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Graduate Calendar 2009-2010

Architecture

Architecture Building 202
Telephone: 613-520-2855
Fax: 613-520-2849
Web site: arch.carleton.ca/

The School

Director of the School: Marco Frascari
Associate Director  (Graduate Programs):  Stephen Fai

The Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism offers programs of study and research leading to the Master of Architecture Professional degree and a specialized Master of Architecture Post-professional degree.

M.Arch. Professional

The Master of Architecture Professional degree is awarded upon the successful completion of a full two-year program of studies. The program is studio-based with a strong theoretical focus, culminating in a two-credit thesis (ARCS 5909 or ARCN 5909). The thesis is expected to include both a written text and a design component with appropriate modes of two and three-dimensional representation, including digital. It is expected that students will take a minimum of two terms to complete their thesis requirement. Final thesis documentation must satisfy the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) recognizes this degree as an academic prerequisite for registration in the Intern Architect Program. Further information on professional registration can be obtained from the CACB or from one of the provincial associations.

Qualifying-Year Program

Candidates with deficiencies in certain areas according to CACB requirements may be required to take additional prescribed courses as prerequisites to their graduate work. Applicants who do not possess an equivalent B.A.S. degree (see below) may be admitted to a qualifying-year program, normally consisting of 5.0 credits at the 4000-level. All courses must be approved by the Graduate Admissions Committee of the School in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. (See General Regulations Section 2.3, 'Completion of the Qualifying Year', for more details.) Completion of the Qualifying Year is not a guarantee of admission to the M.Arch.Professional or Post-Professional Program. Re-application to the M. Arch. program is required.

M.Arch. Post-Professional

 Theoretical Issues in Architecture, Culture, and Technology 

The Master of Architecture Post-Professional degree is a specialized program with three terms of course work followed by a 2.0-credit thesis that allows students with a professional degree in architecture or equivalent to pursue advanced research at a graduate level. The program is research oriented and culminates with the completion of a thesis. Inter-departmental collaborations are encouraged. Thesis proposals are developed under the tutelage of a prospective thesis supervisor and are expected to address issues of architecture and cultural diversity and/or design and technology outlined below. The thesis is expected to include a written text and appropriate modes of two and three-dimensional representation, including digital. Final thesis documentation must satisfy the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Please note that the M.Arch. Post-Professional degree 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.

Research in the Post-Professional M.Arch. is organized around two areas of inquiry:

1. Architecture and Cultural Diversity

'Architecture and Cultural Diversity' is concerned with the patterns and interrelationships of cultural issues and processes as they are manifest in built form and as they inform architectural design. For specific areas of faculty research, please consult the School's Web site.

The positioning of these research topics within the broader discourse on the history and theory of architecture is the subject of two core seminars offered consecutively in the fall and winter terms of the first year. The core seminars are supplemented with studies in cultural and architectural history and theory.

2. Design and Technology

'Design and Technology' is concerned with the practical and philosophical determinations of technology upon the design and production of real and virtual environments. This area of the program addresses the need to engage technically-advanced tools in design studies and to bring design expertise to bear on such issues as new media, advanced visualization and simulation technologies, software and interface design, building and manufacturing technologies, and sustainability in urban and architectural design. Research is conducted through traditional and technological modes of inquiry and production as it relates to architecture and related cultural practices.

For specific areas of faculty research, please consult the School's Web site.

The positioning of these research topics within the broader discourse on the history and theory of architecture is the subject of two core seminars offered consecutively in the Fall and Winter terms of the first year. The core seminars are supplemented with studies in cultural and architectural history and theory, technically advanced media and practices, building technologies, and related disciplines.

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 admitted to a qualifying-year program, normally consisting of 5.0 credits at the 4000-level. All courses must be approved by the Graduate Admissions Committee of the School in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. (See General Regulations Section 2.3, 'Completion of the Qualifying Year', for more details.) Completion of the Qualifying Year is not a guarantee of admission to the M.Arch. Professional or Post-Professional Program, and re-application to the program is required.

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). 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 their most recent studio 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., 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 their most recent artistic and design work produced during their undergraduate studies and two examples of academic writing. Professional experience may also be taken into consideration. A Qualifying Year may be required (see above).

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 of this Calendar. 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. Enrolment 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.

Application deadlines can be found at https://gsapplications.carleton.ca .

Applications are not accepted for admission in the winter or summer term. Part-time studies are not permitted. Deferrals are not permitted.

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. 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. Enrolment 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 Post-Professional M.Arch.

Application deadlines can be found at https://gsapplications.carleton.ca

Applications are not accepted for admission in the winter or summer term. Part-time studies are not permitted. Deferrals are not permitted.

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 Program Administrator at the School of Architecture. The Associate Director (Graduate Programs) must approve all non-core courses.

Specific requirements:

Year 1

Fall Term

  • ARCH 5200, ARCS 5105
  • 0.5 credit elective from courses at the 5000-level or above, approved by the Associate Director (Graduate Programs)
Winter Term
  • ARCH 5201, ARCC 5100, ARCS 5106

Year 2

Fall Term

  • ARCS 5909 or ARCN 5909**
  • 0.5 credit elective from courses at the 5000-level or above, approved by the Associate Director (Graduate Programs)

Winter Term
ARCC 5200*
ARCS 5909 or ARCN 5909***

__________________
* ARCS 5909 and ARCN 5909 normally extend over two terms. By the end of the first term of thesis registration, students will submit an architectural project for which an interim grade is awarded. This project will follow guidelines prescribed by the Associate Director (Graduate Programs).

M.Arch. Post-Professional

1. 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 Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. All non-core courses must be approved by the Associate Director (Graduate Studies).

Specific requirements:

  • ARCH 5001 (0.5 credit)
  • ARCH 5002 (0.5 credit)
  • ARCH 5003 (0.5 credit)
  • 0.5 credit in the area of architectural theory (an advanced course at the 5000-level in the theory of architecture offered by the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism)
  • 0.5 credit in the area of cultural theory at the 5000-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.
  • ARCH 5909 (2.0-credit thesis)

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

2. Design and Technology

General requirements:

  • 1.5 core course credits
  • 1.5 elective credits
  • 2.0-credit thesis which must be defended at an oral examination

A list of approved electives is available from the Program Administrator at the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. The Supervisor of Graduate Studies must approve all non-core courses.

Specific requirements:

  • ARCC 5001 (0.5 credit)
  • ARCC 5002 (0.5 credit)
  • ARCC 5003 (0.5 credit)
  • 0.5 credit in the area of architectural theory (an advanced course at the 4000-level in the theory of architecture offered by the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism)
  • 0.5 credit in the area of philosophy of technology or science or related practices at the 5000-level or above in the general field of digital media, computer science, environmental studies, or building technologies.
  • 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.
  • ARCC 5909 (2.0-credit thesis)

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

Academic Regulations

See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Architecture does not permit the C+ option as stipulated in Section 11.2 of the General Regulations.

Graduate Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

Qualified students in other departments may, with permission of the School, enrol in ARCH 5001, ARCH 5002, ARCH 5003, ARCC 5001, ARCC 5002, ARCN 5101 and ARCN 5102.

ARCH 5001 [0.5 credit]
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 an introduction to these fields. The field of inquiry is both historical and contemporary.
ARCH 5002 [0.5 credit]
Architecture Seminar II
A continuation of ARCH 5001, 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.
Prerequisite: ARCH 5001.
ARCH 5003 [0.5 credit]
Design and Culture Workshop
The prime objective of the workshop is 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.
ARCH 5200 [0.5 credit]
Graduate Seminar 1: Introduction to Critical Thought in Architecture
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.
ARCH 5201 [0.5 credit]
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 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.
Prerequisite: ARCH 5200.
ARCH 5600 [0.5 credit]
Housing and Culture Seminar
Housing as a function of social organization, demographics, market demand and governmental policies.  The evolution of housing form, the role of the state, and the participation of architects in the housing marketplace promoting design as a form of social reform.
Precudes additional credit for ARCH 4201.
ARCH 5909 [2.0 credits]
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. Proposals must be approved by the graduate committee of the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. Final thesis documentation must satisfy the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
ARCC 5001 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Design and Multimedia
Multimedia and interactive design as they relate to architecture and the 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.
ARCC 5002 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Design and Multimedia: Information Architecture and the World Wide Web
Introduction to the design of Web-based applications, focusing on process, site architecture, usability testing, and Web functionality. Students synthesize and customize software applications. Client and server-side functionality. Introduction to relational database design, JavaScript, cgi scripts, and «middleware» products such as WebObjects and ColdFusion.
ARCC 5003 [0.5 credit]
Design and Technology Workshop
The prime objective of the workshop is to investigate issues in architectural design in relation to technology as a cultural paradigm. The workshop operates as a directed study with specific content, objectives, and scheduling arranged between student and academic advisor.
ARCC 5100 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Building Systems
Introduction to 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.
ARCC 5200 [0.5 credit]
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.
Precludes additional credit for ARCU 4200.
ARCC 5909 [2.0 credits]
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. Proposals must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. Final thesis documentation must satisfy the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
ARCN 5101 [0.5 credit]
Interactive Design Workshop I
An intensive introduction to the design of interactive environments, using multimedia software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Macromedia, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Director, 3D Modeling programs, and sound editing. Basic design, graphic design, and software literacy. Presentations by design professionals.
ARCN 5102 [0.5 credit]
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.
ARCN 5909 [2.0 credits]
Thesis - Directed Research Studio (DRS)
An intensive research-based design project. The unit is initiated and guided by a faculty member engaged in organized research. Proposals must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. Final thesis documentation must satisfy the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
ARCS 5105 [1.5 credit]
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.
ARCS 5106 [1.5 credit]
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.
Prerequisite: ARCS 5105.
ARCS 5909 [2.0 credits]
Thesis - Independent Study
Student-initiated design investigation, developed with a thesis supervisor, supported by text and appropriate methods of two and three-dimensional representation. Proposals must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. Final thesis documentation must satisfy the requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Other Course Offerings

The School offers graduate-level courses that can be used towards degree programs in the Faculty of Engineering, the School of Canadian Studies, and the Faculty of Public Affairs and Management at Carleton University. In addition, there is an understanding with the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University, the Centre for Building Studies at Concordia University, and the Faculté de l'Aménagement at the Université de Montréal, recognizing graduate course work undertaken at Carleton University's Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. Members of the School may also supervise graduate research at these institutions.

Faculty interest and expertise lie in the following areas:

History and Theory of Architecture
Scholarly studies in architectural thought of late antiquity, early Christianity, the Renaissance, baroque, the modern movement, post-modernism, and Canadian Architecture and the architecture of Islam.

Architecture and Society
Ethnicity, multiculturalism and architectural expression; international development and indigenous architecture; heritage and preservation; evolution of the architectural 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 modeling, visual communication, computer graphics; computers and architectural practice.

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

Design/Build
Applied architectural research, prototype development.

The following courses are available to students from other departments who hold an honours degree or equivalent in a related academic discipline. Permission of the School is required for registration.

ARCH 5000 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies in History and Theory of Architecture
Reading and research tutorials.
ARCH 5100 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies in Architecture and Society
Reading and research tutorials.
ARCC 5000 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies in Architecture and Technology
Reading and research tutorials.
ARCC 5401 [0.5 credit]
Workshop: Technical Studies in Heritage Conservation
ARCU 5000 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies in Architecture and the City
Reading and research tutorials.
ARCU 5402 [0.5 credit]
Workshop: Urban Studies in Heritage Conservation
ARCN 5000 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies in Computer-Aided Design
Reading and research tutorials.
ARCN 5001 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies in Architecture and Morphology
Reading and research tutorials.