Academic Catalog

Department of Architecture

Glenn E. Wiggins, Department Head, 617-989-4470

FACULTY

Professors:	Ann Borst John Ellis Garrick Goldenberg Thomas M. Lesko	Terry Moor Weldon Pries Glenn Wiggins
Associate Professors:	Patricia Boge Kendall Carol Burns Charles J. Cimino Phillip L. Comeau Robert Cowherd Manuel Delgado	Andrew Johnston Mark A. Klopfer Anthony Kurneta Michael W. MacPhail Ann Pitt
Assistant Professors:	Elizabeth Gibb Lora Kim Mark Pasnik	Ingrid Strong Rob Trumbour
Director - Study Abroad	Rolf Backmann	Nicolas Westphal

DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-Arch): pre-professional degree in architecture.
Master of Architecture (MArch)*: NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture.
The Department’s first professional degree program is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). (See ‘Accreditation’)

*Approved by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (MDHE); pending review by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

MISSION STATEMENT
The Department of Architecture seeks to educate well-grounded design professionals, providing graduates with the skills and insight to make positive contributions to the built environment. The program places particular emphasis on the tangible, material nature of architecture and the technologies that inform it. The curriculum encompasses both the art and the science of architecture, examining the theoretical, historical, technological and cultural forces that shape our communities and the built environment.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The architecture program at Wentworth is structured as a ten-semester/four-year pre-professional degree (BS-Arch) followed by a two-semester/one-year professional degree (MArch). The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is comprised of eight semesters/four years of on-campus curriculum plus two semesters of co-op work experience. Following this, students may apply to the one-year graduate-level program, which provides the basis for awarding the Master of Architecture degree.

All entering freshmen are admitted to the BS-Arch program. During the sophomore year, students apply to one of three concentrations: Form and Culture, Tectonic Studies, or Built Environment (see ‘Program Concentrations’). Concentration selection is based on application, including a portfolio submission (see ‘Application Process’).

Upon successful completion of the BS-Arch curriculum, Wentworth students may apply to the MArch program at Wentworth, or may elect to continue their architectural studies elsewhere or to gain professional experience. Admission to the MArch program is based on a portfolio submission, GPA, a statement of intent and references (see ‘Application Process’). Students will complete their MArch program in the same academic concentration as their BS-Arch.

Students applying to the MArch program who have successfully completed a four-year NAAB-based program elsewhere will be eligible to complete the MArch at Wentworth in four semesters, contingent upon the department’s evaluation of their prior coursework.

---

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

The first two years of the BS-Arch program provide a broad introduction to the field of architecture and serve as the common core for all concentrations. Lecture courses convey an overview of the field—history, theory, technology, and practice—while studio courses focus on graphic skills, design fundamentals, and conceptual understanding of structure and building tectonics. The department’s emphasis on both the art and the science of architecture is stressed throughout this introductory curriculum.

The third and fourth years of the BS-Arch program build on the skills and knowledge of the first two years, while introducing students (by concentration) to more complex and varied studio topics—including building tectonics, site and environmental design, comprehensive design and community design—as well as structures, environmental systems and professional practice. Studio content is closely coordinated with co-requisite courses, encouraging students to make connections between subjects and to develop a well-synthesized approach to design. Concentration-specific coursework allows students to develop an area of focus within a broad-based architectural education (see ‘Program Concentrations’).

---

Master of Architecture

The MArch degree curriculum provides an intensely focused program of study within a given concentration. Special topics studio, coursework on research methods, and thesis preparation prepare the student for the final semester thesis studio and advanced topics seminar. This program offers each student the opportunity to fully develop and defend original research in the form of a design thesis. The MArch is first professional degree in architecture, and it is an essential credential for those who aspire to professional registration and licensure as architects.

Cooperative Work Experience
The Department of Architecture has a substantial and well-established co-op education component embedded in the curriculum. BS-Arch students spend two semesters working in an architectural or allied design professional office. The department collaborates with the Institute’s Career Center to reinforce the learning content of these placements, and work experience may be applied to the Intern Development Program (IDP), a required step towards professional licensure.

Study Abroad Programs
The Department of Architecture offers a one-semester study abroad option for students in the BS-Arch program. Curriculum during this semester is fully aligned with required program coursework in Boston, allowing normal progress towards graduation. Participation is by application; the program accepts a limited number of students and is selective. The current study abroad program is based in Berlin and led by a German architect who is a Wentworth faculty member. During their residence in Berlin, students work closely with German design and planning professionals as well as with German students through an institutional affiliation with the Fachhochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (FHTW). There is also intensive travel-based coursework, which gives students additional perspective. Commencing Spring 2010, an additional study abroad program based in southern France will be offered for the Built Environment concentration.

The Department of Architecture also has an agreement with The Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela, which provides the opportunity for interchange of students via co-op or focused travel/study programs.

PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS
The Architecture program at Wentworth offers three areas of concentration, which allow students to pursue a particular focus or point of emphasis in their study of architecture. The core architectural education is similar across concentrations: all achieve the same learning outcomes. Students express their preference of concentrations at the end of their second year (see ‘Concentration Selection Process’).

Form and Culture/FC
This concentration explores the influence of the arts, humanities, and society on architecture and design. Seen through the lens of history and cultural expression, traditional and emerging design methods are engaged.

Tectonic Studies/TS
This concentration offers students an in-depth knowledge of the craft of materials and architectural assemblies that inform design. Tectonic Studies emphasizes the tangible, material nature of architecture, encompassing the art and science of making buildings.

Built Environment/BE
This concentration provides students with the skills and insight to make positive contributions to cities and communities by developing an understanding of existing social and physical context. Built Environment places particular emphasis on the complementary nature of urban design, built heritage, and cultural landscapes.

BS-Arch Concentration Selection Process

Second-year students are required to submit a portfolio as part of the process for concentration selection. Students confer in advance with their academic advisor and studio faculty about which concentration best suits their interests and career goals. Placement in concentrations will be based upon a combination of a student’s departmental GPA

ARCH courses only and a portfolio evaluation by department faculty. Submission deadlines and portfolio requirements will be announced by the department.

MArch Degree Program Application Process

Fourth-year BS-Arch students at Wentworth who wish to continue in the architecture program, and outside applicants from other 4-year, NAAB-based, pre-professional degree programs are eligible to submit an application for the MArch degree program (see note below). See Graduate Architecture Program Admissions for details of the application and admissions process.

Note: Students who achieve a minimum departmental GPA of 3.2 (non-elective ARCH courses from 1st through 3rd years only) in the BS-Arch program at Wentworth will qualify to be automatically accepted to the MArch degree program. Students meeting this standard must submit only an application form and an official transcript.

---

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE (BSA)

FRESHMAN YEAR
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH115	Survey of Architecture I	3	0	3
ARCH155	Design Principles I	2	4	4
ENGL100	English I	4	0	4
MATH205	College Mathematics I	3	2	4
	Total	12	6	15
Spring Semester
ARCH165	Survey of Architecture II	3	0	3
ARCH175	Design Principles II	2	4	4
ENGL115	English II	3	0	3
MATH250	Precalculus	3	2	4
PHYS210	College Physics I	3	2	4
	Total	14	8	18
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH238	Materials and Methods I	4	0	4
ARCH245	Architectural Design and Technology I	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Social Science Elective	3	0	3
HUMN150	Art and Theory	4	0	4
	Total	11	12	17
Spring Semester		R	L	C
ARCH338	Materials and Methods II	4	0	4
ARCH345	Architectural Design and Technology I	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Upper Level HUSS Elective	4	0	4
LITR445	Literature and the Modern Age	4	0	4
ENGL350	Writing Competency Assessment	-	-	0
	Total	12	12	188
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE (BSA) Form and Culture Concentration
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH402	History of Architecture I	3	0	3
ARCH456	Studio III: Tectonics	0	12	6
ARCH481	Structures I	3	0	3
ARCH482	Site Planning and Landscape	3	0	3
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ARCH370	IDP Registration	-	-	0
		13	12	17
Spring Semester
ARCH502	History of Architecture II	3	0	3
ARCH516	Studio IV: Site & Environment	0	12	6
ARCH528	Environmental Systems	3	0	3
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
		10	12	16
Summer Semester				Credits
COOP400	Cooperative Education I			0
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester
ARCH554	Theory Studies	3	0	3
ARCH556	Studio V: Comprehensive Design (Study Abroad)	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Humanities or Social Science Elective	4	0	4
		11	12	17
Spring Semester		R	L	C
ARCH531	Structures II	3	0	3
ARCH625	Professional Practice I: Contract Documents	4	0	4
ARCH656	Studio VI: Community Design	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Humanities or Social	4	0	4
	Total	11	12	17
Summer Semester				Credits
COOP600	Cooperative Education II			0
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) Tectonic Studies
Junior Year
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH406	History of Architecture I	3	0	3
ARCH467	Studio III: Tectonics	0	12	6
ARCH481	Structures I	3	0	3
ARCH528	Environmental Systems	3	0	3
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ARCH370	IDP Registration	-	-	0
	Total	13	12	19
Spring Semester				Credits
COOP 400	Cooperative Education I			0
Summer Semester		R	L	C
ARCH482	Site Planning and Landscape	3	0	3
ARCH517	Studio IV: Site & Environment	0	12	6
ARCH604	History of Architecture II	3	0	3
ELECTIVE	Humanities or Social	4	0	4
		10	12	16
Senior Year
Fall Semester				Credits
COOP 600	Cooperative Education II			0
Spring Semester		R	L	C
ARCH558	Material Studies	3	0	3
ARCH567	Studio V: Comprehensive Design (Study Abroad)	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Humanities or Social Science Elective	4	0	4
		11	12	17
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE (BSA) Built Environment Concentration
Junior Year
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH408	History of Architecture I	3	0	3
ARCH469	Studio III: Tectonics	0	12	6
ARCH481	Structures I	3	0	3
ARCH528	Environmental Systems	3	0	3
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ARCH370	IDP Registration	-	-	0
		13	12	19
Spring Semester				Credits
COOP 400	Cooperative Education I			0
Summer Semester		R	L	C
ARCH482	Site Planning and Landscape	3	0	3
ARCH519	Studio IV: Site & Environment	0	12	6
ARCH606	History of Architecture II	3	0	3
ELECTIVE	Humanities or Social Science Elective	4	0	4
		10	12	16
Senior Year
Fall Semester				Credits
COOP 600	Cooperative Education II			0
Spring Semester		R	L	C
ARCH560	Urban Studies	3	0	3
ARCH569	Studio V: Comprehensive Design (Study Abroad)	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Humanities or Social	4	0	4
		11	12	17
Summer Semester		R	L	C
ARCH531	Structures II	3	0	3
ARCH625	Professional Practice I: Contract Documents	4	0	4
ARCH669	Studio VI: Community Design	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
		11	12	17
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (MARC)* Form and Culture Concentration
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH916	Studio VII: Special Topics	0	12	6
ARCH926	Thesis Preparation I: Research Methods	4	0	4
ARCH936	Thesis Preparation II: Project Development	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	General Elective	4	0	4
		12	12	18
Spring Semester
ARCH825	Professional Practice II: Project Management	4	0	4
ARCH956	Studio VIII: Thesis	0	12	6
ARCH976	Advanced Topics	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
		12	12	18
*Approved by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (MDHE); pending review by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (MARC)* Tectonic Studies Concentration
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH917	Studio VII: Special Topics	0	12	6
ARCH926	Thesis Preparation I: Research Methods	4	0	4
ARCH936	Thesis Preparation II: Project Development	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	General Elective	4	0	4
		12	12	18
Spring Semester
ARCH825	Professional Practice II: Project Management	4	0	4
ARCH967	Studio VIII: Thesis	0	12	6
ARCH977	Advanced Topics	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
		12	12	18
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (MARC)* Built Environment Concentration
Fall Semester		R	L	C
ARCH919	Studio VII: Special Topics	0	12	6
ARCH926	Thesis Preparation I: Research Methods	4	0	4
ARCH936	Thesis Preparation II: Project Development	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	General Elective	4	0	4
		12	12	18
Spring Semester
ARCH825	Professional Practice II: Project Management	4	0	4
ARCH969	Studio VIII: Thesis	0	12	6
ARCH979	Advanced Topics	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
		12	12	18

---

ACCREDITATION
The Department currently holds a full 6-year term of accreditation for its Master of Architecture degree program from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

“In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards. Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.”
NAAB Conditions for Accreditation, 2004

DESIGN STUDIO GRADE REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Architecture has a special grade requirement that applies to all design studio courses from the sophomore year onward. Students in the BS-Arch and the MArch degree programs must comply with the following design studio grade requirement:
Final grade must be C or better if the final grade in the previous design studio is less than a C.

Students who receive a final grade below C for two consecutive semesters are not permitted to continue in the program until they successfully repeat the second studio for which they received a sub-standard grade.

ACADEMIC STANDING - MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Students in the MArch program must maintain a minimum departmental GPA (ARCH courses only) of 3.0 to be in good academic standing.