Foundations of Architectural Design

This unit introduces students to the core ideas, vocabulary, and historical precedents that shape architectural thinking. Students will explore form and function, fundamental design elements and principles, basic structural systems, building types, and the roles and processes of the architecture profession to prepare for applied design and technical content in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze relationships between form and function and identify the elements of design (space, scale, proportion, mass, and rhythm) in a variety of built examples, providing evidence-based critiques.
• Apply principles of space organization and basic structural systems (trabeated, arcuated, and modern framing) to produce annotated sketches or simple diagrams that demonstrate load paths and spatial intent.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the architecture profession and project delivery by describing career pathways, typical daily tasks, and the steps of programming, documentation, and construction coordination.
• Evaluate historic and typological precedents (prehistoric, classical, and early Christian architecture) and explain how past design solutions inform contemporary building types and stylistic decisions.