Program Overview
The Department of Architecture & Design (DAD) CUI started its Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree program in 2005. The department was established with an inter-disciplinary philosophy, with the intent that architecture is a critical feature of a broader social and cultural context. The role of culture is primary in the production of the built environment, as architecture is a means to communicate cultural values and form cultural identities. The general approach in architectural schools is to emphasize the practice of skills in the design studios while leaving the supporting subjects as theoretical discourse; making them remote, detached, with little relevance to the design studios. We envisage a research-based pedagogy in all subjects where students demonstrate their knowledge through exams and in the form of research projects that synthesize the semester’s work, as well as emphasize the skills of critical thinking and analysis acquired by students. The B. Arch curriculum was thus designed to situate architecture within these broader and multi-faceted parameters and to be taught through a holistic pedagogy.
The academic plan and scheme of studies (SoS) of the B. Arch program have been under review and discussion since the last two years. The intentions of these discussions have been to improve upon our founding documents. This proposed revision of the SoS has been prepared in view of the underlying vision of the department which views architecture within a wider context. It is envisaged that this proposal, through the breaking up of architectural technologies into smaller and more intensive segments and through the introduction of a wide range of electives, will deepen and broaden the knowledge base of our students. It will help DAD in delivering our inter-disciplinary vision more effectively.
The introduction of the undergraduate program is through the Foundation Year which gives an overview of architecture, art, design and culture so that the students develop a thought process based on their observations and understanding of a wide range of artistic and cultural practices and processes. The underlying rational of this is to teach the students that all architecture provides cultural insights as it displays the identity, traditions and history of a culture. The foundation year imparts intensive training in verbal and graphic communication, logical thinking and the ability to theorize art and architecture.
The following three years (2nd-4th) are organized around the unique framework of an integrated curriculum, whereby the designs undertaken in the studios are enriched by a thinking process developed through the study of History & Theory of Architecture, and supported with the knowledge of materials, tools and techniques gained through the study of Architectural Technologies. The student gains the ability to independently conceive a project within an appropriate context, with an understanding of its functional, spatial and structural requirements. All the acquired knowledge of these 8 semesters will culminate in the 5th year and along with the research undertaken in the 9th semester will lead to a meaningful/responsive thesis project completed in the 10th semester.
Program Aims and Objectives
- The Department of Architecture has always striven to inculcate the qualities of the quest for excellence and academic integrity in its students. We try our level best to make our students both aware of and respect the contextual realities in which they design.
- We also equip our students to design in a manner that represents their sensitivity towards the environment (physical and cultural) and integration of technological knowledge in design.
- The department aims to instill the qualities of critical thinking in its students.
- Multi-disciplinary approach is at the core of departments philosophy. Our curriculum and teaching methodologies are geared towards creating architects that can tackle design problem holistically. We strive and hope that our students become active contributors to the design environment of this society and the world at large through their innovative ideas.
Entry Requirements
- Intermediate, A-levels or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks, from an accredited institute.
- Valid NTS Entry as per CUI policy.
- All applicants will appear in the Departmental Creative Aptitude Test.
Scheme of Studies
*Eligibility criteria may get revised. Yearly prospectus may be consulted for updated criteria.
Duration
- Minimum: 10 Semesters; 5 years
- Maximum: 15 Semesters; 7.5 years
Credit Hours Requirements
Offering Semester
Contact Details:
Department of Architecture and Design
Telephone: 051-90495141
E-mail: info.arch@comsats.edu.pk