Welcome to the School of Architecture!
For first day of class, please be sure to have your computer and course supplies ready. Check in to each of your classes on the Student Portal. If you have any questions, contact us at architecture@academyart.edu
Building a Studio Culture in an online studio class requires your time and effort. Attending weekly live Zoom sessions is the best investment you can make to ensure a successful outcome. Within a robust Studio Culture, architecture students learn not just from their faculty but also from their peers. Build a relationship with your design studio faculty and contribute to the Studio Culture by attending live Zoom sessions each week and posting your work to Conceptboard. Connecting with faculty and peer students through synchronous interactions will enrich your design education in immeasurable and profound ways ultimately leading to a successful transition to the profession.
In online studio classes, students have live interactions with faculty on a weekly basis in synchronous Zoom meetings. There is a strong correlation between Zoom sessions and student success. Receiving live feedback from Studio faculty is the most time-efficient for busy online students. Online students are required to check in with studio instructors at least once a week via Zoom.
This link has more information for students in ARH 650 Foundational Design Studio 1 and ARH 653 Introductory Design Studio 2 who are new to architectural design.
A note on Credit Hour Requirement: The Department of Education requires universities to design curriculum so that a student spends 9 hours (minimum) per week to earn 3 college credits. Page 5 of this document shows the federal definition for Credit Hour. Architecture courses require significantly more hours than the minimum.
Architecture courses are fast-paced so missing more than a week of class will make it challenging to get caught up.
ARH 650 Foundational Design Studio 1: Please dedicate 18 hours minimum per week
ARH 653 Introductory Design Studio 2: Please dedicate 36 hours minimum per week
Make it a priority to regularly dialogue with your faculty EACH week during the semester by attending weekly Zoom sessions (many questions get asked and answered there). Correspond with your faculty regarding any challenges or questions you may have in completing your work. Please ask questions especially if you are unclear on expectations.
The ARH Blog (this website) is our virtual hub for sharing important information and exciting announcements. This frequently updated blog offers valuable resources and is a great way to get to know the ARH community. Find resources specifically for new students, faculty bios, examples of student work, alumni stories, scholarship opportunities, resume and portfolio advice, our diversity equity inclusion efforts, and much much more!
Please visit and be sure to bookmark on your browser: https://architecture.academyart.edu
For first day of online classes, a computer with a webcam, a microphone, and a mouse is required. A reliable internet connection is also essential. Chromebooks, tablets, and mobile devices are inadequate for online classes and not substitutes for a computer. A computer set up with two monitors is highly recommended – we recommend 27” or larger for the 2nd monitor.
For computer specifications required to complete ARH courses, please click on this link Guidance on Computer Acquisition.
- Rhino 3D from McNeel is industry standard software that is used in all years of the architecture program. McNeel offers deeply discounted student pricing for a perpetual license. This is a one-time purchase and not an annual subscription. This means you do not have to purchase it every year and you can continue to use it after graduation. McNeel also offers a 3-month free trial.
- Zoom is available at no additional cost. Please install the app (or update) before first day of class. We recommend installing the app on your mobile device as well.
- Adobe Creative Cloud (includes Photoshop and InDesign) is available to all registered students at no additional cost – Create an account at Adobe.com using your academyart email address.
- Conceptboard is used in all online studio classes. There is no additional cost. You do not need to create an account. Join as “guest.”
Here are links to information helpful for new students. Please click on the images.
