Architectural Engineering Concepts

Catalog description

This course exposes students to (1) the interdependencies between various building systems (2) the interdisciplinary nature of the field of architectural engineering, and (3) the concept of professional practice in the building and construction industries. Students learn to integrate architectural design and detailing, the influence of thermal science, and building codes in the design of building systems. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce simple integrative building designs, attain fundamental knowledge of fire protection principles, design a roof storm water drainage system, have a fundamental knowledge of climate as a design driver, gain working knowledge of passive design strategies, attain a fundamental knowledge of psychrometrics, understand the principles defining thermal comfort, gain working knowledge of heat transfer through building envelope assemblies, calculate heat loss for a building, perform simple energy calculations and gain a fundamental knowledge of typical energy codes. The course also introduces the principles of social and environmental responsibility through discussion of sustainable design. The course utilizes lectures, practicums, examinations, projects and presentations to deliver and reinforce the technical content. The course offers students the opportunity to work in team settings and to present their work orally to their peers. The projects present opportunities to engage students in the discussion and application of social and ethical responsibilities.