Overview

The department of Architecture at ALHOSN University offers a four-years (B.Arch) leading to a bachelor in Architecture. This unique program in Abu Dhabi came to strengthen the option of the University for providing the employment market with high skilled specialists and designers of the built environment. It responds indeed to the growing need for appropriate architecture adapted to the cultural, economical and technological characteristics and potentialities of the region.

Goals

The mission of the Department of Architecture is to educate students in preparation for a career in architecture by providing them with a thorough comprehension of the knowledge and influences that define the forms of the built environment, while recognizing the need to remain current and adjust to changing social, physical, and technical influences.

Objectives

The wide range of elements to be addressed in achieving the mission through an architectural curriculum can be generally categorized in four broad areas of study:
Cultural Knowledge - Design and Creative Development - Building Science - Professional practice
Within each of these four areas, there are specific learning objectives that are developed through the curriculum and incorporated into the four years of the program. These objectives constitute the basis of the courses in the program and provide the essential learning parameters for a comprehensive architectural education.

Cultural Knowledge

This component of the curriculum provides a basic understanding of the cultural backgrounds, contexts, and societal priorities that become expressed through architecture and the related arts.آ The objectives in this area are:

This component of the curriculum provides a basic understanding of the cultural backgrounds, contexts, and societal priorities that become expressed through architecture and the related arts. The objectives in this area are:
- To introduce the history of architecture and its relationship to the other arts.
- To understand the physical and cultural parameters of the human being and the subsequent requirements for shelter and accommodation.
- To develop an awareness of the influence that context has on the design of architecture.
- To cultivate an awareness of the design influences of contemporary society, their impact on the built form, and future directions evolving from current parameters.

Design and Creative Development
The design courses are the primary focus of an architectural education and are augmented both directly and indirectly by the knowledge and skills developed in other areas of the curriculum. This component of the educational process is critical, as it forms the basis for all architectural design. The objectives are:
- To introduce architectural theories as elemental processes, values, concepts, and design influences leading to a personal philosophy of architectural design.
- To develop a wide vocabulary of techniques with which to explore design solutions (2-D and 3-D graphics and spatial comprehension, the use of color, texture, lighting and other design elements).
- To develop an ability for analytical thinking as a means of addressing architectural problems through research, data collection, and analysis of information, all leading to a clear understanding of the problem.
- To develop a sensitivity for the relationship of building to site and urban context.
- To develop an ability to contribute constructively to a team effort in group learning situations.

Building Science

Knowledge of the technical aspects of design and building are essential to ensure successful conversion of the architectural concepts into an environment that satisfies the parameters of shelter and the enrichment of human activities. The objectives are:
-To introduce the nature and use of materials, and the construction assemblies and methodologies that define the building envelope.
- To become fully conversant with structural engineering principles as they apply to the built form, and to acknowledge structure as an integral component of architectural design.
- To become knowledgeable regarding the mechanical engineering principles of a building, including heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, fire safety, etc.
- To become knowledgeable regarding the electrical services of a building.
- To become knowledgeable regarding the parameters involved in the preservation, renovation, conversion.

Professional Practice

As society matures and becomes more complex, resulting in the increased role of regulatory bodies, and as the technical elements of design and construction become more intricate and integrated, professional societies are necessarily established to administer and maintain architectural proficiency. The objectives in this area include:
- To instill in the architectural student a sense of social responsibility, including the preservation of the biosphere, as well as responding to other social priorities such as handicap accessibility, homelessness, cultural heritage, etc. (This objective is identified as an overall attitude to design that is applied throughout the curriculum and is incorporated fully into lectures and studio projects).
- To introduce the issues of legal responsibilities, professional and business ethics, the role of building codes, by-laws, zoning and other elements pertaining to a professional practice.
- To introduce the financial management aspects of an architectural practice.
- To introduce the elements of business management in a professional firm.
- To introduce the role of the professional associations and their relationship to the practicing architect.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates should be able to pursue a career as architects in either public or private sectors. They will positively influence the quality of the built environment to be produced through their high professional standards, knowledge and creativity. With their solid academic foundation in this program, graduates should also de able to pursue graduate studies in architecture, or urban planning.

Faculty List

Teaching Assistants

Program

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