Academic Catalog

Department of Architecture

Glenn E. Wiggins, Department Head
Annex North Room 105
Phone: 617-989-4470

Faculty

Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science - Architecture
• Master of Architecture - Architeecture

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 (M. Arch). 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 below). 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 M. Arch 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.

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 below).

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.

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 several one-semester study abroad options 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 department currently sponsors†on leave Fall 2010 ‡on leave Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 study abroad programs in Berlin and the south of France, led by resident architects who are Wentworth faculty members. During their residence abroad, students work closely with local design and planning professionals as well as with local students and community groups. There is also intensive travel-based coursework, which gives students additional perspective.

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.

Architecture
Leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree

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 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’).

ARCHITECTURE (BSA)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester	Course	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	Course	R	L	C
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	Course	R	L	C
ARCH235	Materials and Methods I	4	0	4
ARCH245	Architectural Design and Technology I	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Lower Level Social Science Elective	3	0	3
HUMN150	Art and Theory	4	0	4
	Total	11	12	17
Spring Semester	Course	R	L	C
ARCH335	Materials and Methods II	4	0	4
ARCH345	Architectural Design and Technology I	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
LITR445	Literature and the Modern Age	4	0	4
ENGL350	Writing Competency Assessment	-	-	0
	Total	12	12	18

Form and Culture Concentration - Junior Year

Fall Semester	Course	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	19
Spring Semester	Course	R	L	C
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	Course	R	L	C
COOP400	Co-op Work Semester I			0

Form and Culture Concentration - Senior Year

Fall Semester	Course	R	L	C
ARCH554	Theory Studies	3	0	3
ARCH556	Studio V: Comprehensive Design (Study Abroad)	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
ELECTIVE	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
		11	12	17
Spring Semester	Course	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	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
	Total	11	12	17
Summer Semester	Course	R	L	C
COOP600	Co-op Work Semester II			0

Tectonic Studies - Junior Year

Fall Semester	Course	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	Course	R	L	C
COOP 400	Co-op Work Semester I			0
Summer Semester	Course	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	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
		10	12	16

Tectonic Studies - Senior Year

Fall Semester	Course	R	L	C
COOP 600	Co-op Work Semester II			0
Spring Semester	Course	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	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
		11	12	17
Summer Semester	Course	R	L	C
ARCH531	Structures II	3	0	3
ARCH625	Professional Practice I: Contract Documents	4	0	4
ARCH667	Studio VI: Community Design	0	12	6
ELECTIVE	Architectural Elective	4	0	4
		11	12	17

Built Environment Concentration - Junior Year

Fall Semester	Course	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	Course	R	L	C
COOP 400	Co-op Work Semester I			0
Summer Semester	Course	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	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
		10	12	16

Built Environment Concentration - Senior Year

Fall Semester	Course	R	L	C
COOP 600	Co-op Work Semester II			0
Spring Semester	Course	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	Upper Level Humanities or Social Science Elective*	4	0	4
		11	12	17
Summer Semester	Course	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

R=Class Hours Per Week, L=Lab Hours Per Week, C=Semester Credit Hours
* Please refer to the upper level humanities/social sciences elective requirement.

Architecture
Leading to the Master of Architecture Degree
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		R	L	C
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

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
		R	L	C
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

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		R	L	C
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

Architecture Electives

Architecture Electives are listed below by concentration (and other) categories to assist students in shaping their course of study. Students are not required to choose electives within their area of concentration, and are encouraged to pursue breadth as well as depth in their architectural studies.

The following list indicates the Department’s elective offerings during the last three years:

Form and Culture

• ARCH435 Design Methods
• ARCH449 Constructing Sacred Space
• ARCH453 History of Architectural Ornament
• ARCH554 Theory Studies
• ARCH590 Architectural Proportion: History, Theory & Application
• ARCH590 Conception and Representation: Analog Boundaries in Digital Design
• ARCH590 Design Thinking
• ARCH590 Generative Design Computing
• ARCH590 Heroic Modernism
• ARCH590 Informal Architecture | Social Engagements
• ARCH590 The Modern House
• ARCH590 The Other American Moderns
• ARCH590 Perception & Human Factors in Architecture
• ARCH590 Scandinavia
• ARCH590 Survey of Computational Design
• ARCH590 Why Architects Have Drawn

Tectonic Studies

• ARCH432 Environmental Acoustics and Lighting
• ARCH433 Tectonics And Design
• ARCH558 Material Studies
• ARCH590 Architecture, Energy, People
• ARCH590 Bridge Architecture and Design
• ARCH 590 Building Information Modeling in Architecture
• ARCH590 Caveats of Digital Design: Practical Application of Digital Design & Fabrication
• ARCH590 Computer-Based Structural Analysis & Design
• ARCH590 Constructing Engagements
• ARCH590 Design Computing & Digital Fabrication
• ARCH590 Materials in Design
• ARCH590 Plastic Geometries: Introduction to NURBS Modeling
• ARCH590 Sustainable Design
• ARCH590 Switzerland
• ARCH590 Visualization & Interpretation in Architecture

Built Environment

• ARCH560 Urban Studies
• ARCH566 Latin American Architecture & Landscape
• ARCH590 Architecture, Energy, People
• ARCH590 Boston, the City and the Sea
• ARCH590 Building the City of the Future
• ARCH590 Community Development as Urban Design
• ARCH590 Cultural Heritage & Urban Development
• ARCH 590 Introduction to Urban Design & Planning
• ARCH590 Italy
• ARCH590 Mapping the City
• ARCH590 Transitions in Religious Architecture in Asia Minor
• ARCH590 Transportation Intervention & Urban / Community Design
• ARCH590 Urban Infrastructure
• ARCH590 Urban Retrofit
• ARCH590 Vernacular Architecture
• ARCH590 Visual Perception & the City: The Lessons of Boston

Representation

• ARCH590 Architectural Analysis
• ARCH590 Architectural Photography
• ARCH590 Architecture Rendering: Color Techniques
• ARCH590 BIM & Advanced Representational Media
• ARCH590 Color Relations in Painting
• ARCH590 Drawing and Thinking
• ARCH590 Hand Drawing for Architects and Designers
• ARCH590 Sculpture

Professional Practice

• ARCH537 Project Planning
• ARCH590 Design Entrepreneurship
• ARCH627 Fundamentals of Design Finance