Architecture (ARCH) - For a syllabus or more detailed course information, please contact the department at 610-758-3610.

Course Listings

    Course#     Course Title (Credit Hours)                CRN       Day/Time                       Location  Session   Instructor

Course Descriptions

098. Advanced 3D Modeling and Animation: This course aims at understanding and utilizing the virtual medium of both representation and perception. We will learn and utilize advanced 3d modelling, animation and video editing techniques to represent the “operative nature” of the virtual, i.e. constructing the function of time, duration and speed in the absence of actors. We will work exclusively in 3D Studio Max and Adobe Premiere. Students with working knowledge of Rhinoceros, AfterEffects, Combustion, AutCAD will be accommodated. Welcome are some computer modeling skills, love for virtual reality, willingness to commit long hours for animation, and editing.  The course work will be carried out in three stages: 1. Research - A quick but thorough design project will be given to create the place of action based on a dramaturgical text. Films watched and analyzed will include Zabriskie Point, Rear Window, Psycho, X-Men, Alien 3, Coffee and Cigarettes, L’Avventura, Blade Runner, Aeon Flux, Contempt, and others. 2. Build/Model - At a second stage, the students will model digital design sets. This mode of work will be heavily supported by software tutorials. 3. Animate/Film - Lastly, we will film the architecture of our models. We will rely heavily on the use of animation software and video-editing and compositing techniques. A culminating screening event will show the films free and open to the public.    Prerequisite: declared Architecture Major or permission by Instructor.  ND

195.  Visualization and Fabrication in Architecture: This course concentrates on visualization and fabrication in architecture. Students are introduced to advanced architectural diagramming and model-making as well as conventional and digital representation skills.  This course investigates architectural graphics as an active means of communication and as a generative element in organizing architectural space. Precedents and examples are extensively researched. All exercises are designed to enhance students’ ability to imagine and visualize complex architectural forms and spaces.  Various architectural materials are employed and tested. Digital fabrication is employed to explore the potential of new materials and techniques. At the end of the semester, students are expected to think and work within conventional and new media. Students are also required to submit an advanced portfolio with refined drawings and models.  Prerequisite: ARCH 43 and ARCH 143 or permission of instructor. ND 

197. Architecture and Urbanism of New York City: This course deals with the architecture and urbanism of New York City. It focuses on the twentieth century and occasionally covers other historical periods as well. With the direction of the instructor, students visit and analyze, formally and historically, important structures and places of the city such as museums, transportation hubs, offices, parks and other landmarks of interest. Cultural and sociological as well as architectural readings are offered and discussed. There are six mandatory field trips to New York City led by the instructor.