Architecture today is an art, a technology and a business. In the modern building industry, the architect is the one person who considers the building as a whole end product. A building that serves a purpose, is built of materials using technology, has a cost, made for a client, provides an environment of space, light and human interaction, changes its context by its location and form and conveys artistic meaning.
For small buildings the architect can lead and manage the whole process. As projects become larger and more complex, the architect becomes a member of a team or sometimes the leader of the team, often just one member but always from the beginning sees the end product as a whole. From a comprehensive study of the requirements for a building the architect prepares a design concept which is continually adjusted and refined over the life of the project. The architect’s role is one of continual creativity.
The Architecture program provides graduates with an understanding of the forces that shape buildings and with the skills to guide those forces to a desired end product. The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree requires full time attendance for five years including a six months practical experience taken concurrently with program progress and prior to the graduation project. A total of 170 credits is required. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture degree requires full time attendance for three years including a two months practical experience. A total of 105 credits is required. Computer Aided Design, Furniture Design, Islamic Design, Studio Arts, and Photography are specialty options that can be undertaken as minors within the program
Students gain theoretical knowledge covered by lectures in theory of architecture, the history of architecture, architectural technology, architectural practice and architectural communication. Design skills are developed in studio and seminar sessions in which a graded series of design projects enable students to demonstrate the practical application of theory. Students present individual works, but work from time to time in group situations to develop team skills and communication techniques.