Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch)

This course serves as the introduction to fundamental design concepts and methods representative of creative activity across design and artistic disciplines. They encourage entering freshmen to think critically and act creatively about and upon design, art, and the world around them as they secure a skillful level of craftsmanship in the conception, development, and making of all studio-based work. 

This course introduces the core elements and principles of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. It emphasizes the development of visual design-thinking abilities and foundational skills. The course prioritizes the design process, equipping students with the essential skills required to address architectural challenges effectively. Additionally, it fosters the use of diverse communication methods, going beyond conventional drawing and sketching techniques.

This course introduces first-year students to architecture, highlighting its identity, interconnections with related fields, and cultural context. It explores architecture's collaboration with disciplines like urban design, building science, and engineering, alongside historical and contemporary trends. Students will also examine career paths and global opportunities, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Through lectures, case studies, and discussions, the course provides a foundational understanding of architecture, inspiring students for their academic and professional journey.

Building upon manual drawing skills, this course introduces students to digital tools for architectural drawing and modeling. Students will learn to create precise two-dimensional drawings and basic three-dimensional models using industry-standard software. The course emphasizes the integration of digital techniques with foundational drawing principles to enhance design communication.

This course provides an overview of architectural history and theory, introducing students to key periods, movements, and figures that have shaped the environment built. Students will explore fundamental concepts and methodologies for analyzing architecture, setting the groundwork for advanced studies. Key topics include prehistoric to classical architecture, medieval and Renaissance developments, introduction to architectural theory and criticism, analyzing architectural form and space, and understanding cultural and historical contexts.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of manual drawing techniques essential for architectural representation. Emphasis is placed on developing hand-eye coordination, understanding proportion, scale, and perspective, and effectively communicating spatial ideas. Students will engage in exercises that enhance observational skills and the ability to convey form and space on paper. Key topics include orthographic projections (plans, sections, elevations), perspective drawing, and introduction to architectural lettering.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of manual drawing techniques essential for architectural representation. Emphasis is placed on developing hand-eye coordination, understanding proportion, scale, and perspective, and effectively communicating spatial ideas. Students will engage in exercises that enhance observational skills and the ability to convey form and space on paper. Key topics include orthographic projections (plans, sections, elevations), perspective drawing, and introduction to architectural lettering.

This course introduces students to fundamental sketching techniques, combining traditional hand-drawing skills with digital tools. The curriculum fosters creativity and precision, bridging artistic expression with modern technology for design visualization.

Building upon manual drawing skills, this course introduces students to digital tools for architectural drawing and modeling. Students will learn to create precise two-dimensional drawings and basic three-dimensional models using industry-standard software. The course emphasizes the integration of digital techniques with foundational drawing principles to enhance design communication. Key topics include Introduction to CAD software for 2D drafting, Basic 3D modeling techniques, digital layering and line weights, file management and digital workflows, and combining manual and digital representation methods.

This course introduces first-year students to architecture, highlighting its identity, interconnections with related fields, and cultural context. It explores architecture's collaboration with disciplines like urban design, building science, and engineering, alongside historical and contemporary trends. Students will also examine career paths and global opportunities, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Through lectures, case studies, and discussions, the course provides a foundational understanding of architecture, inspiring students for their academic and professional journey.

Students in ARC 201 investigate the relationships between the environment and built form. Environment, from the global scale of climate to the local scale of physical context, and user needs are presented as the principal emphasis of the ARC 201 studio. These issues represent both external and internal factors that shape a building and make its presence relevant to its context. The constructed physical context and natural attributes such as solar orientation, topography, and vegetation are interpreted as critical determinants of the building design process.

Projects in ARC 202 focus on the relationship between idea and form, supported by theories of architectural ordering principles, spatial arrangements, and form. Students investigate composition and precedent in an analogous manner to develop a repertoire of conceptual form generators.

This course provides an overview of architectural history and theory, introducing students to key periods, movements, and figures that have shaped the environment built. Students will explore fundamental concepts and methodologies for analyzing architecture, setting the groundwork for advanced studies. Key topics include prehistoric to classical architecture, medieval and Renaissance developments, introduction to architectural theory and criticism, analyzing architectural form and space, and understanding cultural and historical contexts.

This course explores the evolution of Islamic architecture and its integration with critical regionalism, focusing on tradition and modernity. Students examine cultural, religious, and socio-political influences, regional variations, and the impact of globalization and modernization on architecture in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, and the MENA region. Key topics include vernacular traditions, Salmanian architecture, and significant regional projects. The course encourages critical reflection on preserving cultural identity through contemporary design while addressing modern architectural challenges.

The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of forces and moments in 2 dimensions and 3 dimensions, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, free body diagrams, and examines of beams, trusses, and frames and their components in shaping architectural spaces. In addition, the behavior of structural elements under moment, deflection, torsion, shear, and normal stresses and their distribution throughout the sections.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of conventional building construction systems, concentrating on the design and assembly of core architectural elements such as walls, partitions, floors, and structural frameworks. Key topics include site preparation, foundation work, load-bearing strategies, roofing, and the properties and applications of common construction materials (e.g., concrete, steel, wood, and masonry). Students will also explore how these systems integrate into the broader design process. Through lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on assignments, students gain foundational knowledge essential for understanding how buildings are methodically constructed and how each component contributes to overall structural integrity.

This course analyzes the structural elements—such as frames, trusses, beams, and columns and their grid patterns, arches, and cables—and their designs according to the fundamental principles of reinforced concrete, providing students with the knowledge and tools to enhance their architectural design skills and create structurally informed spaces.

Building on the concepts covered in Conventional Construction Systems, this course delves into the finishing stages of architectural projects. Students investigate cladding systems, insulation methods, interior and exterior finishing materials, roofing technologies, and the detailing required to ensure high-performance building envelopes. Emphasis is placed on material selection, installation techniques, and how finishing works enhance both the functionality and aesthetic quality of a building. Through case studies, technical drawings, and practical assignments, students develop a comprehensive understanding of finishing processes, modern innovations in construction, and the ways in which these elements harmonize with design intent.

This course focuses on advanced digital visualization skills, enabling students to produce high- quality architectural presentations. Students will explore rendering techniques, digital collage, and graphic design principles to effectively communicate design concepts. The course also covers the creation of presentation boards and the integration of various media to convey architectural ideas compellingly.

In this visual communication course, students synthesize manual and digital skills to produce comprehensive visual representations of architectural projects. The course emphasizes the development of a personal visual style and the ability to tailor presentations to diverse audiences. Students will undertake complex projects that require the integration of various visualization methods to effectively communicate design intent. Key topics include development of a cohesive visual narrative, customization of visual styles for different audiences, advanced techniques in both manual and digital media, portfolio development and presentation skills, critique and refinement of visual communication strategies, and storyboarding in poster design.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of conventional building construction systems,concentrating on the design and assembly of core architectural elements such as walls, partitions,floors, and structural frameworks. Key topics include site preparation, foundation work, load-bearingstrategies, roofing, and the properties and applications of common construction materials (e.g.,
concrete, steel, wood, and masonry). Students will also explore how these systems integrate into the broader design process. Through lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on assignments, students gain foundational knowledge essential for understanding how buildings are methodically constructed and how each component contributes to overall structural integrity.

This course explores sustainability in architectural and urban design, focusing on passive environmental strategies and design-based approaches. It emphasizes climate-responsive techniques such as solar orientation, natural ventilation, and passive heating/cooling to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant well-being. The course integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, examining the impact of design on communities, ecosystems, and resources. Key topics include bioclimatic design, green infrastructure, sustainable materials, low-impact construction, and urban nature integration, all within cultural, historical, and social contexts. Students will learn through case studies, theoretical insights, and practical design exercises, developing sustainable solutions tailored to local climates, resources, and community needs.

This course introduces construction materials and construction technology. Topics include construction terminology, materials and properties, manufacturing processes, construction techniques and technologies, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should detail construction assemblies and identify construction materials and properties. Additionally, students will learn about alternative, unconventional building materials and realize their applications in today’s sustainable global initiatives.

This course provides an understanding of the basic properties of construction materials and presents current field and laboratory standards and testing requirements for these materials such as Normal Consistency & Setting Time of Cement Past; Fresh and hardened properties of Mortar; Sieve Analysis of Aggregate; Specific Gravity of Aggregate; Unit Weight of Aggregate; Fresh and Mechanical Properties of Concrete; Mechanical Properties of Steel; Tests on wood.

This studio offers an introduction to the fundamentals of building systems in architectural design. Projects emphasize tectonics, material assemblies, and strategies that incorporate building technologies into the design process.

Students in this studio investigate technical systems as fundamental elements of building design with an emphasis on lateral load resisting structural strategies, environmental control systems, energy use, and enclosure systems assembly and detailing.

The course teaches computer-aided design of architectural systems, and includes the preliminary design, analysis, and documentation of these systems. This will include first and third angle projections, solid modeling and the use of commercially available CAD software.

The course teaches computer-aided design of architectural systems, and includes the preliminary design, analysis, and documentation of these systems. This will include first and third angle projections, solid modeling and the use of commercially available CAD software.

This course explores principles of building environmental control, focusing on the design and function of building envelopes and systems that enhance thermal comfort and environmental quality. Students will examine passive and active strategies, including natural ventilation, solar shading, thermal mass, and HVAC systems, and their integration with architectural design. Key topics include optimizing building envelopes for heat retention, daylighting, ventilation, and moisture control to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability. Through case studies and modeling, students will learn to design responsive systems tailored to climate conditions, seasonal changes, and programmatic needs.

This course explores acoustics and lighting in architecture, emphasizing their integration to enhance the built environment. Divided into two parts, it covers sound and light from an architectural perspective, focusing on their physical principles and functional impacts without complex calculations. In acoustics, students learn to design spaces that control sound through materials and forms, improving sound quality in various settings. In lighting, the course addresses daylighting and artificial lighting, emphasizing design strategies for optimizing natural light and managing artificial light efficiently. Real-world examples and case studies are used to illustrate the role of acoustics and lighting in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.

This course examines the principles, materials, and technologies involved in facade design, emphasizing performance, aesthetics, and sustainability. Students will explore innovative systems, structural integration, and environmental responsiveness through case studies and design projects, developing skills to create advanced facade solutions for contemporary architectural challenges.

This course introduces computational design principles, focusing on parametric modeling, algorithmic thinking, and digital workflows. Students will explore tools like Grasshopper to create dynamic, performance-driven architectural designs. Emphasizing creativity and precision, the course bridges theory and application in computational design.

This course delves into the history and theories of urban design, emphasizing the development and transformation of public spaces, housing, and community environments. Students will explore contemporary urban design concepts, including compact cities, transit-oriented development, mixed-use planning, sustainable urbanism, street typologies, and the integration of digital technologies in smart urban design. Through lectures, case studies, and design projects, the course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create responsive, inclusive, and sustainable urban spaces.

This course introduces the fundamental principles and techniques of surveying, focusing on its application in architectural. Topics covered include measurement of distances, angles, and elevations; leveling; traversing; topographic mapping; and the use of modern surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS, and GIS. Students will also learn about error analysis, data interpretation, and fieldwork procedures. Practical applications emphasize site analysis, construction layout, and mapping for architectural design projects. The course includes lectures, hands-on fieldwork, and lab exercises to develop essential surveying skills.

This course examines the principles, materials, and technologies involved in facade design, emphasizing performance, aesthetics, and sustainability. Students will explore innovative systems, structural integration, and environmental responsiveness through case studies and design projects, developing skills to create advanced facade solutions for contemporary architectural challenges.

This studio focuses on the intersection of urban planning and housing design, emphasizing the integration of social, economic, and environmental factors in creating sustainable and livable urban communities. Students will analyze urban contexts and address complex housing challenges through innovative design solutions. The studio explores topics such as density, mixed-use development, community engagement, and public-private spaces, encouraging students to balance aesthetic, functional, and cultural considerations. Projects will involve designing housing solutions that respond to diverse user needs, site-specific conditions, and urban sustainability goals, preparing students to address real-world urban housing challenges effectively.

The studio requires students to integrate site analysis, program development, sustainability, building systems, and urban context into a holistic design project. Students demonstrate mastery of spatial composition, structural integration, and critical design thinking. The comprehensive project reflects their ability to balance aesthetics, function, and meaning while addressing real-world constraints and opportunities.

This course covers construction contracts, cost estimation, and quantity surveying techniques. Students will learn contract types, tendering processes, and legal aspects, alongside methods for accurate material and cost calculations. Emphasizing industry standards, the course equips students with essential skills for effective project management and financial control in architecture and construction.

This advanced course builds upon earlier coursework by emphasizing blow-up detailing and architectural detailing to communicate complex construction requirements. Students refine their technical expertise in representing architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical components through CAD/BIM software, focusing on enlarged details of critical junctions and specialized assemblies. Course topics include advanced fabrication methods, digital workflows, building code compliance, and the production of thorough, precise construction documents. The overarching goal is to ensure that every aspect of the design intent—from broad layout to the smallest connection—is clearly delineated for fabrication and construction.

The studio is designed to complement Construction Drawings II, this studio provides a hands-on environment where students explore detailed blow-up drawings and architectural detailing in depth. Through project-based assignments, participants produce enlarged details of façade intersections, material connections, and technical systems, employing advanced CAD/BIM tools and processes for accuracy and clarity. Emphasis is placed on iterative feedback, interdisciplinary coordination, and the preparation of professional-grade construction documents that demonstrate both design proficiency and technical competence. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong portfolio of meticulously detailed drawings that showcase their ability to resolve complex architectural challenges at multiple scales.

Building on foundational concepts, this course advances computational techniques in architecture, exploring generative design, optimization algorithms, and simulation-based workflows. Students will develop complex parametric models and analyze performance metrics for architectural solutions. The course emphasizes integrating computation with innovative design strategies and real-world applications.

This course explores the principles and practices of urban planning, focusing on sustainable development, land use, and urban design strategies. Students will analyze social, economic, and environmental factors influencing urban growth and develop planning solutions through case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects, fostering comprehensive understanding and critical thinking in urban development.

This course covers construction contracts, cost estimation, and quantity surveying techniques. Students will learn contract types, tendering processes, and legal aspects, alongside methods for accurate material and cost calculations. Emphasizing industry standards, the course equips students with essential skills for effective project management and financial control in architecture and construction.

This advanced course builds upon the foundational knowledge of architectural professional practice by focusing on construction management and project delivery. Students will explore the key aspects of managing architectural projects from conception through completion, including construction processes, project coordination, cost management, quality assurance, and timelines. Emphasizing the practical application of construction knowledge and management techniques, this course equips students with the skills necessary to successfully oversee the execution of an architectural design, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The course covers topics such as project scheduling, resource allocation, risk management, procurement strategies, and contract administration, with a particular focus on ensuring compliance with the architect’s professional, legal, and ethical obligations throughout the construction phase.

The Studio is the culminating experience in the undergraduate architecture program, providing students with the opportunity to apply their accumulated knowledge and skills to a comprehensive architectural design project. Building upon the research and analyses conducted in the Pre-Capstone Studio Preparation course, students will engage in an iterative design process, refining their concepts through continuous testing and evaluation. The studio emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and professional presentation, culminating in a public jury where students present their final designs to a panel of academic and professional experts.

Architectural Studio 9 is an advanced course focused on specialized tracks.

The pre-undergraduate design project studio preparation course is designed to equip students with the analytical and research skills necessary for the successful development of a capstone project in architecture. This course emphasizes the early stages of the design process, focusing on problem articulation, hypothesis development, and comprehensive analysis. Students will engage in defining their project scope, exploring client and user profiles, and conducting in-depth analyses of site, context, function, and form. The course culminates in the creation of a detailed thesis document, serving as a foundation for the subsequent capstone design studio.

The Studio is the culminating experience in the undergraduate architecture program, providing students with the opportunity to apply their accumulated knowledge and skills to a comprehensive architectural design project. Building upon the research and analyses conducted in the Pre-Capstone Studio Preparation course, students will engage in an iterative design process, refining their concepts through continuous testing and evaluation. The studio emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and professional presentation, culminating in a public jury where students present their final designs to a panel of academic and professional experts.