Architecture Courses

These listings are sourced from Curricunet, and some courses may not be offered every semester. For additional information, contact the academic department, speak with counseling or refer to the current Class Schedule and College Catalog.

ARCH 2A - Architectural Graphics in Drawing and Sketching    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to freehand and mechanically constructed drawings employing orthographic, axonometric and linear perspective drawing systems to represent three-dimensional form and environments on two-dimensional surfaces. Emphasis on the understanding of basic drawing conventions, their implications and applications.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Design and communicate solutions to introductory environmental design problems through a variety of media for presentation.
  2. Develop architectural and freehand drawing skills
  3. Utilize orthographic, axonometric, oblique, and linear perspective to present existing and imagined form.

ARCH 2B - Architectural Graphics in Color Rendering    ( 3.00 - Units )
Continuation of the content and issues introduced in Architecture 2A plus the theories and methods for applying shadows, reflections, materials, entourage, and color in a variety of drawing types. Layout and integration of composite drawings in support of the process and presentation of architectural designs.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1.  Design and communicate solutions to introductory environmental design problems through a variety of media for presentation.
  2. Further design, organize, and communicate solutions to environmental design problems through a variety of media for presentation.
  3. Further develop architectural and freehand drawing skills

ARCH 3 - Digital Tools for Design and Visual Communication    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to digital tools with computer-aided design drafting. Ability to effectively use basic design principles in two dimensions. Topics include command basics including drawing entity creation and modification, industry layering standards, text and dimensioning systems appropriate to architecture, creating symbol libraries, external reference techniques, model and paper space commands, and plotting techniques.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Identify hardware uses and limitations appropriate to Computer-Aided Design Drafting.
  2. Select appropriate scale in multiple views and plots.
  3. Construct drawings using Digital software software and justify external reference files and images to drawings.
  4. Focus on AIA (American Institute of Architects) Standard Layer System.
  5. Select appropriate scale in multiple views and plots.

ARCH 4A - Architectural Drafting Principles I    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to principles and practice of architectural drafting with emphasis on working drawings for wood frame construction; introduction to drafting concepts and conventions for architectural working drawings, basic building systems, and architectural applications of computer-aided drafting technology.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Identify fundamental elements of residential structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system and their application in construction documents.
  2. Identify reprographic options and system in computer-aided drafting standards as prescribed by the AIA (American Institute of architects)
  3. Incorporate basic Uniform building Code requirements to residential construction drawings.
  4. Use industry conventions to complete working drawings for a residential wood frame structure.

ARCH 4B - Architectural Drafting Principles II    ( 3.00 - Units )
Continuation of Architecture 4A with emphasis on architectural working drawings for non-residential buildings with wood, masonry, steel and concrete structures. Application of advanced computer-aided drafting techniques for architectural construction documents will be reviewed, as will the use of electronic/web-based information sources, including Architectural Graphic Standards, Sweets Catalogs, and the Uniform Building Code.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. demonstrate ability to use Uniform building Code to non-residential projects,
  2. identify and execute critical details for non-residential buildings,
  3. use computer-aided drafting and internet resources for compiling non-residential construction documents,
  4. use industry conventions to complete working drawings for small masonry, steel, concrete, and wood frame construction.

ARCH 8B - Fundamentals of Architectural Design II    ( 4.00 - Units )
Continuation of the content and issues introduced in Architecture 8A. Emphasis on generating and developing design concepts, incorporating structure, materials, and energy considerations as determination of form. Emphasis on applied traditional and digital graphic communications tools, including scale models to convey intended concepts and meanings.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. apply knowledge of structural potential and limitations as a design factor;
  2. identify site factors, cultural values and anthropocentric needs of occupants in architectural design;
  3. manipulate architectural elements to define form and space that support the communication of intended meanings and concepts;
  4. use both traditional and digital graphic and model building techniques to study design strategies.

ARCH 8A - Fundamentals of Architectural Design I    ( 4.00 - Units )
Introduction to the theories, principles, and methods of architectural design using traditional and digital media. Studio projects emphasize composing two- and three-dimensional organizations to convey intended concepts and meanings. Aesthetic, environmental, social, and technological factors which inform architectural design are investigated. Course work is supplemented with lectures, discussions, and readings.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. express proposed design concepts graphically, with study models, and verbally;
  2. incorporate theory, fundamental principles and techniques to design;
  3. manipulate and apply digital images, illustrations and 3-dimensional models to the process of architectural design;
  4. use two and three dimensional composition drawings and design elements to solve given architectural problems.

ARCH 12 - Construction Materials and Methods    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to the methods and materials used in contemporary and historical building construction. Wood, steel, masonry, and concrete structural systems will be explored, as will major interior and exterior finish systems. The relationships between occupancy and construction types will be reviewed as will the influence of building codes, climate, labor supply, and economic factors.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. describe major structural systems using wood, steel, masonry, and concrete;
  2. identify and evaluate various interior and exterior finish systems;
  3. identify and explain the behavior, appearance, and use of building materials;
  4. understand how building materials are categorized by building industries.

ARCH 14 - California Architecture and Urban Design    ( 3.00 - Units )
California architecture and urban design from indigenous beginnings to the contemporary avant garde. Historic, cultural, and environmental influences on the shaping California’s distinctive buildings and cities. Work reviewed ranges from anonymous adobes to historic masterpieces by Maybeck and Morgan to new works by Gehry, Moss, and others.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. compare the major architectural styles from the Classic to the Postmodern, as they relate to California;
  2. describe planning fundamentals and how they affect architecture and city design;
  3. identify the work and design principles of California's leading architects and urban designers.

ARCH 16 - People and Environmental Design    ( 3.00 - Units )
Principles of landscape architecture emphasizing design concepts as they relate to site, building, and client requirements. Includes site analysis, land use patterns, circulation, layout, planting materials, irrigation. The general design process and outcome are examined in context of relationships between people and the environments, both natural and man-made, with focus on sustainable design principles applied to passive environmental control, landscaping, functional adaptation, social and economic impacts, integrating their influences in community development and urban planning.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate basic landscape design principles and theories.
  2. Develop basic technical knowledge about landscapes.
  3. Develop collaborative skills through group problem solving.

ARCH 33 - Digital Communication in Modeling    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to 3-dimensional digital modeling using 3-dimensional software. Emphasis on learning basic commands to create 3-dimensional objects including building interiors and exteriors, and defining photo-realistic views with appropriate light sources.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Create and modify objects by using 3-D software tools.
  2. Define and apply surface styles that appropriately represent materials.
  3. Demonstrate the range of ways that 3-D software can be used in architectural design and presentations.
  4. Specify views that communicate the form and spatial qualities.

ARCH 80 - Architectural Education and Practice    ( 2.00 - Units )
Architectural education and practice in Architecture department setting approved by Architecture faculty as related to student’s architecture major or classes at Chabot. Cooperative effort between student and instructor or architecture firm supervisor to accomplish agreed upon work objectives, complete projects and broaden experiences. Student provides verification of service experience or work on projects during the term. Students will get an architecture firm approved by architecture faculty or work on projects closely with instructor. Students will meet with architecture instructor for input and hands-on experience lectures and discussion focused on architecture firm structures, project procedures, design developments, specification book and construction documents.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Apply and refine skills learned in the classroom to an architecture firm where those skills may be demonstrated.
  2. Apply educational ability, level of maturity, personality, behavior, attitudes toward a job, interpersonal relationships, and identify areas where changes may be required.
  3. Develop understanding of career opportunities, job requirements, employer expectations, and promotional requirements in an architecture company setting.
  4. Demonstrate enhanced management skills through the establishment and achievement of learning and performance goals related to architecture occupations.