Course Descriptions

Please see the 2007-08 Portland State University Bulletin for a complete description of current courses.

Arch 100 Introduction to Architecture (4)
A course designed to introduce concepts, theories, and practices of the discipline of architecture. Includes the study of perceptual, environmental and historical concepts through lectures and individual projects in observing and making architectural space. Open to non-majors.

Arch 120 Basic Drawing (4)
An introduction to freehand drawing focused on the delineation of interior and exterior space, starting with drawing from observation to speculative drawings, including the study of light conditions. Open to non-majors.

Arch 180, 181 Design Fundamentals Studio 1, 2 (6, 6)
Foundation design studio sequence that initiates an awareness of the creative language of architecture through assignments in drawing, modeling, and artful making. Courses must be taken in sequence.

Arch 201, 202 Architectural Project Management 1, 2 (6, 6)
Set of two courses to develop project management techniques for profitable construction administration. Coursework includes utilization of estimating, critical path, and presentation software relevant to current practices. Courses must be taken in sequence.

Arch 225 Digital Graphics (4)
A beginning computer graphics course that has at its core the idea to probe, to experiment, and to investigate the computer’s 3-D modeling capability as a tool for rigorous design investigations. Prerequisite: Arch 180.

Arch 230, 231, 232 Architecture and Cultural History I, II, III (4, 4, 4)
A series of courses tracing the history of Western culture through its architecture from the early Paleolithic Age to the 20th Century.

Arch 280, 281, 282 Architectural Design Studio I, II, III (6, 6, 6)
Studio investigations of fundamental design concepts, issues, and processes. Projects and exercises focus on the concepts of making three-dimensional forms -- organization, proportion, scale, human activities, and site/building design relationships. Courses must be taken in sequence. Prerequisites: Arch 100, 180, 181, and passing Portfolio Review.

Arch 330, 331 20th Century Architectural History & Theory 1, 2 (4, 4)
Introduction to the history and theories of Modernism from the late 19th Century to the present. Explores diverse contemporary issues with a focus on the relationship between theory and the art of making buildings. Prerequisite: 6 credits of lower-division art history.

Arch 340 The Profession of Architecture (4)
Introduction to the profession and practices of architecture. Topics include education, licensure, ethics, and architecture’s specialized knowledge.

Arch 343 Architectural Project Management III (6)
Concluding course to develop project management techniques for profitable construction administration. Coursework includes utilization of software relevant to current practices and final project. Prerequisites: Arch 201, 202.

Arch 344 Construction Codes and Compliance (4)
Examination of codes and regulations that govern construction with an emphasis on practical application. Industry standards include: Uniform Building Code, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Oregon amendments.

Arch 345 Advanced Construction Projects (4)
Practical experience in architectural project management, estimating, site inspection, scheduling, and other construction field applications; usually with a contractor, material supplier, or construction trades service provider.

Arch 350, 351 Architectural Structures 1, 2 (4, 4)
A two-course sequence introducing structural characteristics involved in the design and construction of buildings: statics/strengths of materials and structural design problems. Prerequisites: Math 111 and 112.

Arch 360, 361 Architectural Building Technology 1, 2 (4, 4)
A two-course sequence introducing technologies involved in the design and construction of buildings: materials and methods, mechanical systems, and environmental building systems. Prerequisite: Arch 100.

Arch 367 Fundamentals of Environmental Design (4)
Concepts of climate and its relationship to personal comfort. Approaches and concepts range from urban design to individual buildings in order to minimize use of mechanical systems. Prerequisite: Jr. year standing.

Arch 380, 381, 382 Architectural Design Studio IV, V, VI (6, 6, 6)
Intermediate level studio investigations of architectural design based upon supporting human activities, structure, and theory. Includes individual criticism, lectures, and seminar discussions. Courses must be taken in sequence; Prerequisites: Arch 281, 282, 283

Arch 410 Selected Topics
Intermittent offerings focusing on architecture and design issues as determined by faculty and students. Credits to be arranged.

Arch 420/520 Advanced Architectural Graphics (4)
Studio assignments engaging a full range of exploratory drawings and models to explore spatial representation.

Arch 421/521 Urban Design Methods (4)
Introduction to analytical and synthetic research methodologies inherent in the design of natural, architectural and urban contexts essential to contemporary urban design practice.

Arch 4/525, 4/526 Architectural Computer Graphics 1, 2 (4, 4)
Introduction to computer-assisted design. Courses focus on software as used in the architectural field. Arch 425 introduces methods for constructing 2-D drawings; Arch 426 introduces methods for visualizing 3-D architectural spaces and forms. Prerequisite: Arch 180 and 181, or consent of instructor.

Arch 430/530 Contemporary Architectural Theory (4)
Seminar course investigating architectural theory and critical thought by examination of key texts and contemporary architectural works.

Arch 431/531 Studies in Contemporary Urban Design (4)
Seminar course investigating the relationships between the making of individual works of architecture and the making of cities.

Arch 432/532 History & Theory of Urban Design (3)
Introduction to the development of historical and contemporary urban design with parallel developments in architecture and urban planning.

Arch 466 Specifications Interpretation (4)
Use of specifications and interpreting plans organized around the Construction Specifications Institute format for construction documents.

Arch 480, 481, 482 Architectural Design Studio VII, VIII, IX (6, 6, 6)
Advanced level investigations of architectural design based on supporting human activities, structure, and theory. Includes individual criticism, lectures, and seminar discussions. Courses must be taken in sequence. Prerequisites: Arch 380, 381, 382.