Mar 14, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
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ARE 4901 - Architectural Design

2 lecture hours 4 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course is part of a two-course Architectural Engineering capstone design experience. Students form multidisciplinary teams and produce programs and designs that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare. Students consider global, cultural, social/societal, environmental and economic factors in their design. The team members work together to provide leadership within a collaborative and inclusive environment where they establish the goals of the project, plan tasks, and meet project objectives. This course focuses on preliminary architectural and engineering design tasks and objectives. The students develop a program related to the client’s building and design goals and requirements. Knowledge and skills learned in prerequisite course work will be integrated into this course. Students must effectively communicate their design intentions to stakeholders throughout the semester and during the culminating design presentations at the end of the semester.
Prereq: Senior standing, cumulative and major GPA greater than or equal to 2.00, successful completion of each of the required principles courses, or department chair consent
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: Integrate Learning
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Develop an entire project from conceptualization to final design, including design of architectural and engineering systems, construction feasibility, selection of methods of construction, schedule, budget, logistics and economics
  • Utilize the student’s knowledge of his or her specialty area
  • Develop advanced presentation and communication skills, building on the student’s basic skills learned from prior course work
  • Integrate elements of sustainable design into the project
  • Compare and contrast reasonable solutions and decide on the optimal solution
  • Generate and facilitate work relationships with faculty and fellow students akin to those found in industry
  • Successfully collaborate in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment
  • Demonstrate the MSOE Mindset by applying curiosity, connecting prior learning, and creating value for stakeholders in design solutions
Prerequisites by Topic
  • Design knowledge in the student’s specialty area
Course Topics
(Subject to change based on the current year’s project):

  • Introduction to the course(s)
  • Three-dimensional thought and design considerations
  • Site considerations and analysis
  • Building plan and form considerations; bubble diagramming
  • Architectural model making
  • Presentation considerations
  • Building code issues, zoning issues
  • “Design for Everyone” (focusing on accessibility and ADA)
  • Sustainability considerations
  • Construction delivery systems
  • Architectural programming, space planning and analysis
  • Architectural design development drawings
  • Project budgeting, estimating, scheduling and project management
  • Presentations to building code officials, clients and other professionals
Coordinator
Jayme Radomski, P.E.


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