See also - Architecture Curriculum.
Architecture Design
Architecture Design, in a studio format, forms the core of the
academic programme; it is the principal focus of the curriculum during
each semester, from semester three until semester nine. The scope of the
design exercises during the earlier semesters are limited to basic design
issues, such as building form, scale and orientation.
During the later semesters, however, the complexity of the design projects increases progressively to address issues of structure, materials and technology, environment and ecology, building services, precedence and landscape. During the final semesters of the programme, urban, macro-environmental and conservational design projects aim to comprehensively integrate the principles of architectural design.
The curriculum supplements the Architecture 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, by graphically
analysing individual buildings, architectural complexes and urban compositions
in 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 on architectural and urban principles of design.
Architectural Analysis
Learning from what exists is often the best form of education.
Architectural analysis equips students with a habit that hopefully will
be used for the rest of their lives as responsible architects and contributors
to society.
A year long series of both analytical drawing assignments and essay writing is the method of teaching. Drawing assignments are executed in a dedicated sketchbook. The sketchbook becomes an integral part of the student’s portfolio and a resource for future investigations. Parameters are provided in terms of subject matter, but the students are encouraged to purse independent lines of thought.
The course is completed in two semesters. The first term begins with a block dedicated to analytical drawing. This is followed by blocks on planning and circulation, climate, landscaping and constructive systems. From these guide lines, students are encouraged to explore related subjects of their choosing.
The second block deals with five architects that span the globe. The intent is to show how geography, technology and sociology can affect similar programs differently.
Students are given assignments on a weekly basis. Grading is on the basis of work throughout the semester and a final project.
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 3rd 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 A/C 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; 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; 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”.
Construction Management
The course provides a conceptual basis for the understanding of
the project and construction management cycle, and the requirements for
designing and implementing an effective control system within an architectural
firm. It also offers an insight into the available tools for the management
of construction projects and which are required to bring a project to
completion on time, within budget and with the pre-determined quality.
The course topics include an architectural firm’s role in the construction phase of the project cycle; the tendering process and dynamics; project planning, scheduling, critical path concepts, cost control, site supervision and quality control; engineering law and comparison of bids.
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.
Dissertation
The student is required to research and prepare a 7,000 to 8,000 word
research document on a topic of his/her choice. The choice of topic is
recommended, although not required, to aid the student in determining
his/her Design Thesis project. The Dissertation is required to embody
specific, relevant and accurate information about the chosen topic, and
to be a thorough and insightful discussion of this information.
The Dissertation 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
As the culmination of his/her architectural education at the School,
the student is required to undertake research on a project of his/her
choice during the final (tenth) semester of the programme. 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 inception 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 Thesis submission is required to include the necessary drawings and models.
The Design Thesis is assessed by an external Jury panel. The Thesis is judged with regard to the originality of the work and development of the concept; use of materials and technology; presentation of the work; and the ability to communicate effectively the potential of the Thesis project.
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.
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2000-7 IVS |