Architectural Technology Programs and Emerging Technologies

Architectural technology programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. These programs often combine traditional architectural education with the latest technologies.

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a crucial tool in architectural technology, allowing students to create detailed designs and models with precision and accuracy. Many architectural technology programs require students to have a solid understanding of CAD software.

Architectural technology programs also focus on building information modeling (BIM), a process that uses digital models to plan and manage construction projects. BIM has become an essential tool in the construction industry, and architectural technology programs are designed to prepare students to use it effectively.

By incorporating emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), architectural technology programs are preparing students for a rapidly changing industry.

The Architectural Technology program requires a total of 66 credits to complete. You'll need to take a combination of core courses, electives, and general education requirements.

Here are the core courses you'll need to take:

You'll also need to take a series of courses in the second year, including Residential Details (ARCH 116), Working Drawings (ARCH 162), and Rendering and Illustration (ARCH 167).

In addition to these core courses, you'll need to take a number of electives, including Advanced Materials of Construction (ARCH 207), Structural Systems (ARCH 212), and Environmental Systems (ARCH 257).

Here is a summary of the program requirements:

The program also requires you to take a number of general education courses, including English Composition (ENG 106) and a Humanities Elective.

The Architectural Technology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field. The program requires a total of 66 credits to complete.

The program is divided into four parts, each covering a specific aspect of architectural technology. The first part covers the fundamentals of architectural technology, including materials of construction and CAD in architecture.

Here's a breakdown of the program's schedule:

The second part of the program covers residential details, working drawings, and rendering and illustration. This part of the program requires students to take ARCH 116, ARCH 162, ARCH 167, and ARCH 172.

The third part of the program covers advanced materials of construction, structural systems, site and microclimate design, and life safety and building codes. This part of the program requires students to take ARCH 207, ARCH 212, ARCH 216, and ARCH 262.

The final part of the program covers environmental systems, architectural history, individual design studio, and group design studio. This part of the program requires students to take ARCH 257, ARCH 267, ARCH 272, and ARCH 276.

If you're interested in a career in building design and construction, there are several job titles to consider.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technician is a role that involves using software to create detailed designs and models of buildings and infrastructure.

BIM (Building Information Modeling) Technician is another option, where you'll work with building information models to create detailed digital representations of buildings and infrastructure.

Design Professional is a broad term that encompasses a range of roles, from architects to engineers and interior designers.

Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of construction projects.

Facility Designer is a role that involves designing and planning the layout and functionality of buildings and facilities.

VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Technician is a job that involves using virtual design and construction techniques to improve the efficiency and accuracy of building design and construction processes.

To succeed in architectural technology, you need to have a solid foundation in technical skills and knowledge. Demonstrating proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is crucial for creating innovative and functional architectural designs.

To achieve this, you'll need to master a range of software and tools, including those for architectural design. This will enable you to efficiently apply architectural design principles and methodologies to create solutions that meet the needs of clients and stakeholders.

Key areas of focus include understanding fundamental construction materials, methods, building systems, and structural principles. This knowledge will help you interpret and apply relevant building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility standards within the architectural design process.

Here are some essential skills and knowledge areas to focus on:

By mastering these skills and knowledge areas, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of architectural technology and create innovative, functional, and sustainable designs.

As you delve into the world of architectural design, you'll want to focus on developing a strong foundation of essential skills. One of the most crucial skills you'll learn is how to demonstrate technical proficiency in utilizing industry-standard software and tools for architectural design.

You'll also need to apply architectural design principles and methodologies efficiently to create innovative and functional solutions. This will involve understanding fundamental construction materials, methods, building systems, and structural principles applicable to architectural projects.

To effectively communicate your ideas, you'll need to develop strong communication skills through visual, written, and oral means. This will involve producing comprehensive architectural documentation and presentations suitable for various stakeholders.

Here are some key skills you'll learn:

The unexpected is a crucial aspect of design, as it often arises from the tension between technical approaches and human interpretation of data.

In a highly controlled process, unexpected aspects can emerge from the material agency of certain elements, blurring the line between control and unpredictability.

At different scales, such as urban, architectural, and constructive, a project can be approached and transformed, revealing new tensions and hidden directions.

A 2D-designed process of image reading can decompress spatial graphic information and determine the outlines of intervention, setting the stage for further transformation.

The repetitive component in a design can offer a rich gradient of void-solidity and textures, materializing the tensions and hidden directions within a structure.

In fabrication, the support material needed for construction can become a part of the design, rather than being removed, allowing for a slow process of natural dissolution to take place.

This approach can result in a building that continuously re-proposes itself from a formal and programmatic point of view, defying the idea of complete control.