Course description
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 ma nifest 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.
Graduate Courses:
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 as 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 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.
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 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.
Prerequisite: ARCH 5200
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
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.
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 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.
ARCU 4200 [0.5 credit]
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.
ARCN 5101 [1.0 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 [1.0 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 produc t 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 [0.5 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 [1.0 credit]
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 Faculte de l'management at the Universite de Montreal, 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, as well as 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
(Also listed as Canadian Studies 12.541)
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
(Also listed as Canadian Studies 12.542)
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.
