ARCH 201: Architectural Design I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 54
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: ARCH 110.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Exploration of design and architectural basic elements. Develop the process of architectural design with an emphasis on two and three dimensional communication techniques. Basic design exercises focusing on simple buildings and their relationship to site and program. Explores the tools required to begin the formulation of design concepts and structure. This exploration is supported by discussion, observations, and hands-on experimentation, including research of precedents. The goal is to develop a process of design that draws from many sources in order to solidify a concept. Craftsmanship, clarity, and eloquence are highly valued in the construction of design submittals and in written and verbal presentations. A portfolio of the assigned design exercises completes the course requirements. 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Exploration of Design and Architectural basic elements. Develop the process of architectural design with an emphasis on two and three dimensional communication techniques.
  • Basic design exercises focusing on simple buildings and their relationship to site and program.
  • Analyze architectural issues such as site, circulation, program, building structure and enclosure. Apply this knowledge to convey design concepts.
  • Critique architectural issues and ideas discussed in the context of design projects presented in the design studio.
  • Demonstrate application of structural and building material knowledge through architectural design projects.
  • Choose and use appropriate two and three dimensional visual/digital media to develop and present student architectural design projects.
  • Compare the elements of architecture in the traditional styling of structures.
  • Select components of styles and design with appropriate balance and proportions for a particular motif.

Major Course Content

Exploration of Design and Architectural basic elements. Develop the process of architectural design with an emphasis on two and three dimensional communication techniques. Basic design exercises focusing on simple buildings and their relationship to site and program.

  1. Investigate the relationships between site, circulation, program, structure and enclosure in architectural design problems.
  2. Refine the design process examining the relationship between analysis and synthesis.
  3. Discuss architectural design theory in the context of design projects.
  4. Discuss construction material and structural systems. Consider comprehensive architectural design solutions.
  5. Discuss visual and digital techniques used in design and presentation.

Lab Content

  1. Investigate the relationships between site, circulation, program, structure and enclosure in architectural design problems.
    1. Site Plans, Orientation and Site Development
    2. Architectural Styles: Types and Proportions of Elements
    3. Safety and Environmental Problems
  2. Refine the design process examining the relationship between analysis and synthesis.
  3. Discuss architectural design theory in the context of design projects.
    1. Site Plans, Orientation and Site Development
    2. Architectural Styles: Types and Proportions of Elements
    3. Safety and Environmental Problems
  4. Discuss construction material and structural systems. Consider comprehensive architectural design solutions.
    1. Structural Planning: Ceiling Joist and Floor Joist Spans
    2. Air Conditioning, Plumbing
    3. Fireplaces
    4. Architectural Styles: Types and Proportions of Elements
    5. Safety and Environmental Problems
  5. Discuss visual and digital techniques used in design and presentation

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Frank Ching, Architectural Graphics, Second Edition, Von Nostran Reinhold.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

answer questions, write essays, research papers, lab reports, and journals.
Example: Written explanation of research of precedents and solutions. Usually placed on presentation boards.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Solve design problems. Develop models. Practice skills - Presentation boards and model making. Story book portfolio layout. Study - Building Codes and research for presentation boards. Observe critiques of portfolio presentations. Research requirements for a portfolio. Relate research to the portfolio. Composing portfolio. Students will be required to complete the following types of assignments outside of the regular class time: draw, study, answer questions, practice skills, read required materials, solve problems, write essays, research papers, lab reports, and journals. Students will also observe activities related to course content, participate in activities related to course content.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lab, Online Education Lecture