Architectural Technologies

Program Description

The Architectural Technologies program is designed to provide you with the essential skills, knowledge and abilities required to work as an Architectural Technologist for architectural firms, residential builders and many other companies involved in the construction industry. The purpose of the program is to enable graduates to be able to perform and manage the fundamental duties of a junior architectural technologist.

This Diploma program is two years in length, consisting of four 15-week semesters. In the fourth semester, you refine your skills in a comprehensive Capstone project. The Architectural Technology program is learner-centered. We believe that students learn best when they construct knowledge and meaning from a collaboration between their learning experiences and their ideas. This type of applied experiential education means the development of the hand and mind through innovation, relevant content, engaged instructors and students who want to create meaningful careers. 

The program employs a Project Based Learning (PBL) model. This means that the “single subject inputs and assignments all relate to, and support the project work.”  In this applied education model the repeated practice of going through a problem enables you to build up a repertoire of significant experiences. A critical feature of the program is the focus on blending the science and practice of architectural technology

You will learn by undertaking projects that simulate and simplify work practices in an educational setting modeled on a real-world environment. Semesters are typically organized around a manageable core or central project. These projects will involve both individual and group-based work. In both instances, collaborative learning and teaching are practiced. In all cases, there is an emphasis on learning by doing.  This program will develop critical thinking skills through the practice of confronting uncertainty. It allows one to see unfamiliar situations as familiar and this, in turn, allows one to have a feel or approach to problems that one sees daily in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

Program Overview

Gain the knowledge and critical thinking skills you need to work as an architectural technologist for architectural firms, residential builders and various companies involved in the construction industry.

Architectural technologists are involved in all stages of building design and construction. Through project-based learning that simulates and simplifies work practices, you’ll gain experience in a supportive, learner-focused environment. You’ll develop essential skills in a setting that’s modeled on real-world workplaces so you can hit the ground running when you graduate.

This two-year, four-semester program is one of the most complete foundation credentials for anyone interested in a career in the architecture, engineering and construction industry and focuses on blending the science and practice of architectural technology. We see that students learn best when they construct knowledge and meaning from a collaboration between their learning experiences and their ideas. Through this type of applied experiential education, you’ll develop the connection of hand and mind through innovation, relevant content, engaging instructors and peers who also want meaningful careers. 

Each semester is organized around a  core project. These projects will involve both individual and group-based work through collaborative learning and teaching. There is an emphasis on learning by doing so you can develop the critical thinking skills required  in a safe and supportive environment. This will enable you to approach problems that you’ll see in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. In the fourth semester, you’ll complete a capstone project that pulls all your skills and knowledge together and helps set you up for the next leg of your journey into industry.  

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

At least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:

• Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, AND,
• English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
• A Grade 12 Science.
• All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

Total Credits 60

Program Outcomes

1. Use verbal, graphic, written skills and supporting technology to effectively communicate in the Architectural industry.    

2. Apply principles of mathematics, physical and natural science to solve technical problems in the Architectural industry.    

3. Apply research, critical thinking and ingenuity to create solutions within Architecture industry.    

4. Demonstrate professionalism through ethical behaviour, workplace responsibility, principles of safety and applicable environmental policies.    

5. Apply architectural principles in assessing, designing and detailing construction projects.    

6. Apply applicable codes, zoning bylaws and regulations, and project management industry practices in designing Architectural project.    

7. Use current and emerging technology and practices to solve complex problems.    

8. Create working drawings, specifications and estimates that incorporate building science, structural, mechanical, electrical and sustainability principles.    

9. Interpret, analyze and create bid/contract documents