Architecture Program Learning Outcomes

sectional perpective drawing of a school
Architecture Program Learning Outcomes
B. Arch

Students will meet the following student performance criteria upon completion of the program.

PLO 1 Design Process and Critical Thinking

Develop criteria to evaluate design decisions

  • Use an iterative design process to incorporate feedback and refine proposals
  • Articulate and extend conceptual thinking through diagrams
  • Develop criteria to generate and evaluate organizing principles
  • Communicate critical analyses of precedent buildings and built environments
  • Determine appropriate research and documentation methods to support an architectural thesis
PLO 2 Architectural Design

Create architectural proposals to address site and program needs

  • Develop architectural proposals appropriate for site context in scale and program
  • Organize efficient floor plans to meet user and program requirements
  • Produce accurate orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings to convey design intent
  • Develop fluency in using digital and analog tools in combination for ideation and iteration
  • Construct drawings and models with a high level of craft and attention to detail
PLO 3 Presentation

Develop effective and engaging communication strategies

  • Explain and defend design decisions in verbal and written presentations
  • Create visual presentations with logical sequencing, layout composition, and hierarchy of information
PLO 4 Leadership and Community

Lead the design of safe, healthy, and equitable built environments in all communities

  • Develop cultural competency by valuing different lived experiences
  • Protect life safety and provide equitable access in built environments
  • Design for health and well-being of people and communities
  • Promote expanded access to architectural profession by identifying multiple pathways to licensure and developing skills that expand career opportunities
PLO 5 Environmental Stewardship

Protect ecology and reduce environmental impacts of buildings

  • Evaluate construction materials and systems using design and performance goals
  • Analyze site climate data to determine passive heating and cooling strategies
  • Compare environmental impacts of design options using energy analysis tools
PLO 6 Integrated Design

Integrate design, technical, and regulatory requirements using clearly stated design and performance criteria

  • Develop envelope systems and assemblies using clearly stated design and performance criteria
  • Develop structural systems using clearly stated design and performance criteria
  • Evaluate environmental control systems using clearly stated design and performance criteria
  • Incorporate life safety systems in the design of a building
  • Compare building performances of design options using energy modeling tools
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