A design studio focused on the development of analytical and technical skills for perceiving, understanding, and manipulating spatial definitions and relationships

A course in descriptive geometry and graphic communication in architecture. Students learn to use drawing tools. They acquire techniques of representation of 3D and space on 2D surfaces, including orthogonal (plans, sections and elevations), paraline (axonometrics and isometrics), and perspective drawings. Applications cover construction of shades and shadows

This studio course is an introduction to the visual representation of the built environment. Students learn the skills of pictorial conventions and are introduced to the historical specificity and theoretical assumptions that underlie them.

A design studio with emphasis on construction materials as a major design determinant; manipulation of architectural elements and space; and observation of freehand and technical representation.

The course is organized in two successive formats. The first introduces the students to topographic mapping and route surveying. The second involves the tools and methods of architectural surveying. Fieldwork is applied to surveying, documentation, and the analysis of factors contributing to the distinctive aspects of Lebanese regional architecture: vernacular, traditional and modern.

A course on the response of building envelopes to surrounding environmental factors; covering in detail the components of the envelope: floors, walls, doors, windows, and roofs of all types. This course is also an introduction to construction detailing.

A combined Lecture and Studio course consisting of: recent building technologies, materials,finishing work and materials, and the methods, contents, and presentation of professional construction documents including execution drawings, details and schedules

Topics for thematic advanced design studios are posted at the beginning of the semester. Third and fourth-year students select from the offered studios. In these upper-level design courses the individual works with specific presented themes and methodologies to pursue particular interests and techniques.

See description of ARCH 304

An introduction to the CAD world and its 2D implementation in the architectural field. Students learn the tools and techniques to translate their hand drawn design sketches into digital format, from basic conceptual diagrams to fully loaded architectural drawings, meeting the high standards of design-firm expectations.

A course in the basic principles of contemporary urbanism. Special attention will be paid to the relationships among forces acting upon the city, critical and descriptive theories of urbanism, and contemporary approaches to urban design.

A non-credit training course in which students work in local architectural offices on CAD applications. Reports on work completed are evaluated for level of involvement and quality of achievement.

An eight-week professional training course at an architectural design office.

With the beginning of the millennium, traces of traditional drawing in architecture have been replaced by digitized layouts. With computer software exponentially evolving, a new vision of architecture is now possible. From schematic design, visual construction to final renderings, software tools have proven to be of the utmost efficiency. 3DsMax is one of the best of these. Combined with a simple presentation tool such as MS Powerpoint it creates a powerful impact. This course is essentially aimed towards today’s architecture students, providing them with everything needed to complete the construction, rendering and presentation of architectural ideas.

The underlying objective is to allow students to view and act in their physical environment in a critical yet constructive manner. In a world inundated with words and symbols, students are taught to discern factual information from advertising, categorize types of information, learn from exemplary case studies, and develop their own frameworks for designing information that subvert the trappings of commodities and commercialism.