Bachelor in Architectural Studies - Study Plan

Design Studio 1: Idea and Form

The initial course in the design studio sequence provides a project-based introduction to architectural design tools and methods.

Graphic Communication 1

This workshop course provides an introduction to the essential tools of architectural representation, through the use both of digital and manual tools.

Applied Physics in Architecture 1

This course is an overview of basic principles in physics, as they relate to the field of architecture. Dealing primarily with statics, it prepares students for their later studies of structural calculation.

IE Module: Introduction to Management

Design Studio 2: Form and Material

The second course in the design studio sequence introduces site and programming and continues delving into architectural design tools and methods.

Graphic Communication 2

Continued study of the graphic language of architecture, focusing on three-dimensional representation and advanced concepts in orthographic projection.

Architectural Geometry 1

An introduction to the computational logic behind point, line, plane and form, including the fundamentals of coding in architecture.

Architecture Histories and Contexts

An introduction to key architectural movements, concepts, and terms, providing a broad overview of the history of architecture in its broader social context.

Applied Physics in Architecture 1

This course is an overview of basic principles in physics, as they relate to the field of architecture. Dealing primarily with statics, it prepares students for their later studies of structural calculation.

IE Module: Interpersonal Skills

Digital Tools and Operations

The essentials of crafting digital graphics in architecture, with a general introduction to the relationship of graphic tools and design intent.

Design Studio 3: Experience

This semester of Design Studio, the central course in the degree program, deals primarily with the creation of experience in architecture through the manipulation of architectural elements.

Architectural Geometry 2

A continuing introduction to the computational logics behind point, line, plane and form, with a focus on parametric operations.

Applied Mathematics in Architecture 2

A survey of how the mathematical concepts and operations in the first semester of this course can be, and have historically been, applied to the field of architecture.

Construction Systems and Applications

An introduction to the fundamentals of contemporary building construction systems.

Structural Types 1

A survey of the basic structural systems available to the architect, and their application in buildings.

Experimentation Workshop 1

In this workshop students will develop their analytical, artistic, and craft abilities, dealing with topics and methods outside the confines of the architectural disciplines such as site-specific installations, graphic novels and short films, among others.

Design Studio 4: Program

This semester of Design Studio, the central course in the degree program, deals primarily with the relationship of a building’s uses to its form and overall strategy.

Environmental Systems and Strategies 1

An introduction to the fundamentals of active and passive environmental building systems in architecture, with a special focus on sustainability and high-performance building strategies.

Introduction to Urban and Regional Studies

An introduction to the basic principles of urban design, urban history, and urban culture.

Applied Physics in Architecture 2

A continuing overview of basic principles in physics, as they relate to the field of architecture. This semester focuses on waves, especially heat and sound, preparing students for their later studies in building systems and sustainability.

Design Entrepreneurship Workshop 1

The integration workshop brings internationally-recognized architects and designers to Segovia for a week-long workshop. Students learn how to deal with the many disciplines, stakeholders, and considerations involved in the realization of an architectural project.

Design Studio 5: Technique

This semester of Design Studio, the central course in the degree program, deals primarily with the skillful and controlled manipulation of building materials in order to create a desired effect or to create a desired spatial condition.

Construction Systems and Applications 2

An exploration of complex building construction systems, and an analysis of the constructive logics that apply to each system.

Architecture History and Theory 1

The first course in the architectural history and theory sequence, the course provides a historical overview from prehistory to the Renaissance.

Experimentation Workshop 2

In this workshop students will develop their analytical, artistic, and craft abilities, dealing with topics and methods outside the confines of the architectural disciplines such as site-specific installations, graphic novels and short films, among others.

Design Studio 6: The Existing

This semester of Design Studio, the central course in the degree program, focuses on the development of architectural projects within existing structures or in highly-consolidated areas within the urban fabric.

Structural Calculation 2

Advanced topics in the mathematical design of building structures and structural elements.

Environmental Systems and Strategies 2

An in-depth study of the design of a building’s environmental control systems, approached through the lens of high-performance building and sustainability.

Construction Systems and Applications 3

This course encourages students to apply the logic and methods used in the design and construction of buildings to problems outside the traditional boundaries of the discipline of architecture.

Architecture History and Theory 2

The second course in the architectural history and theory sequence, provides a historical overview from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution.

Design Entrepreneurship Workshop 2

The integration workshop brings internationally-recognized architects and designers to Segovia for a week-long workshop. Students learn how to deal with the many disciplines, stakeholders, and considerations involved in the realization of an architectural project.

Design Studio 7: Aggregation

This semester of Design Studio, the central course in the degree program, focuses on the use of repetitive elements to create a larger whole, in this case, to create collective housing within the city.

IE Module: Ethics

An introduction to the professional work of the architect, including legal, regulatory, and business aspects of practice. The course focuses on novel modes of architectural organization and both global and Spanish regulations and codes of conduct.

Professional Deontology

Construction Systems and Applications 4

This advanced course in building construction allows students to engage the construction trades and to begin to consider how architects can productively partner with industry to create innovative and economical building construction solutions.

Architecture History and Theory 3

The third course in the architectural history and theory sequence, provides a historical overview from the Industrial Revolution to the early Modern Movement.

Urban Management

An introduction to the complex network of public agencies and private organizations responsible for the workings of the contemporary city.

Experimentation Workshop 3

In this workshop students will develop their analytical, artistic, and craft abilities, dealing with topics and methods outside the confines of the architectural disciplines such as site-specific installations, graphic novels and short films, among others.

Design Studio 8: Territory

This semester of Design Studio, the central course in the degree program, prepares students for their later work in the Undergraduate Thesis project by dealing with the assemblage of larger groupings of buildings at the scale of the territory.

Advanced Architectural Graphics

Advanced topics in digital technologies for architectural representation and design, including building information modelling (BIM), virtual reality, and digital composition.

Advanced Structures and Foundations

In-depth study of complex structures and foundations, with special focus on novel solutions and recent technological developments.

Architecture History and Theory 4

The fourth course in the architectural history and theory sequence provides a historical overview from the early Modern Movement through Postmodernism.

Alternative Practices: Urban Infrastructure

The course also deals with the elements of urban infrastructure that facilitate a sustainable urban core

Alternative Practices: Management and Entrepreneurship

Part of the Alternative Practices sequence, this course introduces allows students to develop their management and entrepreneurial skills through by running a simulated business. Students develop product prototypes, business plans, and marketing strategies.

Alternative Practices: Digital Studies

Part of the Alternative Practices sequence, this course introduces students to the use of virtual reality and gaming software to explore new modes of architectural representation and design.

Alternative Practices: Design

Part of the Alternative Practices sequence, this course introduces students to a broad range of design practices, including graphic design, product design, and event design.

Alternative Practices: Landscape and Environment

Part of the Alternative Practices sequence, this course introduces students to the field of landscape architecture.

Design Studio 9: Synthesis

The development of a complex and complete architectural project, integrating the technical, social, regulatory, environmental and historical work conducted up to this point.

Advanced Technical Studies

An advanced course in architectural technologies and building construction, intended to facilitate the students’ work in Design Studio 9.

Capstone Project

Students develop and present an individual research project based on their individual interests in architecture

Advanced Design Studio

A comprehensive design studio, dealing with complex, contemporary challenges in the urban setting, with special attention to the legal, economic, regulatory and social contexts in which architects work.

Advanced Construction Workshop 1

This hands-on construction workshop supports the Advanced Design Studio. Students learn to integrate structural, mechanical and environmental systems, with special attention to the relevant codes and regulations, as well as to the challenges posed by the need for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Thesis Project – Module 1

In this initial phase of the Thesis Project, students conduct research on the proposed topic, and determine the scope, site, and proposed program for their final design project.

Creativity and Organization

This course forms part of the Management Studies sequence in the Master of Architecture, dealing with the interface of creative work and the organizations set up to perform it. Students will examine theories of organization in creative fields as well as the relevant institutional structures surrounding the professional practice of architecture and related design fields.

Project Management

This course forms part of the Management Studies sequence in the Master of Architecture, focusing on the supervision, preparation, and management of projects, especially as related to the built environment.

Strategy

This course forms part of the Management Studies sequence in the Master of Architecture, providing an introduction to strategic management, with special emphasis on creative and professional fields.

Advanced Construction Workshop 2

This workshop supports the technical development of the Thesis Project, providing individualized feedback on the structural, mechanical, and environmental systems, as well as all relevant codes and regulations.

Thesis Project – Module 2

In the second phase of the Thesis Project, students begin to define the primary design elements of their projects, dealing with site conditions, building systems, materials and, all applicable regulations.

Thesis Project – Module 3

In the third and final module of the Thesis Project, students integrate the work of the previous phases, preparing and presenting a comprehensive architectural project, with all relevant documentation necessary. This project serves as both a synthesis of all the student’s acquired knowledge and a stepping stone to his or her future as a professional in architecture and the related fields.