.521, 78.420 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 a core course. It can be taken in the winter term of either year 1 or year 2..

** An advanced course at the 400-level or above chosen from a selected list of approved electives.

*** 80.599 is expected to extend over two terms. By the end of the first term of thesis registration, students will submit a report for which an interim grade will be awarded. This report will follow guidelines prescribed by the Supervisor of Graduate Studies

M.Arch. Post-Professional

Architecture and Cultural Diversity

General requirements:

* 1.5 core course credits

* 1.5 elective course credits

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

A list of approved electives is available from the Graduate Administrator at the School of Architecture. All non-core courses must be approved by the Supervisor of Graduate Studies.

Specific requirements:

* Architecture 76.501 (0.5 credit)

* Architecture 76.502 (0.5 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 of architecture)

* 0.5 credit in the area of cultural theory 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 (2.0 credit thesis)

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

Design and Technology

General requirements:

* 2.5 core course credits

* 0.5 elective credits

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

A list of approved electives is available from the Graduate Administrator at the School of Architecture. All non-core courses must be approved by the Supervisor of Graduate Studies.

Specific requirements:

* Architecture 77.501 (0.5 credit)

* Architecture 77.502 (0.5 credit)

* Architecture 79.511 (1.0 credit)

* Architecture 79.512 (0.5 credit)

* 0.5 credit elective chosen from an approved list of courses in the area of culture and technology at the 400-level or as approved by the Graduate Supervisor.

* Architecture 77.599 (2.0 credit thesis)

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

Academic Regulations

See the general regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

Graduate Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for 2001-2002, please consult the Registration Instructions and Class Schedule booklet

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, enroll in Architecture 76.501, 76.502, 76.503, 77.501, 77.502, 79.511 and 79.512

Architecture 76.501F1

Architecture Seminar 1

An introduction to the intellectual frameworks connecting design and culture as manifest in theories of culture and architecture. The seminar builds on previous undergraduate studies, and is not as 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 and provides an opportunity to investigate cultural issues in architectural design. The workshop operates as a directed study with specific content, objectives, and scheduling arranged between student and academic advisor.

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

M.Arch. Post-Professional Thesis (Architecture and Cultural Diversity)

A scholarly, written thesis supported by appropriate methods of two and three-dimensional representation. Research undertaken by the student is expected to engage one of the research topics outlined above. Documentation must be in a publishable format. All proposals 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, navigation, film/video and sound editing and animation technologies.

Architecture 77.502W1

Topics in Design and Multimedia: Information Architecture and the World Wide Web.

An introduction to the to the design of web-based applications, focusing on process, site architecture, usability testing, and web functionality. Students synthesize and customize various software applications in the production of a major web-based project, incorporating both client and server-side functionality. Students are introduced to relational database design, JavaScript, cgi scripts, and "middleware" products such as WebObjects and ColdFusion.

Architecture 77.510F1

Advanced Building Systems

This course will introduce advanced design in building technology and systems integration. 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

M.Arch Post-professional Thesis (Design and Technology)

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. Documentation must be in a publishable format. Topics must be approved by the graduate committee of the School of Architecture.

Architecture 78.420W1

Introduction to Professional Practice

The practice of architecture. Professional organization and conduct, the architect's services, business law, office organization and management, contract documents, building codes, contract management, cost control, accounting and site supervision. Guest speakers and case studies.

Architecture 79.511F2

Interactive Design Workshop I

An intensive introduction to the design of interactive environments. Students learn, use and evaluate a range of multimedia software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Macromedia, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Director, 3D Modeling programs, and sound editing. Basic design, graphic design, and software literacy are emphasized. The course includes presentations by design professionals working in the field.

Architecture 79.512W1

Interactive Design Workshop II

An introduction to the logistic aspects of producing multimedia products with an emphasis on usability testing and user interface design. Topics include: storyboarding and graphic design, instructional design, rapid prototyping, project streaming, management and marketing, technical writing and product evaluation. Organized as a seminar. Work is done in teams.

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.

Architecture 80.599FW2

M.Arch. Professional Thesis

Student initiated design investigation, developed in association with a thesis supervisor, supported by written text and appropriate methods of two and three- dimensional representation. Documentation must be in a publishable format. All proposals must be approved by the graduate committee of the School of Architecture.

Other Course Offerings