The following section gives a brief description of the contents of core architectural engineering courses.

 

 

ARE 101 Architectural Graphics:

This course introduces architectural engineering and the role of the architectural engineer in the building profession. Graphics techniques and methods in architectural design and presentation. These include drawing tools and materials; architectural drafting conventions; orthographic projections, types and use in building presentation. Use of contextual elements. Topics such as rendition of value and context; shades and shadows techniques in various types of drawings; perspectives, major characteristics, elements, and types; graphic diagrams; freehand sketching and model-making techniques are also covered.

ARC 110 History of Architecture:

This course is an introduction to the development of architecture from pre-history to the mid-seventh century that covers Ancient near East, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Romanesque highlighting the development of structural systems, materials, construction, and other building systems. Emphasis is on the Middle and Near East. The eastern Architecture of the Indian, Chinese and Japanese civilizations are also covered. The focus of this course is on developing an understanding of material use, and of creating an appreciation as to the social and cultural factors that contribute to the development of the unique architecture of the various cultures.

ARE 211 Building Materials:

Properties, behavior, and selection of building materials including wood, laminates, cements, aggregates, concrete, masonry mortar, steel, and finishing materials. Structural and architectural use of traditional and modern building materials. Introduction to basic methods of construction; excavation, foundations, building systems, and construction equipment and general techniques in wood, masonry, and concrete construction. New building materials. Visits to building sites and manufacturers.

ARE 222 Computer Applications in Building Design:

Introduction to personal computing, computer components and their functions, operating systems such as DOS, Windows, MAC platforms, hard disk management. Introduction to general computer applications in architectural offices such as, spreadsheets and Database. Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting and Design which includes: 2D drawings, 3D modeling, rendering, and Image processing. Major CAD drafting, and presentation packages will be used for the production, management, and presentation of project information.

ARE 202 Architectural Design I:

This course introduces the design process in the form of phases, activities, and parties involved. Topics covered include Description of each phase, activities, and objectives; models for problem-solving process in design utilizing graphic thinking. Problem definition, developments of alternatives, evaluation, and selection of solution and communication of a design project are introduced, explored, and exercised through both abstract sketches and definitive concrete designs to solve simple design problems. Design problems of complete but simple buildings are introduced. Considerations of building function, construction materials and systems, cultural, environmental constraints, and climatic influences are emphasized. Individual design thinking is encouraged throughout the studio work. 

ARE 212 Construction Systems:

Construction systems including foundation, superstructure, enclosure (walls and roofs), interior finishes, partitions, and ceilings. Construction and detailing of site-built and prefabricated systems. Selection methods and criteria for appropriate design as a function of climate and energy use, labor and material availability, maintenance and replacement patterns, safety, functionality, and cultural context. Course material comprehension is ensured through submission of sketches, to-scale detail drawings and model-development of the introduced systems.

ARE 303 Working Drawings: 

An introduction to the production of construction documents used in the building industry. A preliminary building design is developed to include detailed materials, and construction information. A set of drawings is completed including floor plans and elevations, site, foundation, framing and roof plans and details, wall and roof sections and details, interior finish elevations and details, and door and window schedules and details. Drawing skills are developed, office management issues are discussed.

ARE 322 Building Mechanical Systems:

Introduction to basic concepts, terminology, and design methods for building mechanical systems. Thermal comfort, building thermal performance, and heating & cooling load calculation procedures. Fire protection systems and smoke control. Water supply and distribution systems; Waste and drainage systems. Vertical transportation systems. Computer applications.

ARE 320 Architectural Acoustics: 

Introduction to architectural acoustics. Room acoustics and noise sources, measurements, and control. Acoustical properties of materials and room shapes. Sound absorption and transmission. Computer applications in room acoustics simulation.

ARE 301 Architectural Design II: 

This course is a continuation of a two-semester sequence of design studios. Introduction and appreciation of the design process through dealing with more complex buildings and lager project sites. The concept of building design as a multi-disciplinary approach is introduced. Integration of structural, mechanical, and environmental control systems with the building function, form and spaces’ organization is emphasized. Basic elements of architectural form and space and how they can be manipulated, organized in the development of a design concept and their visual implications are explored. 

ARE 325 Building Illumination: 

Concept of light, vision, and color. Luminaries and lamps. Lighting system design procedures; calculation and measurement techniques, evaluation of interior lighting quality, and daylighting. Computer applications in artificial and daylighting analysis and design.

ARE 345 Principles of Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning:

Fundamental principles and engineering procedures for the design of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; HVAC system characteristics; system and equipment selection; duct design and layout. Energy conservation techniques. Computer applications.

ARE 350 Cooperative Work Progress: ARE 351 Cooperative Work: 

A continuous period of 28 weeks is spent in the industry to acquire practical experience in the Architectural Engineering under the supervision and guidance of the employer and the academic advisor. During this period the student gains an in-depth exposure and appreciation of the Architectural Engineering profession. The student is required to write a detailed report about his training period under the regulation of the ARE department.

ARE 413 Construction Management:

A survey of Construction Management: Basic concepts, preparing the bid package, issues during construction phase, construction contracts, legal structure, time planning/control. Project cash flow; project funding, equipment ownership, equipment productivity, construction operations, construction labor, materials management, and safety. Types of specifications, technical division, changes, bonds, liens, general conditions, special conditions, and contract documents.

ARE 431 Building Economy:

Basic concepts of building economics: initial cost, life cost in use, cost and benefit ratio analysis, and control of cost and depreciation. Cost estimating, including determination of materials, labor, equipment, overhead, profit, and other construction costs.

ARE 420 Senior Architectural Design Studio        

A comprehensive course that integrates various components of the curriculum in a comprehensive engineering design experience. The project should include development of system design and analysis techniques such as integrated design of structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems. The design should take place with consideration to appropriate constraints such as economic, safety, reliability, ethics, environmental, social, and cultural factors. Public oral presentations and written reports of the final design are essential requirements for completion of the course. Computer applications and teamwork, where appropriate, are greatly encouraged.