Architecture, B.S./M. Arch.

Mathematics Requirement

MATH 136 - Precalculus  or MATH 213 - Calculus I and Lab  are required for all Architecture majors, and are a prerequisite for required courses in the structures sequence. Successful completion of one of these courses also fulfills the University’s Core requirement in mathematics. Students are encouraged to complete the highest level of mathematics that they place into, in recognition of the fact that some Roger Williams University minors and graduate study options at other universities may require calculus. Students seeking to complete a Minor in Structural Engineering must complete MATH 213 - Calculus I and Lab .

Science Requirement

Architecture majors are required to complete

• PHYS 109 - Physics I - Algebra based and Lab

• or

• PHYS 201 - Physics I with Calculus and Lab

• or

• ENGR 210 - Engineering Statics

• and either

• CORE 101 - Scientific Investigations

• or

• BIO 104 - Biology II and Lab

• or

• NATSC 103 - Earth Systems Science and Lab

Design

The design studio sequence consists of core studios, advanced undergraduate studios, comprehensive design studio, graduate studios, and a final graduate thesis design studio. The Core consists of five sequential semesters addressing fundamental architectural design issues, and graphic skills. This is followed by one semester of advanced architectural design studio and one advanced topical studio in urban issues. At the graduate level, students undertake comprehensive design studio, and two additional graduate topical studios, before exploring a thesis topic of their own choosing for the final semester of the professional degree program.

• ARCH 113 - Architectural Design Core Studio I
• ARCH 114 - Architectural Design Core Studio II
• ARCH 213 - Architectural Design Core Studio III
• ARCH 214 - Architectural Design Core Studio IV
• ARCH 313 - Architectural Design Core Studio V
• ARCH 413 - Advanced Architectural Design Studio
• ARCH 416 - Advanced Topical Design Studio: Urban
• ARCH 513 - Comprehensive Project Design Studio
• ARCH 515 - Graduate Architectural Design Studio (two studios)
• ARCH 613 - Graduate Thesis Design Studio

History/Theory

The History/Theory sequence is a three-part structure of required introductory and intermediate courses, and advanced elective options. Students complete a two-course introductory survey of Art and Architectural History, followed by a History of Modern Architecture and Theory of Architecture requirements, one intermediate course in the History of Architecture chosen from a broad menu of options, and one advanced elective option:

• AAH 121 - History of Art and Architecture I

• and

• AAH 122 - History of Art and Architecture II

•  

• ARCH 325 - History of Modern Architecture
• ARCH 322 - Theory of Architecture

Environment and Human Behavior

Environment and Human Behavior coursework develops student’s skills and understanding relative to environment, social aspects and research methodology.

• ARCH 321 - Site and Environment
• ARCH 522 - Environmental Design Research

Technical Systems

The Technical Systems sequence gives students an essential understanding of the practical and theoretical interrelationships between the structural, environmental and enclosure systems of a building, and introduces them to various building materials, assemblies and services. Students complete seven required courses, including a three course structures sequence and two courses each in Construction Materials and Assemblies and in Environmental Systems.

• ARCH 335 - Structure, Form and Order
• ARCH 434 - Design of Structures I
• ARCH 435 - Design of Structures II
• ARCH 231 - Construction Materials and Assemblies I
• ARCH 331 - Construction Materials and Assemblies II
• ARCH 332 - Acoustics and Lighting
• ARCH 333 - Building Systems: Equipment for Buildings

Practice and Professional Development

Practice and Professional Development coursework develops students’ communication skills and understanding of the role of architects within society and in relation to the various participants in the building process. This sequence culminates with the Graduate Thesis Seminar, where students are asked to formulate an independent architectural investigation that engages a set of issues that further their understanding of Architecture as a cultural medium and as a profession.

• VARTS 101 - Foundations of Drawing
• ARCH 101 - Foundations of Architecture
• ARCH 287 - Introduction to Computer Applications in Design
• ARCH 488 - Computer Applications for Professional Practice
• ARCH 542 - Professional Practice
• ARCH 641 - Graduate Thesis Research Seminar

Architecture Electives

In addition to the elective options outlined above in History/ Theory, the completion of four Architecture Electives is required for graduation, with a minimum of three at the Graduate Level.

Undergraduate Architecture Electives

• ARCH 430 - Special Topics in Architecture
• ARCH 461 - Landscape Architecture: Theory and Practice
• ARCH 477 - Architecture in Context
• ARCH 484 - Construction Estimating and Scheduling
• 300 Level or above Historic Preservation courses
• 300 Level or above Urban and Regional Planning courses

Graduate Architecture Electives:

Graduate electives are grouped in the areas of Sustainable Design, Urban Design, Digital Media, Historic Preservation, and Urban and Regional Planning.

Electives

Completion of two electives outside of the major is required for graduation. Students are advised to apply one of these electives to expand the University Core Concentration into a minor.

Students are free to choose from the University’s course offerings to satisfy this requirement. Prerequisites for MATH 136 - Precalculus  ( MATH 117 - College Algebra ) and prerequisites for WTNG 102 - How Writing Works  ( WTNG 100 - Introduction to Academic Writing ) will not count as electives toward the Bachelor of Science/Master of Architecture degree sequence.