Bachelor of Architecture Curriculum

Orientation to contemporary local architecture practice in the context of the history of architectural theory; examination of the changing role of the architect through history; introduction to the formal language and vocabulary of the discipline. Emphasis given to developing written and presentations skills. Open only to Architecture majors.

Introduction of architecture through the design of architectonic elements—walls, doors, stairs, rooms, etc. Students explore the relationship between the human body and the built environment and learn fundamentals of composition, design process, representation, research, craftsmanship, graphic and verbal communication, and analytical thinking. Open only to Architecture majors. Co-requisite(s): [(ARCH 107)]

A comparative study of physical and digital media from the immediacy of the hand to the logical rigor of algorithmic design. Organizational systems and mapping strategies are explored as craft is developed across a broad toolkit. Instruction in object-oriented thinking begins an introduction to computer science. Open only to Architecture majors.

Basic analytic geometry in two and three dimensions; trigonometry. Equations of lines, circles and conic sections; resolution of triangles; polar coordinates. Equations of planes, lines, quadratic surfaces. Applications.

As an extension of the themes of ARCH 113, students explore the synthesis of architectural elements in the design of an integrated architectonic unit comprised of architectural elements. Students are introduced to urban research and further develop their skills of analytical thinking, representation, and design communication. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 113, ARCH 107)] Co-requisite(s): [(ARCH 108)]

The full design communication process, from contextual + programmatic analysis to the digital fabrication of a system of parts, will be introduced through a series of related studies. Computationally associative design methodologies will be utilized and continue the computer science introduction. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 107)]

The architectural discourse of the city is introduced through close examination of Chicago and other major urban centers present and past. Themes include the city as a political entity, relationships between urban and architectural form, and the technical infrastructure of the metropolis. A parallel film series explores the cultural construction of urban life.

Basic concepts of calculus of a single variable; limits, derivatives, integrals. Applications.

General Education University requirements include courses from these Departments: - Humanities: Art and Architectural History, Communications, History, Humanities, Literature, or Philosophy. - Social Science: Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

Continued development of architectural principles of ARCH 114 through the design of a house in the city and the study of dwelling precedents. Students are introduced to the concepts of programming, urban design, and the technical aspects of construction assemblies and further develop their understanding of design process and their skills in design communication and critical thinking. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 113 and ARCH 114)]

This class is a one-semester course primarily for students of architecture. The course will address the basic physical principles and concepts associated with structures and buildings. Although quantitative at times, the course will stress conceptual understanding and practical applications. Hands-on exercises will be conducted both in class, and out of class.

Comprehensive background as well as concentration on individual cultures and their architects from ancient to medieval times. Discussion of architectures from around the world. Specific details and expressions of more generalized theories and strategies will be explored. Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of IIT's Basic Writing Proficiency Requirement

Introduction to geospatial mapping, data modeling, and data visualization processes for research, analytics, and generative design. Basic data structures, algorithms, and design patterns advance students ability to construct digital tools and communicate complexity. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 107 and ARCH 108)]

Continued development of architectural principles of ARCH 201 through research and design of multi-unit housing in the city. Students further their understanding of programming, urban design and the technical aspects of construction assemblies. The study of architectural scale, composition and urban relationships are explored. Development of design process and skills of design communication and critical thinking are furthered. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 113, ARCH 114, and ARCH 201)]

Introduction to the fundamentals of site design and the analysis of topography, soils, climate, solar, wind, thermodynamics, water management, trees/vegetation, and accessibility as environmental design factors. Course format includes lectures, site visits, and workshops to develop a better understanding of the complex relationship between building and landscape.

The theory and concepts of structures are presented with a visual format and models to emphasize an intuitive comprehension of the fundamental principles of structural behavior including loading, shear and bending moments. Architectural examples of integrated structures then become format to introduce an understanding of materials and the design process to quantify the engineering. Masonry load-bearing walls and the arch are used as the initial examples to correlate intuition and engineering calculations. Prerequisite(s): [(PHYS 123) OR (PHYS 200) OR (PHYS 211 and PHYS 212)]

Comprehensive background as well as concentration on individual cultures and their architects from the Renaissance to modern times. Discussion of architectures from around the world. Specific details and expressions of more generalized theories and strategies will be explored. Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of IIT's Basic Writing Proficiency Requirement

General Education University requirements include courses from these Departments: - Humanities: Art and Architectural History, Communications, History, Humanities, Literature, or Philosophy. - Social Science: Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

Continued development of architectural principles of ARCH 202 through research and design of a project of hybrid program in the city. Students further their understanding of programming, urban design and the technical aspects of construction assemblies. The study of architectural and urban space, site and context, building composition and urban relationships are explored. Development of design process and skills of design communication and critical thinking are furthered. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 201, ARCH 202, and ARCH 230)]

Selection and design of building support systems: heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water supply, sanitary and storm drainage, power distribution, lighting, communications and vertical transportation. Systems are analyzed for their effect on building form, construction cost and operating efficiency. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 201 and ARCH 202)]

Based on a statics and strength of materials, analysis of tension, compression and bending, timber and steel members are designed into truss or column and beam structural systems. Connections and sheer walls are studied as the transfer of moments to resolve dynamic loads in multiple frames. This engineering knowledge is then directly integrated into the parallel studio experience of developing an architectural project that focuses on steel as the structural material. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 230 and PHYS 200)]

This class explores urban form and metropolitan systems and introduces a synthetic overview of the interdependent factors that influence the design of the 21st century metropolitan cities. The course covers several cities spanning the globe as case studies to expose students to a range of city-making protocols. Both the urban condition as a whole and less formal, incremental (sometimes spontaneous) urbanisms are presented in detail. The course addresses current day urban challenges, projecting back into the (modernist) past to frame our understanding of the present. Vital issues are spotlighted affecting contemporary architecture and urban design: globalization, technology, social engineering, the environment, and cultural politics. The course enables students to establish a broader definition of "urban" by investigating both common and distinct design strategies of divergent cities. Prerequisite(s): [(AURB 201)]

Various courses

Continued development of architectural principles of ARCH 305 through the design of an urban neighborhood project. Students are introduced to urban design and larger scale planning issues and conduct broad-based research into issues impacting larger mixed-use buildings in the city. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 201, ARCH 202, ARCH 230, ARCH 305, and ARCH 334)]

Selection and design of building support systems: heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water supply, sanitary and storm drainage, power distribution, lighting, communications, and vertical transportation. Systems are analyzed for their effect on building form, construction cost and operating efficiency. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 403)]

The plastic qualities of reinforced concrete are studied as an internal distribution of forces based on the continuity of the material. These same principles also apply to all dome, cable and membrane structures. Complete structural systems of concrete are developed with footings, columns, shear walls, and horizontal plate options. More advanced applications include tension systems and thin shell construction. These engineering experiences are then integrated into the practice of designing an architectural studio project based on reinforced concrete as the structural material. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 230, ARCH 334, and PHYS 200)]

This course investigates the state of contemporary architecture as represented by significant practices, buildings, theories, and criticisms. Themes to be considered include globalization, the role of digital design media, the ethics and aesthetics of sustainability, contemporary urbanism, new approaches to materials and structure, and recent interests in ornament and pattern-making. Current conditions will be related historically to postwar reactions to modernism and contextually to the social and technological shifts of recent decades. Prerequisite(s): [(AAH 119 and AAH 120)]

General Education University requirements include courses from these Departments: - Humanities: Art and Architectural History, Communications, History, Humanities, Literature, or Philosophy. - Social Science: Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

This course introduces students to technical aspects of building design through a Comprehensive Building Design project focusing on an institutional building in the city. Building on previous design studios, students continue their investigation into urban and cultural research, and are introduced to building systems and concepts of building performance, sustainability and building envelope design. The integration of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, structural systems, constructional assemblies, and technology systems is addressed in lectures and studio work, and students are introduced to advanced tools related to building performance and evaluation software. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 230, ARCH 334, ARCH 335, ARCH 306, ARCH 403, and ARCH 404)]

Architecture History/Theory & Culture classes include the following: ARCH 421, ARCH 445, ARCH 454, ARCH 456, ARCH 457, ARCH 473, ARCH 470 and ARCH 481. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

Architecture students may choose from a variety of courses within the architecture course catalog to meet minimum credit-hour requirements and to further their training for specializations and/or personal interest. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

ARCH 482: A laboratory and experimental-based class investigation of anisotropic fibrous materials as a building component viewed through historical timber design precedents. Topics include low and high-rise framed construction, cross-laminated timber, CNC fabrication methods composite construction, tensile systems, and wood and paper-based products. Structural analysis will explore material properties and connections of a directionally grained and fibrous medium. ARCH 483: An exploration of historical and current technology through the work of artists, architects, craftsmen, and engineers in a brittle medium. Topics include wall systems, connections, structural design of all glass structures, and material properties. Sealants, coatings, adhesives, and impact and blast resistant interlayers will also be covered. A lab component will encourage experimentation of columns, beams, and surfaces from glass components.

Various courses

This course continues and furthers the student’s understanding of the technical aspects of building design through a Comprehensive Building Design project focusing on an institutional building in the city with a complex program. Building on previous design studios, students continue their investigation into urban, programmatic and cultural research, and further their knowledge of building systems and concepts of building performance, sustainability and building envelope design. The integration of mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, structural systems, constructional assemblies, and technology systems is addressed in lectures and studio work, and students further their understanding of advanced tools related to building performance and evaluation software. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 230, ARCH 334, ARCH 335, ARCH 403, ARCH 404, and ARCH 417)]

Architecture students may choose from a variety of courses within the architecture course catalog to meet minimum credit-hour requirements and to further their training for specializations and/or personal interest. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

Lectures and practical problems dealing with specifications, specification writing, administration of construction, contracts, building law and professional practice.

The IPRO I course is an immersive, action-oriented, dynamic learning experience guided by a team of instructors from the fields of design, engineering, business, law, architecture, psychology, and social sciences. IPRO I introduces students to the interprofessional project concept and its underlying body of knowledge by: incorporating hands-on, small group, user-centered design projects informed by instructor-lead discussions and guest speakers; stimulating and facilitating project idea development that involves a collaborative innovation process; developing an understanding of the socio-economic context of themed clusters of workplace project possibilities (e.g., venture development, service learning, process improvement, sustainability, research); and forming the core of an IPRO II team and developing its project plan.

Research Based Design ‘Cloud’ Studio. Continued development of architectural principles of ARCH 418 (and previous studios). Development of design processes utilizing varied representational and analytical media and methodologies. Research based design projects focus on the variety of contemporary and future modes of architecture and architectural practice in urban environments. Horizontal studio integrating advanced BArch, MArch, and PHD students. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 230, ARCH 334, ARCH 335, ARCH 403, ARCH 404, and ARCH 418)]

Architecture students may choose from a variety of courses within the architecture course catalog to meet minimum credit-hour requirements and to further their training for specializations and/or personal interest. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

Interprofessional projects allow students to learn teamwork, leadership and project management skills, while working in multidisciplinary teams on projects involving technical, ethical, environmental, economic, public policy, and legal issues. IPRO project teams are typically comprised of 10-12 students from sophomore through graduate level and from all disciplines that can contribute to a project. Every effort will be made to accommodate students' first choices; however, it may be necessary to balance students across all projects scheduled for the semester or to consolidate students into fewer projects to meet minimum team requirement. Specific rules about selection of IPRO projects may apply to certain degree programs. Some projects may carry Humanities or Social Science credit. Students are encouraged to consult the lead faculty member for the project and their faculty advisor before registering for a project.

Various courses

Research Based Design ‘Cloud’ Studio. Continued development of architectural principles of ARCH 418 (and previous studios). Development of design processes utilizing varied representational and analytical media and methodologies. Research based design projects focus on the variety of contemporary and future modes of architecture and architectural practice in urban environments. Horizontal studio integrating advanced BArch, MArch, and PHD students. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisite(s): [(ARCH 230, ARCH 334, ARCH 335, ARCH 403, ARCH 404, and ARCH 418)]

Architecture students may choose from a variety of courses within the architecture course catalog to meet minimum credit-hour requirements and to further their training for specializations and/or personal interest. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

Architecture students may choose from a variety of courses within the architecture course catalog to meet minimum credit-hour requirements and to further their training for specializations and/or personal interest. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.

General Education University requirements include courses from these Departments: - Humanities: Art and Architectural History, Communications, History, Humanities, Literature, or Philosophy. - Social Science: Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. Students should consult their academic advisors to confirm which classes are available and applicable to fulfill their degree requirements.