Design Courses & Studios Guidelines - Yasser Mahgoub

Design Courses & Studio Guidelines

Design Courses &
Studios Guidellines
Prepared by:

Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

Last Updated - May 2010

Dr. Yasser Mahgoub - 5/8/2010 1


Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Studio Courses 3
Tutoring of Individual Students 4
Projects: Size, Complexity and Contents 4
Themes and Progression of Studios 5
Courses Descriptions: Theoretical and Practical Contents 5
Skills: Thinking and Communication 5
Language of Communication 5
Manual and CAD Skills 6
Textbooks 6
Grades 6
Content and skills to be assessed 7
Weighting of work 7
Grading Systems and Examinations 8
The Jury Review 8
Types of Jury 9
Jury format 10
Documentation and Retention of Projects 10
Complementary Courses 11
Outcome Assessment 11
Students/Assistant Ratio in Design Studios 11
Design Studio Operation Procedure 11
Responsibilities of Faculty Members and TA's 12
Design Criticism 12
Fieldtrips and Guest Speakers 12
Relationship with Professional Practice 13
Community Outreach 13
Academic Honesty 13
Class Attendance 14
Studio Etiquette 14
Student Performance 15
Cumulative Development 15
Notebook and Portfolio 15
Studio Policy and Procedure 16
Use of Design Studio Learning Resources 16
Ownership of Work 16
Suggested Academic Policies 16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendices
Appendix 1: Progress 18
Appendix 2: Themes - Focus - Objective 19
Appendix 3: Textbooks 20
Appendix 4: Jury Review Form 21
Appendix 5: Projects Ideas 22
Appendix 6: Design Studios Concurrent Courses 23
Appendix 7: Sample of Detailed Course Description 24


Introduction
This document contains necessary information for the conduct of design studios (DS) at a
Department of Architecture. The design studio is a setting simulating the experience of the
architect in a professional architectural office. It is the traditional educational setting used by all
architectural schools all over the world. It is considered the spinal cord of the architectural
program, that is expected to incorporate all the knowledge gained by the student from other courses
and experiences.

Professional Urban Planning Project Management History Manual Computer
Practice
Urban Design Building Construction Theory Drafting Skills

The Design
Graduation ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIOS Basics
Project

Structural Systems. Technical Installations. Environmental. Systems
Training &
Study Abroad Surveying Electrical Eng. Mechanical Eng. HVAC Energy

Figure (1) The Organization of Knowledge in Architecture Education
The long hours spent in the studio should be productive. The one-to-one tutoring approach is very
valuable and is not present in many other disciplines. The project-based-approach, using a project
to deliver educational objectives, is being copied by many other disciplines as the state of the art
approach to education. The design studio has many inherited problems such as:
1. the subjective evaluation of the design projects,
2. the integration of other courses in the design studio,
3. the efficient use of studio time,
4. the exchange of ideas and critic,
5. the jury system, and
6. other problems that will be mentioned during the discussion of the following sections.
The goal of this document is to provide a base (a common ground) for the conduct of design
studios. The document should be accessible by faculty members, teaching assistants and students
alike.

Studio Courses
The studio enables the synthetic nature of the professional architectural process to be simulated in
the school environment. From the very first project, students, as they probe the terms of the brief or
form judgments on the propriety or feasibility of making a design intervention in a particular way,


are exercising the skills of professional practice. The same is true when they test possibilities with
their peers and tutors in debate, make proposals for how their projects may be made, and again
when they commit their resources to drawing, modeling and presenting their schemes at the reviews
and pin ups. Many of these professional practice aspects may be explored in an unselfconsciously
conventional and unsystematic way, but as the scope of projects and the range of themes covered by
critique at reviews both develop, students will be exposed to an increasingly explicit pattern of
agendas on construction and process management that set a firm foundation for the course
treatments of professional practice issues which follow.

Tutoring of Individual Students
Architectural design tutoring is conducted on one-to-one basis. Each students require from 15 to 20
minuets of individual tutoring every design studio session to discuss and correct his or her design
project solution regarding the design project problems. That involves understanding, intentions,
concepts, solutions, presentation and communication. Projects evolve through several stages of
design development. Each design stage requires formal revision and feedback from all studio
instructors (FM and TAs) to agree upon and exchange ideas regarding each student's design
solution. Every week or two an internal review involving all students and all studio instructors is
conducted to provide each student with a comprehensive feedback regarding his or her design
solution in order to share instructors and students views and comments regarding the design
projects. This is an important stage because each student is developing his or her own ideas with the
assistance of the design instructors. Students' design ideas do not necessarily conform with all their
instructor's preferences. That's why design studio instructors need to know each other's views and
assist all students in a coherent way. The role of the design studio instructor is to guide the students
to achieve their desired goals in a coherent and professional way. The instructor should NOT
DICTATE his views on the students. He should help the students understand the problem and
reach correct solutions while bracketing his biases and preferences - which is a very challenging
task.

Projects: Size, Complexity and Contents
Appendix 1 which illustrates the progress of the "Design Problem Complexity and Size" forms the
basic guidelines for selection of projects in each design studio. The goal is to expose the students to
a variety of design problems during their education. It is impossible to cover all the building types
and sizes during the studios . The student should learn how to tackle any design problem in a
scientific and a professional way.


Themes and Progression of Studios
Appendix 2 illustrates the "Design Courses: Themes - Focus - Objectives" identifies the focus of
each design studio as well as the basis for students' evaluation. The weighing system is designed so
that the emphasis is placed on one theme for each course, without ignoring the other
complementing themes. The grading of design studio, which is an educational setting, should be
different than a real architectural office. The process of design is as important as the product.
Students should be aware of this fact and should focus their attention on the process of design as
well as the final product. The chart should be used as a guide for formulating the design projects'
briefs.

Courses Descriptions: Theoretical and Practical Contents
All design studios should adhere to course descriptions stated at the University catalog in Appendix
3attached with this document. Attention should be given to the theoretical component of the
design studio courses. Reading and writing assignments are an essential part of the designer
skills. The required reading list should be stated in the course outline and be made available to
students. They should cover subjects such as: Design Methods, Theory of Design, Design Data,
Building Types, etc. Other reading material that are indirectly and subconsciously enrich the design
philosophy, such as; poems, stories, novels, philosophical manuscripts, etc. should also be used.
A weekly lecture is required to introduce design theories and methods, discuss reading material,
students' research findings and group activities. Lectures on design methods, design principles,
presentation techniques, supplementary reading materials, lectures and guest speakers are important
activities supporting the design studio. There are many announcements that need to be conveyed to
all students at the same time to insure that they receive the same message regarding submission
timing and presentation requirements.

Skills: Thinking and Communication
There are many skills that the student should learn from the design studio. Among those skills is the
ability to think and solve architectural design problems. At the same time, the students ability to
communicate their design ideas and thinking process is essential to their future practice. Both
verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Language of Communication
The language of communication in the design studio is English. It is obligatory that all
instructions, conversations, presentations, discussions, and any other activity to be conducted in
English. There should not be a tendency to simplify the studio instructions and translate them into


Arabic. Students are responsible for all text and graphics that appear in their projects. Spelling
mistakes should be penalized.

Manual and CAD Skills
Manual skills should be stressed during the first design courses and should continue to develop
throughout the studio series. The use of computer is encouraged during the first design courses as a
drafting tool but not as a design tool. Students should learn how to write and present their
assignments using computer programs from day one in the department. They should learn how to
use the computer for drafting parallel to learning their manual graphic skills. They should learn how
to use the computer to aid their thinking skills. They should use only CAAD as a drafting and
design tool in DS-6.

Textbooks
It is important to select appropriate text books for the design studios. Appendix 4 contains text
books required for each design studio. It is extremely important to cover the text book during the
semester. Other material could be supplemented in the form of handouts. The textbook is an integral
part of the design studio content. One text book is required for each design studio and should be
directly related to the nature of the design studio theme.

Grades
The criteria to be used in grading will be explained in the project brief. It is very important that
students understand the nature of the project, what is expected, and how to address the issues of
each assignment before spending time on the project.
All projects must be turned in complete and on time. Late projects will be penalized. The exact
penalty for incomplete work will depend on the discretion of the studio instructor--students should
ask about this if it is not made clear.
Each letter grade carries a specific meaning:
A (10-15% of students) means outstanding work. The work shows innovation and a significant
depth of understanding of the project requirements. The project has been fully developed and well
communicated graphically. Generally there has been an unusual or unique concept employed which
enhances the solution. The full potential of the problem has been demonstrated beyond expectation.
B (20-30% of students) means good work. Project solutions have exceeded all requirements of
the project statement and show an above average depth of understanding. The project demonstrates
an above average clarity of idea, execution and presentation.


C (30-40% of students) means average work. The project solution adequately satisfies the
project statement but generally lacks some depth of understanding and development. The overall
project lacks innovation and craft is just adequate.
D (10-15% of students) means poor work. The problem solution is extremely weak and lacks
depth, understanding and innovation. Craft is weak and inappropriate to the class expectations.
F means unacceptable work. The project does not resolve the problem statement. The work
shows a lack of understanding and demonstrates skill inappropriate to this class.
To pass the course, the students must demonstrate competency in the semester's main topics and
issues.

Content and skills to be assessed
It is expected that all students will, throughout the subject, have an understanding of the aims and
objectives of the course and develop strategies for the interpretation of project briefs. The following
content and skills assessment guidelines are suggested as a mechanism for describing how students
will be assessed. These guidelines should be reflected in the course assessment feedback sheet.
Context and theory: How well has the student observed the brief, i.e. the aims and objectives of
the project, research, analysis of precedence. Theme of project, identification, documentation and
analysis of project aims. Broad research and translation of ideas.
Technology: Structural and construction system. Environmental control systems.
Representation technique: Medium, scale, documentation of project. Well executed, clearly
annotated, appropriate representation for scale, drawings, material etc. and innovative
representation techniques.
Communication: Communication of intent, logic and precise information.

Weighting of work
Each submission will be assessed using the following considerations:
Criterion based: has the student fulfilled the criteria for the project
Norm based: expectations of proficiency in documentation, interpretation and presentation
Comparison with other students peer assessment and review
Self reference professional experience with students at similar levels in comparable programs,
regionally and internationally
Personal view based on tutor and/or studio coordinators professional feedback to student work.
Grading system guide:
Grade Min. % Max.% Degree
A 95.0 100.0 4.0
A- 90.0 94.9 3.7


B+ 87.0 89.9 3.3
B 83.0 86.9 3.0
B- 80.0 82.9 2.7
C+ 77.0 79.9 2.3
C 73.0 76.9 2.0
C- 70.0 72.9 1.7
D+ 67.0 69.9 1.3
D 60.0 66.9 1.0
F 0.0 59.9 0.0

Grading Systems and Examinations
Grading is the most difficult aspect of the design studio. A unified grading system is to be used for
all courses. It should be made according to the following criteria:
Courses Description Mid-exam Term-work Final Exam
Theoretical History, Theory, ... 30 20 50
Courses
Practical Courses Materials and Constructions, 20 40 40
Computer Aided Design, ...
Design Courses Design Studios, 20 40 40
Communication, Design Jury Progress Evaluation
Basics, …
Graduation Project Graduation Project 1 and 2 50 50
Progress Juries
Evaluation of design projects is one of the most difficult tasks in design education. Due to the
nature of architectural design and the fact that there are many good solutions that a single project
can have, the judgment is more "qualitative" than "quantitative" and each architect can find
advantages and disadvantages in any design solution- even those solutions made by leading
architects in the field! Also, qualitative judgments change with time and what was considered
acceptable and creative few years ago is considered traditional and unacceptable today. There are
many "schools of thought" in architecture, and each "school of thought" has its own values and
priorities used for evaluation. Students should know this fact and stop bargaining about their
grades! Student's attitude inside the studio is part of the grade.

The Jury Review
In his book "Architecture 101" Andy Pressman wrote:
The environment of review is subject to variation and may be a function of the
specific jury makeup and other factors, but it is often charged with academic and
emotional intensity. This extreme is not usually the most conducive for reflective
learning. However, I do think reviews can be excellent exercises for improving
presentation of ... work in front of groups of people. This is, of course, a very


important part of the process. ... a few words on "emotional trauma." As in any
intense and sometimes emotionally demanding experience, you will occasionally feel
somewhat drained, beat-up, even hurt in the wake of rough review. The best way to
roll with the punches is through talking, both to faculty members and to your peers.
Ventilate and express how you feel. You will surely be comforted by the relief that
comes from talking, and strengthened by the understanding and support of allies.
The jury is considered an educational setting where students learn how to communicate their design
ideas and defend their views professionally and eloquently. They also practice the use of English
language in communicating their design ideas and projects. These are skills required for their
professional practice. It is a setting similar to what they expect to confront in their daily
professional practice experience. The juror should be able to evaluate this educational aspect and
not only the project drawings. Architectural design is both a product and a process. And both
aspects need to be evaluated during design education.

Types of Jury
There are two types of jury sessions;
1. interim jury which is conducted weekly or biweekly to discuss the students' progress in a public
and get feedback from instructors and other students, and
2. final jury which is conducted at the end of the design project to evaluate the final students' work.
Because most design courses do not have "final examinations", the jury is considered the final
examination for design studios. The attendance of the jurors is as important as the attendance of the
students. It is a long and exhausting process of reviewing tens of projects in a relatively short period
of time.
The following are some important considerations during the jury session:
• Asking questions in jury sessions is different than reviewing projects during studio hours.
• Questions should be brief, clear, and short to allow the student to speak as much as possible.
• Fatal design mistakes should be pointed out and the good aspects of the design should be
stressed.
• The jury should not be turned into a "monologue" wasting the time and energy of other jury
members and defying the purpose of the jury. The design instructor should budget the time. He is
the coordinator!
• Despite its hectic and time-consuming process, jury reviews should be an essential and
respectable part of the design studio experience.
• The verbal presentation of the project, the ability to defend one's idea and communication skills
gained during the jury session are important educational objectives.


• The evaluation conducted during the final jury is made according to the educational objectives of
the design studio and the course level.
• The evaluation should be based on criteria set by the studio instructor according to the nature of
the project.
• The evaluation should be conducted by experienced persons, from the department or the
professional field, who can judge the student's development and the design project at the same
time.

Jury format
In order to be able to finish the jury within a reasonable period of time and effort for students and
jury members, there are many formats used in different universities for performing a design jury; a)
the student present his or her project to all jury members and receive their feedback and comments
(15-20 minuets/student), b) students are divided into two or more groups and each group is
reviewed by a different group of jurors, c) students stand by their projects and jury members go
around ask them questions and evaluate their work, and d) the jury is conducted without the
attendance of the students with the purpose of evaluating the students work only. The course
instructor should decide beforehand which of these methods is going to be applied.
The jury should follow the following procedure:
• The course instructor should invite at least two (2) design instructors to participate as official
jurors who grade students projects.
• All department faculty members and guests are welcome to attend but grades are given by the
invited design instructors who should attend all presentations.
• The grades should follow the format of the attached grading sheet. Appendix 5

Documentation and Retention of Projects
Retention of student work by the faculty is often necessary, as you know, for displays, accreditation
visits, instructor's own CV and other needs of the department and the university. The department
will make an effort to provide access to retained work (if students need it for a portfolio or for job
interviews). All projects should be documented using a systematic and reliable method. The
documentation of the projects is essential for accreditation by NAAB.
Hard copies of samples of best, average and just pass examples should be stored at a safe location.
All projects could be stored in a digital format using a digital camera. Every semester, all digitally
stored filescould be copied on CD for permanent storage. The department should also develop an
internet site that displays the best examples and to be updated regularly. Models are very difficult to
keep in good condition for a long time. They require space and storage facilities beyond the


capacity of any department. Models should be photographed and few samples should be displayed
in the department.

Complementary Courses
The design studio is the spinal cord of the architectural program. All the knowledge gained by the
student in other courses should be used in the design studio. There are many ways to achieve this
goal:
1. use a co-teaching approach that allows more than one faculty member to teach the same studio
focusing on different aspects,
2. parallel courses that cover aspects of the design studio project, and
3. experimental design studios that allow the introduction of new ways of teaching such as the
paperless design studio, firm design studio, design-build studio, research-based design studio,
and more.

Outcome Assessment
There are many ways to assess the outcome of the design studio education. Outcome means the
students acquired knowledge and skills. Assessment means a standardized method of evaluation of
the program efficiency. One way to assess the outcome of design studios is by using: (1) a
qualifying exam as part of the graduation project. The qualifying exam should be passed before the
students' graduation, (2) evaluation of students' portfolio of work and projects,or (3) preparation of
a written report or paper.

Students/Assistant Ratio in Design Studios
The ratio between students and assistants should not increase than 12 to 1. This will provide the
optimum individual review time for student’s work. The one-to-one student/staff relation is
essential in Design Studio teaching.

Design Studio Operation Procedure
The class should be divided equally among Assistants into groups of students. The Assistants
conduct their daily reviews and progress assessment each class and report that to the FM. The FM
is responsible for setting the course perimeter, contents, and projects. FM is also responsible for the
theoretical course input based on the prescribed text book(s) or any other references he might
suggests on a reading list for students, and must also oversee the students’ progress occasionally
and give them some overall guidance. FM is responsible for the students final grading and for the
overall evaluation of their progress during the course.


Responsibilities of Faculty Members and TA's
The design studio is the responsibility of the faculty member, who should decide the project type,
size, and educational objectives. Students should be divided equally among TA's and architects who
should be responsible of tutoring the students towards the educational objectives of the studio stated
by the faculty member. TA's and architects should document the progress of the student and write a
profile about each student at the end of the semester. The faculty member should focus on the
theoretical part of the studio, the time schedule and evaluate design studio progress. The TA should
administer the students' submissions and progress. The faculty member should administer the juries
and presentations. Grading is the responsibility of the faculty member. Evaluation of students
progress made by TA's is very important in developing the final grade of the student, yet the final
responsibility towards the University is faculty member alone.

Design Criticism
Criticism is an essential part of design education. The primary role of criticism in a design studio is
that of supplying critical evaluation of the students' design concepts and their development.
Students may be exposed to several systems of value held by the various studio critics and
outsiders. Based on these alternative value systems and on their own background, students will
build a system of values of their own, and thus habitually criticize their own work. This
development of self-criticism is an important goal of the design studio. Criticism is also a teaching
method. Its principal subject matter is design methods, including the activities of defining and
understanding design problems; proposing and testing various solutions; and carrying the best
solution to a final goal. Studio instructors present to the students a method or variety of methods for
executing these activities. The critic often takes on the role that is normally filled by the client. In
this role the critic is a sounding board for the student's ideas. The critic brings questions and
demands similar to those a client would have. The critic reacts to the student's proposed designs and
is the second party in the dialogue necessary to the design process. Finally, the critic evaluates
student performance. This evaluation is not only concerned with the end product of any particular
design project, but also the student's interests, work habits, attitudes, patience, communicative
ability (verbal and graphic), rate and quality of development, and promise as a future professional.

Fieldtrips and Guest Speakers
Field trips and visits to completed or under construction projects are very fruitful experiences to
design students and should form an integrated part of the design studio. Also visits to firms of
practicing architects and architectural firms should be encouraged. Guest speakers should be invited
to attend studio sessions and critic the students work during their progress. Guest critics from the


profession should be invited to the jury sessions based on the judgement of the design studio
instructor.

Relationship with Professional Practice
Barriers that have existed between the architectural profession and its counterpart schools are being
quietly broken through. The Firm Studio approach is an interesting model to be followed. The Firm
Design Studio integrates theory and practice, students and professionals, schools and practices.
Students will have an opportunity to work with clients and professionals from large architectural
firms. Students will learn to understand professional design practice and the way firms tackle
projects. Participating professionals, in turn, will benefit from the input and new ideas generated by
students. Renewed interest in their projects and the chance to teach will make this opportunity
worthwhile for the involved architects. It is highly recommended that a professional architect be
hired as part time in the design studio.

Community Outreach
Design Studio focusing on real life needs and situations are encouraged. Several projects were
designed for community institutions whether public or private during the short life of the
Department. This will develop the student's understanding about the architectural design and design
process within a realistic context. It will also help the students to apply theory of architecture in a
site with particular constraints and its reaction to real life situation. This trend should be encouraged
and the surrounding community should benefit from the Department of Architecture resources and
capabilities. Design projects should have a goal and purpose to help the society.

Academic Honesty
Any form of dishonesty or unprofessional conduct during the course will result in a failing grade for
the project and/or course and potential suspension respectively from the College and University.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or
project, failure in the course and/or expulsion from the University. Plagiarism and cheating
incidents will be reported to the Department Chairman and the College. Students should neither
give nor receive unauthorized aid on their academic work. In the design studio the issue of
creativity and originality is often raised by students. Some students become concerned that ideas
and forms did not spring spontaneously from their minds. In design, what has come before (ideas
and forms) is most often the material out of which the designer will constitute his current proposals.
This implies the study and use of precedent. The fine line between plagiarism and original work can
be found where students fail to absorb and understand precedents in such a way that they can be
transformed and integrated into the particularities of new circumstances.


Class Attendance
Attendance of design studio is a must according to university regulations. Students should receive
credit for attending the course. They should also participate in the discussions and present their
work progress every time they attend the studio. Students should not be allowed to attend the studio
if they arrive 15 minuets later than the beginning time of the studio, without a prior permission from
the FM. If a student fails to attend 3 sessions of the design studio he receives the 1st warning by the
FM. If the student fails to attend 3 more studio sessions receives the final warning. If the student
fails to attend one more class after that he receives FA in this course.
Students are responsible for any announcements and submission dates announced during the design
studio that they did not attend. Studio classes usually meet three times a week (Saturday, Monday
and Wednesday) for three hours each session. Students are expected to be in class on time, to be in
class during the entire period, to have the required equipment and supplies, and to be working on
their design projects. Class time will be used for design, drawing, model-building, discussions,
lectures, criticisms, reviews and other related activities. Daily attendance will be taken. Students are
required to attend class regularly throughout the semester.
Attendance is required throughout assigned studio time, unless there is a serious need for an
excused absence. If such a need occurs the student should let the instructors know before missing
class. For medical excuses, the student is responsible of following the University procedures.
Students are responsible for obtaining and learning material missed during an unexcused absence.

Studio Etiquette

• All mobile phones and pagers, or any other communication device, should be turned off during
the studio hours. Listening to the radio, tape or CD player or TV during class time is not
allowed, simply in consideration of everyone working in the studio. Outside of class time, it is
only allowed with headsets. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the studio and all interior spaces.
• Design studios offer opportunities to learn professional work habits through the practice of
scheduling, time management, and the keeping of orderly records and work spaces.
• Adherence with the ethic that one should leave the environment in better condition than he or she
found it is expected. You are passing through these studios for a short time and need to keep
them in good shape for those that will follow you. Studios also provide a context for the
development of self criticism and the interchange of ideas among peers. Students should be
reminded by faculty members about this etiquette at the beginning of the semester.


Student Performance
As suggested by NAAB Accreditation System, criteria for student performance are stated in terms
of awareness, understanding, and ability -- levels of ability that students should achieve during their
studies. See Appendix 6for detailed objectives for each Design Course as suggested by the
department NAAB committee in 2001.
Awareness: familiarity with specific information, including facts, definitions, concepts, rules,
methods, processes, or settings. Students can correctly recall information without necessarily being
able to paraphrase or summarize it. (ex. Awareness of the basic principles that inform the design of
building service systems, including plumbing, electrical, vertical transportation, communication,
security, and fire protection systems.)
Understanding: assimilation and comprehension of information. Students can correctly paraphrase
or summarize information without necessarily being able to relate it to other material or see its
fullest implications. (ex. Understanding of the principles of structural behavior in withstanding
gravity and lateral forces, and the evolution, range, and appropriate applications of contemporary
structural systems.)
Ability: skill in relating specific information to the accomplishment of tasks. Students can correctly
select the information that is appropriate to a situation and apply it to the solution of specific
problems. ( ex. Ability to respond to natural and built site characteristics in the development of a
program and design of a project.)
While students, for example, are encouraged to explore wide variety of media to represent design
ideas and concepts during the first two semesters, after the first year they are expected to have
developed: competency in the use of pencil and ink on vellum, board, paper, trace; an understanding
of various color media, such as Prisma pencil; and an awareness of reprographic techniques
typically used by design professionals.

Cumulative Development
Throughout each semester, new design principles and concepts as well as a variety of skills,
techniques will be introduced. Students are expected to understand the new material, and to apply it
not only in the current exercise but also in subsequent studio work. Such cumulative development
fosters a deepening in the student's understanding of design through the practice of repetition and
reflection.

Notebook and Portfolio
Students are expected to keep their course syllabus and project statements in a -ring binder.
Additional handouts and other material relevant to the studio should also be kept in this binder in an


organized fashion. This is separate from the sketchbook that each student will be encouraged to
keep. A portfolio will be required in which all work should be kept in chronological order. Students
are required to maintain portfolios documenting all academic and design studio work. These
portfolios are evaluated at the time the students apply to professional degree programs. They are
also used to measure individual progress.

Studio Policy and Procedure
Studio activity during studio hours should be directly related to assigned projects. Students should
not expect the teaching staff to respond to work until there is substantial worthy material to which
they can respond. Team teaching means that instructors will share project introductions and
critiques generally; but it does not mean that students will hear the same advice or comments from
each instructor during the course of a project. It will be up to the student to think critically and
creatively; to formulate, develop and defend his/her own ideas during a project - the work and the
outcomes from it are the student's responsibility. Keeping the studio orderly and clean, with clear
aisle-ways for easy and quick circulation, is important due to life-safety concerns and is the
responsibility of the entire class. Students should respect the rights and needs of others in the studio
with you.

Use of Design Studio Learning Resources
Learning Resources are extremely valuable. They should be dealt with in an orderly manner and
under the supervision of responsible persons. These include all audio-visual equipment, electronic
and electrical devices, books and digital materials and drafting and coloring materials. The ALRC
of the Department of Architecture should not be used by students without supervision.

Ownership of Work
All design studio work submitted for credit becomes the property of the Department of
Architecture. This material is required for accreditation and review procedures. Students my obtain
a copy for their portfolio production. Only the Department can decide to release some of this
material to students. In case of competition submissions and design addressing specific project in
the community, credit should be given to the Department of Architecture instructor and TA's. The
credit should not be given to the students alone!

Suggested Academic Policies
The following academic policies, beyond the requirements of the University, are suggested to be
applicable to all students in the Department of Architecture:


1. Students receiving a grade of "D" or below in two consecutive semesters of the Design Studio
sequence must not proceed to the following design studio before improving their grade in the
latest design course where a grade "D" was obtained. These students should be advised to change
their major!
2. Any student receiving an “I ” in a design studio must complete all work necessary to receive a
grade prior to the first day of the next studio in the student’s prescribed sequence in order to be
eligible to enroll in that studio.



Appendix 1

Department of Architecture
Architectural Design Courses: Progress
Skills and Knowledge Presentation Working
Course Name Themes Project Level
Abilities Components Techniques drawing
Architecture Graphics Basics of Basic Basic drafting Pencil and -
Communication 1 drafting projection ink drafting
ARCH 111 2D Projection methods
methods
Architecture Graphics Perspective Advanced Drafting Pencil and -
Communication 2 Shade and projection ink drafting
ARCH 112 Shadow methods
Design Basics Elements of 3D Projection Form, space Basic design Model -
ARCH 105 Architecture methods, and order in and form making
Models, room Architecture manipulation techniques
design exercises
Architectural Form Circulation and Spatial Single function Black and Construction
Design 1 Function relationships Simple White Materials
ARCH 205 Diagrams and structure presentation
zoning techniques
Architectural Function Site and The Design Medium Color Construction
Design 2 Program Process structure presentation methods
ARCH 206 analysis Horizontal techniques
circulation
Architectural Structural Contextual Human needs Large span Advanced Structural
Design 3 systems analysis and and Vertical presentation system details
ARCH 305 environmental Programming circulation techniques
considerations
Architectural Environmental Team work Heritage and Multiple Advanced Modular
Design 4 sustainability approach Identity systems presentation coordination
ARCH 306 Multiple techniques & Design
functions details
Architectural Socio-Cultural Data collection Design Multiple Project Urban design
Design 5 sustainability and analysis theory and systems Drawings and landscape
ARCH 405 Technical strategy Complex and Report details
writing functions
Architectural Working ACAD The Multiple Construction Working
Design 6 (CAAD) Drawings Presentation Electronic systems Drawings Drawing set
ARCH 406 Techniques Design Complex
Studio functions
Graduation Creative Site and Design Zoning and Preliminary -
Project 1 thinking program theory and design Report
ARCH 491 development methods concepts
Graduation Design Design Design Comprehensive Drawings Architectural
Project 2 Development development & strategies project and Report and structural
ARCH 492 presentation development details



Appendix 2

Architectural Design Courses
Themes - Focus - Objectives
Design Course Graphics Elements Form Function Structural Environment Socio- Working
System Sustainability Culture Details
Sustainability
Communication 1 100
ARCH 111
Communication 2 80 10 10
ARCH 112
Design Basics 20 40 20 10 10
ARCH 105
Design 1 ARCH 10 10 40 20 10 5 5
205
Design 2 ARCH 10 10 10 40 10 10 10
206
Design 3 ARCH 5 5 10 20 40 10 5 5
305
Design 4 ARCH 5 5 10 10 15 40 10 5
306
Design 5 ARCH 5 5 5 5 15 15 40 10
405
Design 6 ARCH 5 5 5 5 10 10 20 40
406
Graduation 5 5 10 10 20 20 20 10
Project
ARCH 491/492



Appendix 3

Architectural Design Courses: Textbooks (TENTATIVE)
Course # Course Name Themes Text Book
ARCH Architecture Graphics Yee, Architecture Drawing: A visual
111 Communication 1 Compendium of Types and Methods, Wiley
ARCH Architecture Graphics Yee, Architecture Drawing: A visual
112 Communication 2 Compendium of Types and Methods, Wiley
ARCH Design Basics in Elements Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture: Form,
105 Architecture Space, & Order (Second Edition), Wiley
ARCH Architecture Design Form Ernst Neufert, Neufert Architect's Data (3rd),
205 I Butterworth
ARCH Architecture Design Function Pierre Von Meises, Elements of Architecture,
206 II Routledge
ARCH Computer CAAD George Omra, Mastering Autocad 2000 (1st),
211 Applications in Sybex
Architecture
ARCH Architecture Design Structural Angus J MacDonald, Structure and
305 III systems Architecture, Architectural Press, 2001
ARCH Architecture Design Environmental Catherine Slessor, Eco-Tech: Sustainable
306 IV sustainability Architecture and High Technology, Thames
and Hudson
ARCH Architecture Design Socio-Cultural Charles Jenks, Theories and Manifestos of
405 V sustainability Contemporary Architecture, Wiley
ARCH Architectural Working Ralph W Liebing, Architectural Working
406 Design VI Drawings Drawings, Wiley
William Perkins Spence, Architecture Working
Drawings: Residential & Commercial
Buildings (1st), Wiley
ARCH Graduation Project Creative Stephen A Kliment, Writing for Design
491 I thinking Professional, Norton Co
ARCH Graduation Project
492 II



Appendix 4

Architectural Design Courses: Suggested Design Jury Review Form
ARCH ???: Architectural Design ?
Instructor: Dr. ????? ?????
ITEM ITEM ITEM ITEM Total
Student Student
#1 #2 #3 #4 Remarks
Name ID #
10% 40% 30% 20% 100%
1
2
3
4
Please put all grades as percentage (%) Juror Name: _________________
Signature: _________________
Grade Min. % Max.%
A 95.0 100.0
A- 90.0 94.9
B+ 87.0 89.9
B 83.0 86.9
B- 80.0 82.9
C+ 77.0 79.9
C 73.0 76.9
C- 70.0 72.9
D+ 67.0 69.9
D 60.0 66.9
F 0.0 59.9



Appendix 5

Architectural Design Courses: Projects Ideas (Examples)
Course Name Level Warm-up Project 1 Project 2
Project Examples Examples
Architecture Projection Lines, Lettering, Projections and Survey of an
Communication 1 methods and Scale drawings existing structure

Architecture Shade, Shadow Freehand Wall, building Model of an
Communication 2 and perspective sketching and interior existing structure
Design Basics Basic design data Free hand Nine Square Neighborhood
sketching Matrix poster
Architectural Single function Non conventional Bus stop House/villa
Design 1 Simple structure projects Retail shops/gas
Choice of station
Instructor Restaurant
Architectural Medium structure Non conventional Mosque Clinic, nursery
Design 2 Horizontal projects
circulation Choice of
Instructor
Architectural Large span Non conventional Elementary Office building
Design 3 Vertical projects school
circulation Choice of
Instructor
Architectural Multiple systems Non conventional Library Exhibition
Design 4 Multiple functions projects pavilion
Choice of
Instructor
Architectural Multiple systems Non conventional Shopping center Housing or Urban
Design 5 Complex projects scale,
functions Choice of Neighborhood
Instructor
Architectural Multiple systems Non conventional Museum Hotel,
Design 6 (CAAD) Complex projects Conference
functions Choice of center
Instructor
Graduation Comprehensive Programming Concepts and
Project 1 project First ideas

Graduation Final project and
Project 2 report


Appendix 6

Architectural Design Courses Concurrent Courses

Term
Design Studios Concurrent Courses
Design Themes History Materials Communication Structural Arch.
and and and Electives
Theory Construction Computer
1 Introduction Graphics Architectural
to Communication 1
Architecture
2 Design Basics Elements History 1 Architectural
Communication 2

3 Arch. Design Form History 2 Computer 1
1 Applications

4 Arch. Design Function Arch Theory Mat. & Con. 1 Structural 1
2 1

5 Arch. Design Structural History 3 Mat. & Con. 2 Structural 1
3 systems 2

6 Arch. Design Environmental Human Environmental Luminous & 1
4 sustainability Factors Acoustical

7 Arch. Design Socio-Cultural Physical Urban and 1
5 sustainability Environmental Factors City Planning

8 Arch. Design Comprehensive Building 2
6 Project Systems

9 Grad. Project Creative Professional Practice 1 Working 2
1 Thinking Drawings

10 Grad. Project Design Professional Practice 2 2
2 Development



Appendix 7

Architectural Design Courses: Sample of Detailed Course Description

Course #: ARCH 105
Title: Design Basics in Architecture
Credits: 5
Type of Course: Lecture, studio and field trips
Instructors: Mahgoub
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: This course should familiarize students with architectural graphics and
introduce them to the principles and processes of sequencing of exercises emphasizing development
of basic skills, ideas, and techniques used in the design of simplified architectural projects
Learning Objectives:
Knowledge of architectural terms, elements, building types; Human and environmental factors.
Ability to analyze and understand, building elements, functions, context, and image. Creatively
think and generate concepts and processes. 2-D and 3-D visualization of reality and drawings.
Skills in communication of ideas using drawing, writing, and verbal communications.
Completion Requirements: Attendance, Assignments, Mid term Exam, Final Exam
Text: Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture: Form, Space, & Order, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.
NAAB Criteria: 5,9,16,2,1,7,4


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