Architecture Design
Architecture Design, in a studio format, forms the core of the academic programme. Initially the scope of design exercises is limited to basic design issues, such as building form, scale and orientation. The complexity of design projects increases later to incorporate structure, material and technology, environment and ecology, building services, precedence and landscape. In the final semesters, students work on urban, macro-environmental and conservational design projects.
The curriculum supplements the design studio with lectures and seminar courses on the theoretical, technical, graphic and professional aspects of architecture.
History of Art and Architecture
The first three semesters of the five-semester course incorporate a survey of the art and architecture of selected historical periods and geographical regions, from antiquity until the present day in the eastern and western hemispheres of the world. The last two semesters of the course focus on the work of the modern masters and present-day architects in the east and the west.
Theories of Architecture
The first two semesters of the five-semester course constitute the study of the principles and elements of architectural design through graphic analysis of individual buildings, architectural complexes and urban compositions in both the historical and contemporary contexts. The latter three semesters of the course are devoted to the study of ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Modern and Post-Modern architectural treatises, both eastern and western, in order to appreciate the evolution of the theoretical discourse into architectural and urban principles of design.
Architectural Analysis
The course consists of a year long series of analytical drawing assignments and essays. Drawing assignments are executed in a sketchbook which becomes an integral part of the student’s portfolio and a resource for future investigations. The course is completed in two semesters with a module on analytical drawing followed by a module on planning and circulation, climate, landscaping and constructive systems. Students are encouraged to develop subjects of their choice. During the second semester students study five architects of international significance.
Materials and Construction
This six-semester course incorporates an understanding and analysis of materials of construction, elements of construction and constructional systems. The course deals in depth with most extensively used building materials in the local building context, the principles of construction with industrial materials, and protective and decorative finishes for walls, floors and roofs. The course analyses modular buildings and management of construction work, culminating with market surveys and a comparative analysis of the local and foreign construction industries.
Structures
The four-semester course begins in the third semester with a study of loads, stresses and strains, vectors and the resolution of forces, tension, compression sheer and bending. The fourth semester is devoted to the study of reinforced cement concrete members, such as different types of footings, columns, beams, slabs and stairs. The fifth semester deals with advanced reinforced cement concrete elements, such as folded plates, portal frames, shells, space frames and space decks.
The sixth semester focuses on tensile structures, seismic design, wind forces on tall buildings, and structural solutions as an integral part of architectural design.
Services and Systems
The two-semester course covers the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems required in modern buildings. The emphasis is on a conceptual understanding of the subject, to foster architectural design with well-integrated building systems.
The mechanical part of the course covers heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The topics include cooling load calculations, psychrometrics, vapour compression cycle, unitary, packaged, central air conditioning systems, indoor air quality, heating systems, evaporative cooling systems, applications of HVAC for various building types, consideration of HVAC systems in architectural design.
The electrical part of the course covers interior, exterior and emergency lighting, power distribution, standby and emergency power and vertical transportation (lifts and escalators).
The plumbing part of the course covers estimation of consumption and storage of water, cold and hot water supply, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, irrigation, pumps and pumping systems, demand calculation, fixtures and fittings, hot water producing equipment, piping materials and fire protection systems.
Computer Aided Design
The two-semester course provides proficiency and facility in Auto CAD (Computer Aided Design), a versatile design and drawing tool for designers, assisting them to prepare two- dimensional drawings and three-dimensional models.
The first part of the course in the 7th semester incorporates fundamental concepts and procedures; drawing, display and editing methods; creating two-dimensional drawings (plans, sections, and elevations), and plotting/printing procedures. The 8th semester is devoted to advanced two-dimensional drawing; advanced editing method; and three-dimensional rendered models and “walk throughs”.
Project Management
The course covers basic concepts of project management from inception to execution and delivery of the project; preparation of PC Proformas, CPM, PERT, to monitor progress, quality and cost; introduction to computer software for project management.
Professional Practice
The course is an overview of architectural practice. It discusses the diverse roles of the architect within the profession, and the possible future directions of the architectural profession. It also encourages an awareness of the social, professional and ethical obligations of an architect.
The technical aspect of the course covers contracts, sub-contracts and contract management; site supervision and clerk of works; the roles and responsibilities of client, contractor, sub-contractor and consultants; professional liabilities and indemnity; professional associations and statutory bodies (IAP and PCATP) and their respective roles and responsibilities; fee and expense structures, office management, salaries and overheads, employer - employee relationships and training opportunities.
Urban Open Space Design
A study of the linkages between the location design and use of urban open spaces through case studies and group assignments directed towards the creation of successful urban open spaces for public and semi-public use.
Dissertation
The students are required to research and prepare a 7,000 to 8,000 word document in the ninth-semester that is directed towards their final semester architectural thesis project. The dissertation is required to embody specific information about the subject of the thesis project and is to be undertaken with the guidance of a dissertation advisor. The dissertation, together with an oral examination (viva), is assessed by an internal jury panel. The student must pass the dissertation to be eligible to undertake the design thesis.
Design Thesis
The Design Thesis is an opportunity for the student to synthesize the accumulated knowledge and skills acquired during the previous semesters, to explore all stages of design, from conception through feasibility, towards a comprehensive design on a suitable site.
The student is required to have a thesis advisor to guide him/her through the design process, to the finished thesis presentation.
The design thesis is assessed by an external jury panel. The thesis is judged with regard to the originality of the work and the development of the concept, the use of materials and technology and the ability of the student to communicate these effectively through oral and graphic presentations.
Important | Curricula, courses and course outlines are continuously under review. The Indus Valley School reserves the right to alter, substitute, eliminate from or add to the list of courses and details at any time without notice.
