Architecture (ARC)

Theme is visual communications and critical processes. Introduces two-dimensional and three-dimensional representation techniques for developing and presenting design concepts. Develops creative thinking and critical awareness in design. Cognitive understanding for spatial relationships present in structural, proportional, and site systems are introduced, combining geometry and graphics. Freehand drawings, 2-D and 3-D projections, shades, shadows, perspective, and reproduction techniques. Development of model-making skills utilizing various design media. Studio projects introduce a range of assignments for the making of both 2-D and 3-D environments. Introduces drawing and making as a mode of seeing and thinking.

Theme is visual communications and critical processes. Introduces two-dimensional and three-dimensional representation techniques for developing and presenting design concepts. Develops creative thinking and critical awareness in design. Cognitive understanding for spatial relationships present in structural, proportional, and site systems are introduced, combining geometry and graphics. Freehand drawings, 2-D and 3-D projections, shades, shadows, perspective, and reproduction techniques. Development of model-making skills utilizing various design media. Studio projects introduce a range of assignments for the making of both 2-D and 3-D environments. Introduces drawing and making as a mode of seeing and thinking.

Theme is techniques plus materiality and visual communications. Provides a working forum for developing creative thinking and critical awareness in design. Further examines two-dimensional and three-dimensional representation techniques for developing and presenting design concepts. Cognition for spatial relationships present in structural, proportional, and site systems are acquired via freehand drawings, 2-D and 3-D projections, shades, shadows, perspective, and design techniques. Further enhancement of model-making skills utilizing various design media. Advanced emphasis of 2-D and 3-D projections, shades, shadows, perspectives, and reproduction techniques. Studio projects introduce a range of assignments for the making of both 2-D and 3-D environments. There is a fee associated with this course.

Introduces students to visual communications processes, with emphases on understanding basic geometries and spatial readings. Course assignments will develop a range of skills, including: 2D and 3D drawing projection, diagramming, collaging, formatting, and basic modeling techniques. Digital media skills introduced will be coordinated with course material from ARC 101: Architecture Design Studio 1.

Introduces students to visual communications processes, with emphases on understanding 2D/3D transformations, translations between scales, and translations between media instrumentalities. Course assignments will develop a range of skills, including: 2D and 3D drawing projection, rendering techniques, volumetric modeling techniques, and formatting. Digital media skills introduced will be coordinated with course material from ARC 102: Architecture Design Studio 2.

Introduces students to the vocabulary of architecture, and the understanding of design and applied arts in the human experience. Topics include historical examples of 19th and 20th century architecture, design, landscapes, and urbanism as a tool for developing an understanding and appreciation of the architecture discipline and its design objectives. Course material is drawn from numerous fields including architectural history the applied arts, design studies, philosophy, literature, and urban studies, all supporting Louis Kahn¿s claim that architecture is 'the handwriting of humanity.' Students will gain critical insight on the contexts that drive concepts and ideas behind thoughtful design. As a vehicle for advancing an understanding of architectural design, the course will introduce students to 19th and 20th century architects and designers. An approved SUNY Arts and SUNY Humanities general education course.

Examines contemporary perspectives on the physical environment and design, focusing on relationships between humans, the natural and constructed environments, and landscapes through drawing and sketching. Using drawing and sketching as a mode of seeing and thinking, explores human-made surroundings ranging in scale from human activity to buildings and parks or green space and neighborhoods. Involves lectures, in-class workshops, discussions, and fieldwork. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Theme is ancient architectural history and precedent. Emphasizes conceptualization, critical thinking, planning, and making. Analyzes the basic materials, methods, tools, and conventions of architectural design. Examines the connections between design precedent and the physical and visual environments. Project themes include transformation, connection, threshold, movement/storage, surface/structure, accessibility, and transition.

Theme is modern architectural history and precedent. Emphasizes conceptualization, critical thinking, planning, and making. Analyzes the basic materials, methods, tools, and conventions of architectural design. Examines the connections between design precedent and the physical and visual environments. Project themes include transformation, connection, threshold, movement/storage, surface/structure, accessibility, and transition.

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply. Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in graphic representation, conceptual communication, digital media, computer-aided design, and other visualization techniques used in architecture.

An approved SUNY Arts and SUNY American History general education course. Examines the history and diversity of cultural experiences within the United States and their attendant design issues. Specifically, the course concentrates on the ways in which our physical and media environments affect various populations in the U.S. and, in turn, the ways these populations have affected our designed environments. It introduces students to eight issues of U.S. diversity: race, ethnicity, gender, class, age, physical ability, cognitive ability, and religion. Writings, films, products, graphics, electronic media, buildings, and physical environments by and about diverse U.S. individuals and groups are examined. The U.S. history of our diverse physical and media environments are analyzed using theories and principles related to inclusive design. Open to all undergraduate University at Buffalo and SUNY students. Per the university repeat policy, ARC 211 may be used to replace the grade for UGC 211, by petition only.

Design Colloquium is a discussion course in which students will explore the current issues found within the design disciplines, including Architecture, Environmental Design, and Urban Planning. Students will research, communicate, and analyze the contemporary discourse, issues, and trends facing the design professions.

Introduces the development of urban and architectural form in a cultural context from the first settlements of Neolithic times to the consolidation of architecture as a discipline in the 1450s.

Introduces the fundamentals of architectural design from the theory and practice of the 1450's to the built and written manifestos of modern times. Situates the evolution of the architectural discipline within the context of social, cognitive and technological transformation.

Overview on interrelationship of the physical environment and buildings, specifically examining site design and environmental technologies, as they relate to environmental building systems design. More specifically, will develop an ability to respond to site characteristics including urban context, developmental patterning, zoning, soils, topography, ecology, climate, and building orientation. Students will also be introduced to the environmental technologies of lighting and acoustics including criteria relating to concepts and analysis in support of building systems design. Includes lectures, labs, field work, readings, exams, and projects.

Theme is discovering landscape design. Explores perspectives on the physical environment and design, focusing on relationships between people, the natural and constructed environments, and landscapes. Introduces new ways of seeing, understanding, and communicating landscape design. Considers problems in landscape design including greenspace, complex urban centers, post-industrial wastelands, physical infrastructure, and entire watersheds. Reviews how the planning and development of our landscaped settings affects quality of life in physical environments within the context of environmental design. May be offered on an intermittent basis. Open to all undergraduate majors.

Theme is systems and subjectivity. Synthesizes design fundamentals with architectural design. Includes the theme of transformation to convert various aspects of architectural design-form, spatiality, materiality, structure, construction, use, site conditions, context, aesthetics, zoning, codes, accessibility, and cultural conditions.

Theme is models, organizations, and environments. Synthesizes design fundamentals with architectural design. Uses organization and environment to convert various aspects of architectural design-form, precedent, spatiality, systems, preparation, use, context, aesthetics, construction, collaboration, and human behavior.

Introduces students to techniques of representation with emphases on the description of part/whole relationships: objects and their contexts. Course assignments will develop a range of skills including: use of diagrams to describe, generate, and manipulate relationships between objects and contexts; proficiency in the description plus manipulation of surfaces through contour line drawings; laser cutting; AutoCad; and, basic modeling. Digital media skills introduced will be coordinated with course material from ARC 201: Architecture Design Studio 3.

Introduces students to techniques of representation with emphases on the description of part/whole relationships: (proto)types and their variations. Course assignments will develop a range of skills including: understanding of formal organizations as systems of interrelated parts; Rhinoceros (advanced modeling); 3D printing. Digital media skills introduced will be coordinated with course material from ARC 202: Architecture Design Studio 4.

Traces evolution of urban form and character from Greek city-states to the present. Emphasizes how technological, social, economic, and political changes affect urban layout and functioning. This course is the same as END 312.

Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, design, sketching, and graphic production, using drawing and making as a mode of seeing and thinking. May be offered on an intermittent basis. As topics vary annually, pre-requisites will vary contingent upon semester topic.

Through weekly film and multi-media screenings, discussions, readings, and critiques, explores themes of architectural design, urban imagery, inner cities, suburbia, environmental design, physical development, community planning, politics, and their futures in mass media. The built environment serves as a medium that transmits, reinforces and reproduces social values, attitudes and behaviors. Examines how institutions attempt to shape public perspectives using images of the built environment through mass media. May be offered on an intermittent basis. This course is the same as END 319, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.

Design Colloquium is a discussion course in which students will explore the current issues found within the design disciplines, including Architecture, Design Studies, Environmental Design, Urban Planning, and Historic Preservation. Students will research, communicate, and analyze historical and contemporary discourse, issues, and trends facing design and the built environment.

Introduces ways historical conceptions of race and place have impacted the shape and design of our built environment. Examines critical influence of race science on civilizational narratives used to determine meaning and content of 19th century American architecture and designed environments. Traces effects of racial discourses on domestic interpretations of African, Asian, and Latino building traditions. Reviews tools American architects and designers have used to represent social and cultural values of different racial and ethnic groups, from Victorian houses of New England towns to campus planning and design strategies of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Challenge interpretations how past racial politics continues to shape design, structure, and character of today's built environment. Evaluates how social construction of racial identity still influences patterns of residential segregation, voting districts, land-use, and material investments in the public sphere. This course is the same as END 322 and course repeat rules will apply.

Overview on the interrelationships of building systems technology, including site planning, structure/tectonics/materials, construction methods, and environmental systems, as they relate to building design and physical development. Includes lectures and fieldwork. May be offered on an intermittent basis. Admitted BS Arch students must take ARC 241; ARC 324 is not open to BS Arch majors.

Global Issues in Design Practice provides an overview of important global movements in the practice of art, architecture, and environmental design over the past century. Key movements will be examined in relationship to the social, political environmental and economic contexts which either played a role in its formation, or was a reaction against. Develops a framework to recognize the regional societal forces that may impact the production of art, architecture, and environmental design practice. Surveys small, cutting-edge global design organizations through the lens of critical regionalism theory,¿ utilizing methods of design inquiry to reinforce and/or question its validity. Examines the work of artists, architects, and designers working in different countries across the world. Considers how global climate change is a transformative force, and has renewed interest in environmental design through local practices. Facilitates an understanding and studies the relationship of the design process by various artists, architects, and environmental designers to the particular social, political, environmental, and cultural milieu of the global region their work is generated within. This course is the same as END 330 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.

Topics vary annually. Past topics detailed studies of design/build and existing systems available to meet needs of the built environment. Studied future possibilities of systems that meet the demands of a rapidly changing environment. Surveyed historical evolution of building systems, while emphasizing methodology of development and implementation. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Introduces the fundamentals of statics and strength of materials and the principals of structure. Provides a theoretical and scientific basis for understanding how various structural systems and structural materials work and withstand loading. Investigates the concepts introduced during the course with qualitative methods, as well as quantitative analysis. The course's scope is includes examining simple structural elements, such as trusses, beams, and columns used throughout our human designed built environment. The lab component to ARC 352LEC; students must enroll in ARC 352LEC and ARC 352LAB concurrently.

Introduces the fundamentals of statics and strength of materials and the principals of structure. Provides a theoretical and scientific basis for understanding how various structural systems and structural materials work and withstand loading. Investigates the concepts introduced during the course with qualitative methods, as well as quantitative analysis. The course's scope is includes examining simple structural elements, such as trusses, beams, and columns used throughout our human designed built environment.

Overview of architectural theory and approaches. Examines architectural theory as applied to building design, using architectural theory as a basis for developing design paradigms. Introduces research methods used in architectural theory.

Theme is comprehensive design. Uses comprehensive architectural projects to address the complexity of the discipline-site conditions, construction technology, programming, research methods, life safety and accessibility, codes and standards, building systems, representation, documentation, and comprehensive design. Examines the values and ideologies architects bring forward in their work.

DESIGN STUDIO

Theme is advanced topics in architecture and design. Uses comprehensive architectural projects to address the complexity of the discipline -- site conditions, construction technology, programming, safety and accessibility, codes and standards, and representation. Examines the values and ideologies that architects bring forward in their work.

Locations vary annually. In the past, students have participated in architecture design studios taught in Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, Germany, Ireland, Japan, North America, and other international or domestic locations as organized by the Department of Architecture. Other in-house study abroad programs will be offered on an ad-hoc basis as determined the Department of Architecture, based upon faculty and student interest. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Introduces students to techniques for representing and simulating sunlight, daylight and radiance within architecture. Course assignments will develop a range of skills including: proficiency in Autodesk Ecotect; lighting photography of physical models; raytrace and radiosity rendering; relief material models; 3D printing; 2D/3D diagraming of lighting performance; `contour map or `false color rendition techniques. Digital media skills introduced will be coordinated with course material from ARC 301: Architecture Design Studio 5.

Introduces students to techniques for generating formal organizations through computational means and representing movement in architecture. Course assignments will develop a range of skills including: Parametric modeling through Grasshopper/Rhinoscript; Processing/other intro programming platform; animation; 2D/3D/4D diagramming methods. Digital media skills introduced will be coordinated with course material from ARC 302: Architecture Design Studio 6.

Historic preservation theory as related to architectural design, emphasizing preservation practice, including tools of effective preservation, legislation, community roles, economics, adaptive reuse, and project management. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Twentieth-century architects and urban planners created an extraordinary and varied body of works worldwide. Driven by social and technological changes as well as aesthetic concerns, the projects reflect different strands of modernism and modernity. Indeed examination of the key movements, figures, and debates will illustrate that 20th-century architecture and urban design was far from unified but multivalent and often contradictory. While reference will be made to non-western works, this course will primarily examine European and North American achievements and their interplay. To this end, the course will combine lectures and case studies with critical analyses of key texts. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. An introduction to the history of American architecture with emphasis on American urbanism. Historical and contemporary review for exploring the underpinnings of architecture and American urbanism in past, present, and future situations. Past topics have included American architecture and urbanism from pre-colonial to 1870 as well as American architecture and urbanism from 1870 to post-modernism. As topics vary annually, pre-requisites will vary contingent upon semester topic.

Citizen Planning School is a project- based, research-intensive, experiential learning course exploring the role of civic engagement in community-based planning and design efforts, promoting sustainable development in the Buffalo Niagara region through land use, transportation, housing, energy and climate, access to food, and more. Through a combination of academic preparation and firsthand experience engaging with diverse public constituencies, students will hone skills, identify key gaps in community planning, design, development, and set the stage for a more sustainable Buffalo Niagara. Citizen Planning School combines public engagement with action research to help meet the economic, environmental, and social challenges of the 21st century. Includes lectures, discussions, fieldwork, and site visits. This course is the same as END 436.

A structures/construction course. Emphasizes details of construction. Examines interfaces of materials and systems: foundation/wall, wall/window, wall/roof, floor/wall, etc. Investigates the effect of materials and processes on appearance and life of building components. Studies interior and exterior finishes, joints, fire protection, and specification.

Topics vary annually. Past topics examined design/build projects as a complex system of enterprises producing built facilities and altering environments. Included field trips, hands-on steel fabrication and erection, concrete demolition, concrete pours, pattern making, painting, landscaping, stone setting, as well as shop drawings. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. In the past, observed and quantitatively and/or qualitatively predicted the behavior of materials: metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, wood, composites, paints, and preservatives. Explored and challenged the properties, social context, and methods of fabrication for the most common materials found in architecture. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Concentrates on the study and investigation of various structural materials, connections and details. Students study various design criteria for specific materials, such as timber, steel, and concrete, and are introduced to the proper use of various building codes in the structural design process.

This course is dual listed with ARC 555.

Begins by emphasizing the investigation of reinforced concrete structures and continues by studying various types of foundation systems, such as footings, and retaining and bearing walls. Also includes a general overview of indeterminate structures and the behavior of continuous beams. Concludes with the study of lateral forces and dynamic loading, and their impact on the design of seismic and wind-resistant structures. May be offered on an intermittent basis. This course is dual listed with ARC 555.

Past activities involved analysis and development of real problems accepted from various sponsors. The student's specific contribution to the research findings must be documented and filed with the department and sponsor. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

A majors-only course. Examines active systems of climate control in buildings and their relation to energy management. Assesses evaluation and selection of mechanical equipment systems, cost implications, and effectiveness. Investigates design considerations of integrating various building systems, including: mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment; water; and wastewater systems. Introduces sanitation, fire protection, and vertical transportation systems. Considers techniques for solar heating, passive cooling, indoor air quality, and human health. Students must have completed ARC 241 and ARC 202 as pre-requisites for enrollment, and concurrent enrollment in ARC 301LAB and ARC 411LEC is required for ARC 473LEC registration.

Explores and synthesizes environmental systems for a design studio project, or investigates how these systems operate in an existing building as part of a semester-long project. Analyzes and examine how design criteria vary with factors like geography, climate, and construction type to develop evaluative measures. Using modeling or digital forensics tools, develop hypotheses based on these conditions to evaluate potential solutions for systems like active and passive heating and cooling, solar geometry, daylighting, natural ventilation, indoor air quality, solar systems, lighting, and/or acoustics. Upon conclusion of the course, students develop convincing representations of systems function to demonstrate how their decisions could be integrated with other building systems, including structural and thermal envelopes. Considers impacts on environmental building systems design, including form, structure, and material. Involves lecture, discussions, and fieldwork.

Architecture establishes strategic decisions regarding the design of buildings and their relationship with and impact on the physical environment. Concurrently, architects must be aware of the changing and evolving forms of buildings. Through critical examinations of different types of buildings, students will be introduced to forms shaped by culture, function, and economics; and the way changes in the use of buildings and space over time can reshape form. Site visits to significant buildings during the semester will highlight the characteristics of different building types and highlight form change. Includes lectures, discussions, and fieldwork. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Offers a working understanding of the issues inherent in the discourse of sustainability as it occurs in planning and design professions. Students explore the practical and theoretical relationships among urban form, democratic ideals, and ecological imaginations. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Phases of management involving architects from project inception to its realization. Office organization, contractor and owner management of projects, construction-cost analysis, organization and preparation of construction documents, review of related legal papers and standardized forms, alternative patterns of construction management relations. Emerging patterns of architectural practice.

Examines early career development in the profession of architecture. Develops awareness and understand the various professional trajectories available, and develop knowledge as to the necessary steps needed for career advancement and ancillary opportunities. Through presentations, readings and weekly discussions, students will examine both traditional and alternative career paths in architecture and architectural design. Includes lectures, discussions, and fieldwork. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply. Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply. Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, urban planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Considers design theory as related to architecture, urban environments, preservation, material, and culture. Examines design theory concepts in the context of architectural form and expression. Explores the philosophy of design theory through the methodology of criticism. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. Past topics addressed issues in architecture, planning, and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Topics vary annually. In the past this course addressed issues in architecture history and design. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Matches students with community organizations in need of architecture-related services. Students do hands-on work serving community needs and pursue learning experiences with faculty. May be offered on an intermittent basis.

Provides students an opportunity for design research and creative activities under faculty supervision. Topics vary annually. In the past, topics included design inquiry research, action research in portfolio production, and creative issues found in architecture and design. The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply. An undergraduate research and creative activity course.

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply. Designed to add depth and breadth to a student's formal degree program. Students electing for an Independent Study in Architecture must be accepted for work on a specific topic by a member of the University at Buffalo Architecture faculty, and must have the approval of the Architecture department chair. Students completing ARC 499 Independent Study in Architecture will also participate in events sponsored by the University at Buffalo Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UB CURCA). May be offered on an intermittent basis.