The department of architectural engineering (ArchE) targets the increasing demand of architects and provides top-notch architectural education that will contribute to the discipline, industry and society. In addition to the task of preparing students to the challenges of a changing global market, our location in Jerusalem presents its own challenges. With a balance between modernity and tradition, the curriculum will address societal, environmental and geopolitical challenges. Our approach intends to expand the boundaries of architectural design to incorporate the urban realm and to be responsive to cultural, socio-economic and environmental conditions. This approach is inspired from the University of California – Berkeley under “environmental Design” i.e., responsive to all factors in the surrounding environment. Through coursework and design studios, students are trained to look at the built environment as a living social ecology. Our graduates are provided with a holistic approach that enriches their global competitiveness and enables them to contribute in shaping a local sustainable existence in the particularly difficult conditions.
Today the program received around 200 students distributed among the five different years, and are being taught by a team of more than 15 staff members, full and part time, who have various experience in academia and practice. Students have participated in many architectural competitions and won many prices. Many of the studio projects were responsive to real problems following the demand of different cliental and individuals.
The mission of the program is embodied in the creation of a rich educational environment that provides high quality teaching, professional training and design skill: history and theory of architecture and art, building technology and the environment, design computation, basic sciences and engineering as well as humanities: social, cultural, environmental and geopolitical factors that influence urbanization and human habitation. Thus, architectural design is the synthetic practice that links, weaves and gives form to those interdisciplinary contributions. With a pedagogical approach that encourages critical thinking and critical making, students are instructed to explore and disseminate knowledge through research and quality artistic production.
To stimulate the multi-disciplinary nature of architecture and communicate with other scholarly research, our studios frequently host non-architectural faculty from other relevant department of Al Quds University, i.e., fine arts, sociology, environment and archeology. Professional guests from the community and building industry are also welcomed. Service to and partnerships with the building industry, community and society plays an important role of our mission; it leads to mutual learning as well as the advancement and application of professional knowledge and expertise in the local economy. Consequently, department’s mission is to create a teaching practice in which experts and guests from industry and community are frequently invited. Extra-curricular learning and student interaction becomes an important voluntary arena for contribution and debate. Part of our mission is to have a series of extra-curricular public lectures organized around themes of public interest; to be developed in cooperation between students and faculty members. To cultivate and nurture students’ abilities in visual communication, alongside the lecture series, annual exhibitions and an award program is organized. International exposure of our students to regional and global experience is also pursued. The department builds programs of cooperation with leading Arab and international departments of architecture. This augments our ability in providing mutual projects, field trips and internships for our students in other countries and cultures.
With a socially responsive educational program that promotes cutting edge creative architectural design and gives weight to environmental, economic, political and aesthetic concerns, we prepare professional architects with a sense of social responsibility who are useful to their Palestinian society and are regionally and globally competitive. By catering to professional needs and changes in local, international and Arab world markets, our graduates will have the ability and the expertise to :
- Provide a decent quality of life for all human inhabitants;
- Utilize technological interventions, which are sensitive and respect people’s social cultural and aesthetic needs.
- Contribute to an ecologically balanced and sustainable development of the built environment;
- Develop alternative planning for disadvantaged communities and utilizing urban planning in advocacy for social justice.
The mission of our program can be summarized in providing quality teaching and professional training where students creativity is nurtured and cultivated in a socially responsive educational program. While being sensitive to social, cultural, environmental and aesthetic values, it encourages critical thinking and making in the study and practice of architecture. The program provides interdisciplinary interaction, contact with industry and community, extra-curricular learning and international exposure.
Course content and studio procedures are geared to produce a creative graduate who is equipped with all essential skills to practice architecture in all its phases and who is responsive to the urban and environmental context. The teaching objectives in all three learning domains are translated into learning outcomes. Summarized in points from A-K, the following intended learning outcomes are related to the architectural practice and represent the minimum abilities necessary for such a practice. They are not exclusive and the program offers projects and exercises that may produce other learning outcomes. Thus, upon completion of the degree program the students will have:
- An ability to generate, conceptualize and develop design solutions that address socio-cultural, environmental and technological domains of the architectural practice.
- An ability to demonstrate the broad knowledge needed to understand the complex impact of history, culture, environment, technology, economy, politics and globalization on urban development and human habitation.
- An ability to identify the interactive relationship between people and the formation of the built environment, i.e., social space. Therefore, to recognize social diversity displayed in varied cultural values, needs and behavioral patterns.
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering as well as to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data.
- An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.
- An ability to utilize and incorporate design computation and computer technology in the various stages of research, design processes and products.
- An ability to comprehend and utilize latest developments in building technology; with an ability to use the relevant technique, according to situation and context.
- An ability to work in collaboration with architects and various other specialists within interdisciplinary teams related to the building industry; with a clear awareness of professional and ethical responsibilities.
- An ability to communicate concepts and design ideas with visual and verbal skills at all stages of design and project delivery; employing both traditional (drawings & models) and computer-based means of representation.
- An ability to critically evaluate building designs, and facility to determine and utilize appropriate architectural research methods, to assess and propose improvements in existing settings of the built environment: data collection and analysis.
The conditions announced by the Admission Department before each new academic year.
Job opportunities for an architecture graduate are multiple due to the flexibility of the nature of the profession, which adapts several sectors. Therefore, architecture graduates can work in several areas, including:
- Engineering offices.
- Contracting companies.
- Municipalities.
- Civil and governmental organizations such as the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Planning and others.
| Study Year 1 | |||||
| Semester: Fall | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0400150 | Language & Thinking | 3 | — | ||
| 0400184 | Paragraph Writing | 2 | — | Placement exam or remedial English courses | |
| 0302103 | General Physics for Engineers I | 3 | — | ||
| 0302113 | Practical physics for engineers I | — | 1 | Co-0302103 | |
| 0302199 | Practical physics for engineers I Lecture | 0 | — | Co-0302103 & 0302113 | |
| 0306101 | Calculus I | 3 | — | ||
| 0705111 | Descriptive drawings & visual communication I | — | 3 | ||
| 0705101 | Foundation design studio | — | 4 | ||
| 0705120 | Introduction to architecture: human and social factors | 2 | — | ||
| Study Year 1 | |||||
| Semester: Spring | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000100 | University Requirement | 2 or 3 | — | ||
| 0400185 | English Communication Skills | 2 | — | Placement exam or remedial English courses | |
| 0306102 | Calculus II | 3 | — | ||
| 0705102 | Introductory Design Studio | — | 4 | Pr-0705101 | |
| 0705112 | Descriptive Drawings & Visual Communication II | — | 3 | Pr-0705111 | |
| 0705121 | History & Theories of Architecture I | 3 | — | ||
| Study Year 2 | |||||
| Semester: Fall | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0703205 | Statics & Dynamics | 3 | — | Pr-0306101 | |
| 0703201 | Introduction to Materials Engineering | 3 | — | ||
| 0703203 | Introduction to Materials Engineering Lab | — | 1 | ||
| 0705201 | Junior Design Studio 1 | — | 4 | Pr-0705102 | |
| 0705222 | History & Theories of Architecture II | 3 | — | Pr-0705121 | |
| 0705241 | Building Construction & Materials I | — | 3 | Pr-0705112 | |
| Study Year 2 | |||||
| Semester: Spring | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000000 | University Requirement* | 2 or 3 | — | ||
| 0000100 | University Requirement | 2 or 3 | — | ||
| 0705202 | Junior Design Studio 2 | — | 4 | Pr-0705201 | |
| 0705223 | History & Theories of Architecture III | 3 | — | Pr-0705122 | |
| 0705262 | Structure Design I | 3 | — | Pr-0703205 | |
| 0705341 | Building Construction & Materials II | — | 3 | Pr-0705241 | |
*Recommendation: 0700301-Skills for the Workplace-3 credit hours (Pr-0400184 & Pr-0400185).
| Study Year 2 | |||||
| Semester: Summer | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0705200 | Site Summer Training | — | 1 | ||
| Study Year 3 | |||||
| Semester: Fall | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000100 | University Requirement | 2 or 3 | — | ||
| 0705211 | Computer Aided design 2D & 3D | — | 3 | – | |
| 0705224 | History & Theories of Architecture IV | 3 | — | Pr-0705223 | |
| 0705301 | Senior Design Studio 1 | — | 4 | Pr-0705201 | |
| 0705337 | Housing Design Methodologies & Theories | 2 (Both) | – | ||
| 0705361 | Structural Design II | 3 | — | Pr-0705262 | |
| Study Year 3 | |||||
| Semester: Spring | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000100 | University Requirement | 2 or 3 | — | ||
| 0705212 | Architecture & Multimedia | — | 3 | ||
| 0705302 | Senior Design Studio 2 | — | 4 | ||
| 0705334 | Building Services I | 2 (Both) | |||
| 0705342 | Working drawings and tender documents | — | 3 | ||
| 0705362 | Earthquake Resistance Buildings | 2 | — | ||
| Study Year 3 | |||||
| Semester: Summer | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0705300 | Internship I | — | 1 | Pr-0705200 | |
| Study Year 4 | |||||
| Semester: Fall | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0700000 | Faculty Elective* | 3 | — | – | |
| 0705334 | Environmental Green Architecture | 3 | — | – | |
| 0705401 | Landscape Design Studio | — | 3 | Pr-0705302 | |
| 0705402 | Urban Design Studio | — | 3 | Pr-0705302 | |
| 0705425 | History of Jerusalem Architecture | 3 | — | – | |
| 0705445 | Building Services II | 2 (Both) | Pr-0705334 | ||
*Recommendation: 0700209-Technical Writing & Communication Skills (Pr-0400184 & Pr-0400185).
| Study Year 4 | |||||
| Semester: Spring | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000100 | University Requirement | 2 or 3 | — | – | |
| 0000100 | University Requirement | 2 or 3 | — | – | |
| 0705403 | Interior Design Studio | — | 3 | Pr-0705402 | |
| 0705431 | Research Methods & Project Programming | 2 | — | – | |
| 0705435 | Professional Ethics & Portfolio | — | 2 | Pr-0705212 | |
| 0705461 | Engineering Surveying | — | 2 | Pr-0703205 | |
| 0705000 | Department Elective | 3 | — | – | |
| Study Year 4 | |||||
| Semester: Summer | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0705400 | Internship II | — | 1 | Pr-0705300 | |
| Study Year 5 | |||||
| Semester: Fall | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000000 | Free Elective | 3 | — | – | |
| 0705402 | Advanced Design Studio | — | 4 | Pr-0705403 | |
| 0705536 | Graduation Project Research | — | 2 | Pr-0705403 | |
| 0705000 | Department Elective | 3 | — | – | |
| 0705000 | Department Elective | 3 | — | – | |
| Study Year 5 | |||||
| Semester: Spring | |||||
| Course | Credits | Pre & Co-requisite(s) | Student result(s) | ||
| No. | Title | Theory | Practice | ||
| 0000000 | Free Elective | 3 | — | ||
| 0700000 | Faculty Elective | 3 | — | ||
| 0705502 | Graduation project | — | 4 | Pr-0705403 & 0705403 | |
| 0705000 | Department Elective | 3 | — | – | |
Faculty Compulsory Courses
0302103 General Physics for Engineers I (3 credits)
Units, vectors, motion in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, collisions in 1 and 2 dimensions. Prerequisite: None
0302113 Practical Physics for Engineers I (1 credit)
Experiments to cover the material in 0302103. Density and measurements of p, kinematics, vectors, Newton’s second law, inclined plane, spring, simple pendulum, projectile motion, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, free falling. Prerequisite or Corequisite: 0302103 General Physics for Engineers I
0306101 Calculus I (3 credits)
Limits and continuity: rates of change and limits, limits involving infinity, continuity, tangent lines. Derivatives: the derivative as a function and as a rate of change, derivatives of products, quotients and negative powers, derivatives of trigonometric functions, the chain rule, implicit differentiation and related rates. Application of Derivatives: extreme values of functions, the mean value theorem and differential equations, curve sketching. Integration: Anti-derivatives, integral rules and integration by substitution, Riemann sums and definite integrals, substitution in definite integrals, the mean value and fundamental theorems of calculus. Application of Integrals: volumes by slicing and rotation about an axis, modeling volume using cylindrical shells, lengths of plane curves. Prerequisite: None
0306102 Calculus II (3 credits)
Transcendental functions and differential equations: logarithms, exponential functions, derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions; integrals, first order separable differential equations and first order linear differential equations. Techniques of integration: Integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, the method of partial fractions, L’Hospital’s rule and improper integrals. Vectors in the Plane and Polar Functions: vectors, dot products, vector-valued functions, polar coordinates and graphs, calculus of polar curves. Infinite series: limits of sequences of numbers, subsequences and bounded sequences, infinite series, tests for convergence, alternating series, absolute and conditional convergence, power series, Taylor and Maclaurin series, application of power series. Prerequisite: 0306101 Calculus I
0700209 Technical Writing & Communication Skills (3 credits)
This course provides the engineering student with vital knowledge that will expand his/her skills in aspects of technical writing such as Technical terminology including scientific prefixes and suffixes, writing short and correct technical definitions, writing headings and titles, connecting ideas and sentences, writing a scientific paragraph and essay, writing scientific abstracts, and finally writing a technical report with a correct bibliography and citation. Oral, written and graphical communication principles are covered and exercised through the study of case histories, practical workshops and detailed assignments. Prerequisite: 0400109 English Language Skills II
0703201 Introduction to Materials Engineering (3 credits)
Mole Concept, atomic structure, periodic table, electron configuration, chemical bonding, molecular orbitals, classification of materials, the structure of crystalline solids, imperfection in solids, diffusion, general properties of engineering materials. Prerequisite: 0302103 General Physics I
0703203 Introduction to Materials Engineering Laboratory (1 credit)
Investigations of various properties of materials including: mechanical, thermal, structural, chemical, electrical, and physical. Corequisite: 0703201 Introduction to Materials Engineering.
Faculty Elective Courses
0700382 Engineering Economy (3 credits)
Engineering and engineering economy. Economic and cost concepts. Interest formula derivations. Calculations of economic equivalence. Inflation and purchasing power of money. Bases for comparison of alternatives. Decision making along alternatives. Evaluating replacement alternatives. Breakeven and minimum cost analysis. Evaluation of public activities. Prerequisite: 3rd Year +
0700383 Quality Control (3 credits)
Deming philosophy and Taguchi approach in quality control. Statistical data characterization. Shewhart’s Concept of Statistical Process Control. Basis for and construction of Shewhart Control Chart for Variable Data. Application of Xbar and R control Charts. Rational Sampling and Analysis of out-of-control Patterns. Process Capabilities. Tolerance Assessment. Taguchi’s Loss Function. Tolerance Engineering. Statistical Thinking. X, Rm Control Charts. Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Charts. Cusum Control Charts and Cusum Plots. Shewhart Control Charts for Non-conformities. Bivariate Control Charts. Prerequisite: 3rd Year +
0700385 E Business (3 credits)
Introduction to e-business, e-commerce, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and the e-business patterns. Constructing an e-business (design, development, and management). Online monetary transactions, wireless and m-commerce, e-marketing, e-publishing, e-learning, internet security, e-customer relationship management. Online industries, banking & investment, and career services. Prerequisite: 3rd Year +
Program Compulsory Courses
0705101 Foundation Design Studio (4 credits)
This studio introduces basic design fundamentals. Students will have their first interaction with the field of design and critical thinking: material qualities, combinations and meaning production i.e. storytelling and innovative concepts. Emphasis will be based on finding relationships between form, function, materials, and expressions, of any design assignment. Throughout the practical engagement with two and three dimensional design assignments and sketch problems, the students will be oriented to learn how to discover and develop their self-creativity enhancing their design problem solving capabilities. Prerequisite: None
0705111 Descriptive Drawings & Visual Communication I (3 credits)
A Supervised studio improving skills in freehand sketching, rendering techniques and technical drawings. It introduces concepts, techniques, tools and methods of two and three-dimensional life sketching, shade and shadow practices, use of pencil, pen, and color drawings. Students will learn board range of descriptive drawings, presentation and rendering techniques such as orthographic, pictorial drawing, projections of objects, spaces and masses in two and three-dimensional representations. Prerequisite: None
0705112 Descriptive Drawings & Visual Communication II (3 credits)
Studies the principles of architectural technical drawing and presentation techniques. Students will become familiar with architectural scale drawings and projection systems: plan, section, elevation, orthographic, oblique, and perspective drawings. It deals with transmitting actual measurements of an architectural form and space into scale drawings, and relating the drawing to the human scale and ergonomics. Prerequisite: 0705111
0705120 Introduction to Architecture: Human and Social Factors (2 credits)
As an introductory course to architecture, students are introduced to architectural design as an integrated process with the surrounding social and environmental context. It will offer a study of fundamental human -active and changing, and architectural -static and physical, factors in architectural design. Emphasis will be given to anthropomorphic, social, environmental and behavioral considerations in architectural design, in relation to a wide range of elements, from fixtures, fittings and furniture to spaces. The interactive nature of social norms, ethics, and human form with the formation of spaces within which human being moves and acts will always be made a reference point in these studies. Prerequisite: None
0705121 History & Theories of Architecture I (3 credits)
Major monuments and architectural development in Prehistoric (Anatolian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Minoan, Mycenean) and Classical (Greek and Roman) are covered. The course is designed to furnish students with a basic knowledge of major developments in the history of architecture from the earliest built environments. By the end of the course the student is expected to have a basic chronological sense of major architectural developments and is able to recognize and rationalize changes in form and material with a contextual approach. Prerequisite: None
0705102 Introductory Design Studio (4 credits)
Covers vocabulary and scope of architecture design. Develops understanding of architectural form and its distinctions from other forms in nature. The studio covers perceptual values related with the corporeal design ideas, spatial and surface characteristics and use of principles of visual organization, use of structural principles and systems in architecture design, and the utilitarian programmed architecture. Students will pass through a group of small scale architectural design assignments in which they will learn and exercise the scope and vocabulary of architecture design practice as well as experimenting the design activity at different scales and levels of space; order and character of places, analysis of form, structure, use and meaning, as well as physical and cultural impacts. Prerequisite: 0705101
0705201 Junior Design Studio I (4 credits)
This studio explores the inter-relationships between form, validity and structure. Natural objects and forms are explored as a rich source of inspiration in the design process of architectural form, space and structure. In a symbolic architectural design project (Memorial park, clock tower, landmark, etc.), this studio will elaborate the design process of meaning-full architecture and structures, students will exercise how to imitate from natural forms, philosophical means, and cultural values. In that respect the design studio exercises and explores the preproduction of aesthetic means in architectural form, in relation with structural system space, value and use. The studio aims at exploring various modes and methods of construction through understanding the structural behavior of natural and man mad objects, its significance on various materials, and its application on designing architectural form and spaces. To design innovative meaningful structures, students will be engaged in the design process by thinking in the logic behind ideas and forms and thus by criticizing and analyzing the surrounding natural forms and cultural moods. Prerequisite: 0705102
0705211 Computer Aided Design 2D &3D (3 credits)
Introduces knowledge needed to complete the construction, rendering and presentation of architectural ideas utilizing computer aided design software’s. From handling the interface of the software, through 2D and 3D construction, 3D editing, material and lighting study, animation, to final presentation, the course covers every feature an architect needs to know for proper architectural 2D and 3D visualization and technical drawing techniques. Topics include objects, layers, dimensions, units, scales, symbols, description models 3D Cad and MAX applications. Prerequisite: 0705112
0705212 Architecture & Multimedia (3 credits)
Enhances the student’s visual communication capabilities, by teaching them how to look consciously to perceive and seek for a message in any image or film slide. Analyses and criticizes surrounding images and visual medium. Introduces the practice of filming and photography. Covers basics of camera control as well as film reproduction. Introduces multimedia software’s and techniques while focusing on developing relevant skills through assignments, which are reflecting studio discussions. Enables students to criticize, reproduce and remortgage design ideas in two and three dimensional virtual realities: it facilitates students with a broad range of multimedia theories, software’s and practices. Prerequisite: 0705211
0705222 History & Theories of Architecture II (3 credits)
As one of the introductory survey courses to history of art and architecture, the main objective of this course is to provide students with basic knowledge on the art and architecture of Islamic Middle Ages (Arabic, Seljuk, and Ottoman). At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate a general knowledge on buildings and styles appeared in Islamic Middle Ages. Prerequisite: 0705121
0705223 History & Theories of Architecture III (3 credits)
Sheds light on the architecture since the Early Christian architecture, medieval Europe into the Renaissance and the enlightenment period as well as the Baroque and Rococo, in all aspects of design during the middle ages. Thus, it investigates thematically the evolution of ideas and processes that shaped the movements in architecture and design at a wide period.
Thus emphasis is given on ideas of Enlightenment, Romanticism and Classicism in art and architecture, cultural, urban and technological developments and their reflection on the built environment, and are discussed with their prominent products and representatives. The course provides analytical discussions on selected themes, concepts, buildings and architects. Prerequisite: 0705222
0705224 History & Theories of Architecture IV (3 credits)
Covers historical survey of the development of modern structural engineering with active participation of the students. Sheds light on modern architectural thinking in all aspects of design during the modern era following the Industrial Revolution and the start of the Chicago School. Study of objective aesthetic values of great builders such as: Telford, Eiffel and significant movements and styles like the Art Nouveaux, Art Deco etc. Investigates thematically the evolution of ideas and processes that shaped modern movements in architecture and materials like Reinforced concrete and steel covering the Bauhaus, International Style and others. Introduces recognized schools of design philosophy and/or practice, critical views that led to failure of the Modern Movement and current debates within Post-Modernism during the 1980s and 1990s (School of Venice, Classicism, Neo-Rationalism, Populism, Regionalism, Expressionism, Productivism, Deconstruction, etc.) and discussing their prominent products and representatives. Followed with introduction to contemporary concerns, forms, ideas and attitudes of 20th and 21st century design and architecture theory under different concepts such as globalization. The course provides analytical discussions on selected themes, concepts, buildings and architects, the rise of the city and its theories, and the issue of architecture as a commodity with special focus on Palestinian local cases. Prerequisite: 0705223
0705431 Research Methods & Project Programming (2 credits)
Focuses on research methods in investigating sites and social settings: data collection, analysis, evaluation and conclusion. An overview of quantitative methods, such as decision theory and optimizations as well as qualitative methods. The course deals with architectural programming as a design process that precedes design and works with it. The intent is to delineate a design methodology based on academic research and practical knowledge to synthesize and translate a project brief – such as client requirements, legal regulations, spatial needs, site context, partnerships, outcomes and deliverables, timeline– to design strategies and solutions, through the collaboration of multiple participants and decision-makers. The role of programming in the design and building process goes beyond a problem-solving approach to interdisciplinary thinking. Prerequisite: Second year +
0705241 Building Construction & Materials I (3 credits)
Establishes essential understanding on the building’s skeleton, emphasis are given to: structural components (superstructure, foundations, vertical load bearing elements), exterior envelop enclosure (walls and claddings). Covers descriptions, interfaces and application procedures of relevant construction materials and techniques. The materials influence on the form, cost and quality of the built environment will be highlighted. Develops detailing of thermal and sound insulation, water proofing, rainwater drainage, and moisture control. Sheds light on sustainable approaches to material choice and compatibility and sequence of construction process.
0705341 Building Construction & Materials II (3 credits)
Sheds light on specifications, descriptions, details design, interfaces and application procedures of the following finishing materials and systems: Doors, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, floors, suspended ceilings, plastering, gypsum boards, paint, wall claddings, joints, handrails, and wall paper. Emphases are given to the two and three dimensional detailing, verbal description, choice and compatibility of material, materials specifications. Sheds light on sustainable issues related to: the proper choices of finishing material and technologies, current practices and future considerations, implementation sequence of finishing process, systems overlapping and interactions, materials life cycle, recycling and durability.
0705202 Junior Design Studio II (4 credits)
Adopts critical thinking and critical making as basis for creativity and innovation. Improves the student’s sense of design excellence. The studio explores different elements of architectural design. Students will exercise the engagement of philosophical conceptual design approaches with essential architectural design requirements of aesthetic values and tastes, physical characteristics of site, socio-cultural needs, climatic conditions and structural systems. The project functional requirements including user needs, spatial/functional patterns, proper dimensions ergonomics and scales will be properly explored in this course. The students will have to design architectural projects with low profile functional and structural complexity. The studio critics develops mature understanding and sensitivity to the surrounding built environment, functional relationships, site topography, functional and environmental orientation of indoor and outdoor spaces. Prerequisite: 0705201
0705301 Senior Design Studio I (4 credits)
This design studio concentrates on exploring different functional, aesthetic, cultural, climatic, and environmental aspects of residential architectural design, at various levels of dwelling, cluster, and neighborhood. The local socio-cultural needs should be clearly fulfilled in a mature design project. Students will carry out in-depth urban interpretation considering the site as an integral component of the buildings architectural design and fulfilling interrelationship of indoor and outdoor spaces with each other and with the site topography, vegetation, landscape, and climate. Pedestrian and vehicular axis routs, site utilities and services will be covered within the course contents. Prerequisite: 0705202
0705425 History of Jerusalem Architecture (3 credits)
This course sheds light on the history of Jerusalem architecture starting with an overview of medieval period including the Byzantine, Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman periods. It also focuses on studying urban and architectural evolution in Jerusalem during 19th and 20th century: late Ottoman period (1840-1917), British Mandate, Jordanian administration and later. The course maintains some chronological order; its contents include analytical study of the major urban and architectural developments. Most issues are concerned less with defined periods or major formal distinctions, it deals more with urban, architectural and cultural production, their ideological framework, and socio-political significance. In explaining architectural heritage of Jerusalem it uses a comparative approach in which Jerusalem is not seen as isolated from the multi-cultural activities, which used to tack place in surrounding Mediterranean towns. In this respect, the course interprets and investigates social, economic, and political factors that fueled the formation of Jerusalem’s architecture. Prerequisite: 0705222
0705334 Environmental Green Architecture (3 credits)
Studies environmental and green architecture design approaches, regulations, systems, materials and technologies. The role of architects in improving and preserving environmental qualities of built space will be highlighted. Sheds light on climatic responsive design approaches, use of sustainable materials and technologies, and state of art climatic control systems. Covers analysis, formulas and applications of: indoor/outdoor heat transfer, thermal properties of building materials, thermal insulation, humidity inspections and parameters of thermal comfort. Using case studies, it will shed light on how smart functional planning and orientation of buildings could correspond positively with wind movement, and sun paths, thus gaining maximum use of shadowing effects, and passive solar heating and cooling. Prerequisite: Third year +
0705342 Working drawings and Tender Documents (3 credits)
Covers the production process, requirements, and checklists of working drawings. Special concentration is given to integration of various building systems at the working drawings production process. Clarifies standards, conventions, notations, practices, procedures, and phase of the virtual depiction needed to be fulfilled in the preparation process of complete set of tender documents (Terms of tender contract, special and general construction conditions … etc.). Students will learn how to show what in their project, where, when, why and to whom. Integrates the use of computer technology in the production of working drawings. Prerequisite: 0705341& 0705211
0705334 Building Services I: Acoustics & Lighting Architecture (2 credits)
The acoustics part covers: noise and sound measurement methods, sound comfort criteria’s, sound transmissions, reflections, and transmissions loss, noise calculations and reduction indexes. The course introduces noise control materials, and sound isolation systems. The lighting part covers indoor natural and artificial lighting comfort, measurements techniques, indexes, indoor visual comfort and lighting design. Highlights the importance of natural and artificial lighting as integral components of architectural design practice. Case studies on indoor lighting systems, technologies, design approaches are introduced. Prerequisite: Third year +
0705302 Senior Design Studio II (4 credits)
This design studio concentrates on elaborating the architectural design approach and process of public buildings with multi-functional complexity such as: hospitals, governmental administrative buildings, hotels, etc. Due concentration will be given to solution of functional programming of spaces and their interaction with architectural form, site environmental and physical characteristic, proposed structural systems, materials and construction technologies. Multi complex indoor functional integrations with outdoor pedestrian and vehicular axis routs, site utilities and services will be covered within the studio critics. Prerequisite: 0705301
0705501 Advanced Design Studio (4 credits)
This design studio concentrates on elaborating the architectural design approach and process of large scale multi-complex recreational projects with concentration on structural complexity. Projects explored in this design studio includes: shopping malls, airports, theater and concert halls, business expo, factories, techno parks. Concentration will be given to innovative design solutions of integrated structural systems, architectural forms, and uses. In the design project of this studio course, students will be oriented to solve details of structural systems, thus utilizing state of art structural systems such as steel frames, space frames, shells, cables to serve the architectural form and functions of their projects. Suggested structural solutions should emerge from the logic behind the design idea and the projects special circumstances of identity, character, design concept, philosophy, feasibility, and functional necessities. Prerequisite: 0705302
0705445 Building Services II: Sanitary & HVAC (2 credits)
The course introduces sustainable design considerations and requirements. Integration of architectural components with electrical and mechanical systems of environmental control: heating, ventilation and air conditioning – HVAC. It covers technologies and architectural design considerations for: waste water disposal and recycling, garbage collection, water reservoirs and piping, heating and cooling systems, renewable energy, building information systems, electrical power sources, firefighting systems, security control, elevators and escalators. Prerequisite: Third year +
0705351 Theories of Urban Design and Town Planning (3 credits)
This course sheds light on, theories, methods and methodologies. In a lecture format, it focuses on the relationships between the forces that affect the city and its development. It sheds light on the basic principles of contemporary urbanism. Special attention will be paid to the relationships among forces acting upon the city, critical and descriptive theories of urbanism, and contemporary approaches to urban design Principles. Theories and history of urbanism will be introduced and studied using several case studies of local, regional and international cities and towns. The course develops along two lines: definition of the city (its development and analysis of components-activities, functions, movement channels and corresponding physical form) and Introduction to city planning and urban design (historical background, land-use plan, transportation plan, planning and different scales, visual analysis of the city, administrative aspects). Works and planning principles of famous town planners will be reviewed and criticized. By the end of the course, each student is expected to present a written research report studying and analyzing local, regional or international city/town. The conclusions and recommendations of the report should be used by the student in Urban Design and Town Planning course. Prerequisite: 0705431
0705402 Urban Design studio (3 credits)
In this studio, information and knowledge gained in the course of Theories of Urban Design and Town Planning shall be complimented with an urban design project that emphasizes the development of analytical and technical skills in researching and manipulating space and urban context. Prerequisite: 0705351
0705401 Landscape Design Workshop
This course presents an introductory approach of theories and practices of landscape architecture, and types of vegetations, plants suitable to be used in the landscaping of Palestinian environment. The course sheds light on methodology of planning of urban areas, national parks, recreation centers and sport areas. Discusses the use of erosion control, living and non-living materials and their characteristics and use in landscaping design. Prerequisite: 0705332
0705403 Interior Design Workshop
Reviews and interprets recent schools pioneering woks in the field of interior architecture. Critics given on interior design case studies and students’ exercises concentrating on perceptual values related with interior design concepts, space characteristics, colors, furniture layout and its relationship to the visual organization of interior space. In an interior design project, the students will exercise the scope and vocabulary of interior architecture design practice as well as analyzing the interior design activity. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705536 Graduation Project Research (3 credits)
This course elaborates on research methods in architecture, in a bound document format, each student is required to develop a research report on the graduation design-topic. The research should include informative survey on a selected design topic with interpretations and evaluation: recently used technologies, structural systems, materials, and design approaches. Should have a statement of intent, case studies, methodology, notated bibliography, clear statement on the objectives of the program, and design recommendations for the graduation project. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705502 Graduation Project (4 credits)
The course develops individual resolution of the design problems initiated by the students in their Graduation Project Research course. This exposes the students to their last pre-professional exposure in the architectural design fields. Each student will gain professional specialty in his/her chosen design topic, and becomes equipped with the necessary design capabilities, technical skills, and knowledge in the professional architectural design industry. The course comprises of a pre-professional detailed architectural design project, which introduces meaningful solutions using appropriate building technologies, materials, structural systems, and multi-complex functional programming. Prerequisite: 0705501 & 0705536
0705435 Professional Ethics & Portfolio (2 credits)
Overviews the status of architects, and other professionals involved in building, both in the West and in the East, from antiquity to the end of the 19th century. Local and regional professional ethics and legal organizations will be covered. Studies the position and status of architects in the society, their working conditions, corroboration with the patrons and clients, role of architects in society and social responsibility. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705337 Housing Design Methods and Theories (2 credits)
This course, starts with an over view on the historical evolution of domestic architecture, then sheds light on the basic principles of traditional and contemporary theories in housing design. Special attention will be paid to the relationships among forces influencing housing design and production in Palestine. Critical and descriptive theories of housing design and contemporary approaches to housing delivery systems will be studied in depth. Matters of problems of mass housing will be highlighted. The students will learn how to deal with the tenant’s social, cultural, economic requirements and living circumstances. The context of housing issue will be studied at various scales of: spaces and form of dwelling, apartment, cluster, neighborhood, and town. Strategic approaches for resolving housing problems on the international level will be studied and analyzed using case studies from other countries.
0705362 Earthquake Resistance Design Methods (2 credit)
Main objective of the course is to study the behavior of structures under wend and earthquake influence. Starting with the use of appropriate methods and structural models used to resolve lateral loads influence, the course handles the analysis of the behavior of columns, continuous beams, trusses, arches, curved beams, plates and shells under earthquake influences. The course surveys elements influencing behavior of structures, and then sheds light on the use of appropriate architectural approaches and structural models to minimize the influence of earthquakes on buildings. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0703205 Static and Dynamics (3 credit)
Principles of static, force system, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies. Trusses, frames and machines. Centroids, moment of inertia of areas. Friction. Shear forces and bending moment diagram of beams. Particles and rigid bodies in translation, rotation, and plan motion. Relative motion. Impulse and momentum. Work and energy. Prerequisites: 0302103 & 0306102
0705262 Structural Design I (Reinforced Concrete) (3 credit)
Covers classification of structural elements and systems, design loads and specifications, design codes of practice, load tracing and distribution in one-way gravity floor systems, mechanical properties of reinforced concrete materials, design philosophies, analysis and behavior of structural reinforced concrete members including beams, one-way slabs, columns, and isolated footings. Prerequisite: 0705205
0705361 Structural Design II (Steel & Cables) (3 credit)
Covers analysis of cables and arches, design loads and specifications, design codes of practice, mechanical properties and types of structural steel materials, design philosophies, analysis and behavior of structural steel members including tension members, compression members, beams, and simple connections. Prerequisite: 0705205
0705461 Engineering Surveying (3 credit)
Introduces geodetic surveying, theory of errors, coordinate systems, datum, basic measurement procedures, and use of surveying instruments. Covers principles and practices in measuring horizontal distances, differences in elevations, and angles (horizontal and vertical), bearings, azimuths, areas and volumes, leveling, traverse surveying, contouring and total station. Prerequisite: 0306101
0705200 Site Summer Training (1 credit)
Students should spend 30 days of site training with a recognized construction company or site supervision-consulting firm. At the start of the following fall semester the student will be required to submit a formal report to the department and then to be interviewed for the evaluation of his/her training as passing or falling with consideration given to the enclosed report received from the his/her site supervisor. In this training students are exposed to primary practical knowledge on building materials, construction process and techniques, use of surveying equipment, topographic readings, measurement techniques and their applications. Prerequisite: Second year +
0705300 Internship I (1 credit)
Students should spend 30 days of field or office training with a recognized relevant governmental agency, non-government organization or an architectural firm. At the start of the following fall semester, the student will be required to submit a formal report to the department and then to be interviewed for the evaluation of his/her training as passing or falling with consideration given to the enclosed report received from his/her training supervisor. In this training, the students are expected to earn a good background on administrative issues, engineering and architectural regulations, follow-up, and teamwork, corporation with clients, consulting firms, and governmental and non-governmental agencies. Prerequisite: Third year +
0705400 Internship II (1 credit)
Students should spend 30 days of office training with a recognized architectural design-consulting firm. At the start of the following fall semester the student will be required to submit a formal report to the department and then to be interviewed for the evaluation of his/her training as passing or falling with consideration given to the enclosed report received from the his/her site supervisor. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
Program Elective Courses
0705571 Documentation of Historic Buildings (3 credit)
The methods of making a thorough measured drawing and descriptive survey of Palestinian historical and traditional building by means of various techniques and instruments are given in a series of lectures. Practical exercises are carried out on site. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705572 Restoration and Conservation Workshop (3 credit)
Introduction to the characteristic and provenance of historic building materials used in construction and conservation projects. Covers the causes of deterioration and conservation techniques, types of cultural property, characteristics of traditional residential architecture in Palestine and definition of different fields of specializations that take part in conservation studies. Varying topics such as, documentation and architectural identity of settlements are also covered. The course also develops discussions on the problems of traditional residential architecture within the framework of restoration / preservation leading to the preparation of restoration projects. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705573 Restoration Science and Technologies
Introduces modern and traditional technologies, materials, and construction techniques, which are implemented in the restoration process of stone masonry traditional buildings. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705574 Reading, Writing, Criticizing Texts on Architecture (3 credit)
The course intends to improve students’ skills in the practice of thinking in terms of reading and writing by emphasizing the significance of this practice in the process of architectural production. In a movement from simpler to complex reading and writing, it aims to acquaint students with basic and advanced strategies in the analysis, synthesis and critique of architectural texts (texts, acting as the medium). Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705575 Public Space, Culture and Identity (Nation-States) (3 credit)
The course is designed to study the notion of public space and it importance in crystallizing collective cultural identity and citizenship. While searching for the identity of the place, typologies of public spaces will be illustrated and their social and cultural identity will be discussed. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705576 Infrastructure and Social Change (3 credit)
The course enhances the understanding and analysis of the role of infrastructure in the healthy functioning of social life and the urban form. It focuses on rapidly growing societies where urban growth is becoming a major characteristic of cities and the provision of adequate infrastructure becomes of vital importance. It will also illustrate the difficulties and the annoyance produced by some projects of infrastructure. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705577 Urban Tissues in the Context of Architectural Materials and Technology (3 credit)
The course intends to develop student’s awareness of the role played by available materials and building technology in influencing the aesthetics of the urban tissue and its buildings. While studying the local architectural technologies and the change of social and aesthetic values associated with it, the course will examine the influence of contemporary technology and the global markets in introducing new tectonics, materials and values to the traditional urban and architectural landscape. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705580 Theories of Site Planning (3 credit)
The course sheds light on the techniques of site planning in four parts. Starts with an analysis of the main physical site elements, continues with the analysis, relation and location of activities on a site. Alternative choices for vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems are studied in the third section. The architectural design elements of site design, criteria for the evaluation of good site design, and practical know-how on site design constitute the fourth section. Prerequisite: Fourth year +
0705581 Building Laws and Regulations (3 credit)
The course studies the evolution of the building laws and regulation in Palestine, Israel, Jordan since 1967 to current. It identifies several laws and regulations, which are related to pre-construction phase (design and licensing) clarifying issues such as licensing procedures, civil defense requirements, building codes and so on. In the construction phase, legal construction parameters, site safety requirements, responsibilities of diffract parties at the construction site: contractor, consultant, owner, and municipality. Prerequisite: Fourth year +