Build your dream home (Introduction to Architecture and Building Engineering)

Course Description

Step into the world of architecture and design with this hands-on course where you’ll learn how to create your dream home while exploring the principles of sustainability. From hand sketching like a true architect to using Rhino software for 3D modeling, this program combines creativity, technical skills, and innovative thinking. Guided by Bryan Lawson’s How Designers Think, you’ll research architectural books, sketch ideas, and bring your sustainable dream home to life! Make sure to check out the previous projects by students at the end.

Course objectives:
• Introduce students to the principles of sustainable architecture and building engineering.
• Explore solar design, thermal comfort, and energy-efficient strategies through hands-on activities.
• Teach fundamental concepts of building envelopes, window sizing, and thermostat settings for sustainable homes.
• Teach how to use Rhino software for 3D modeling and design visualization.
• Inspire creativity and critical thinking by guiding students to design their dream home based on sustainability principles.
• Cultivate hand-sketching skills to express architectural concepts effectively.
• Encourage innovative thinking by exposing students to architectural books and magazines, inspiring creativity and unique solutions.
• Guide students through the design process based on Bryan Lawson's How Designers Think in order to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
• Apply principles of sustainability to conceptualize a home design.
• Analyze the impact of solar orientation, window sizing, and insulation on energy efficiency and comfort.
• Design a building envelope that balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in Rhino software for creating and presenting architectural designs.
• Develop architectural hand-sketching techniques to communicate design ideas effectively.
• Evaluate architectural precedents by reviewing books and magazines and integrate innovative ideas into their designs.
• Create a conceptual dream home model using both hand sketching and Rhino and demonstrate an understanding of environmental impact, sustainability, and the iterative design process.