Architectural Technology
"Being a successful architect isn't easy. This program took me a giant step closer to where I want to be."
Alexandra ‘03 |
The Architectural Technology program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a successful career in the architectural technology field or to achieve further academic goals.
This program enables its graduates to become skilled and knowledgeable Architectural assistants. They will make important contributions to the architectural or engineering team that produces complete working drawings from which buildings, residences, and other structures are constructed. Employment opportunities for which graduates of the program will qualify include architectural assistant, CAD drafter, and technician level work in manufacturing, fabricating, and construction. The program also prepares students for further academic study in architecture.
Many graduates decide to pursue advanced Architectural degrees at other colleges or universities. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology has an articulation agreement with the Boston Architectural Center (BAC). Under this agreement, students receive full credit for courses passed at BFIT with a grade of C or better towards an Architectural, Architectural Technology or Interior Design Bachelor's degree at BAC. In addition, BFIT students may elect to take a course at the BAC during their final Semester of study, allowing them to achieve further advanced standing upon transfer to the BAC.
Curriculum
This comprehensive program provides students with a thorough introduction to the fundamental skills of architectural technology, including familiarization with up-to-date architectural office practices including computer aided design and drawing, Studio work allows students to express their individual styles in various architectural projects and model making. A general education foundation is provided with the inclusion of courses in physics, mathematics, technical writing, humanities, and technical electives.
Facilities
The Architectural Technology Department maintains a drafting and computer-aided-drawing lab which provides students with ample opportunity to experience hands-on training in the Architectural Technology field. The drafting lab, consisting of drafting tables, allows students to express their hands-on drafting and model making capabilities.
The computer-aided-drawing lab provides students the ability to construct computer generated drawings in 2D and 3D formats with up-to-date computer software. A desktop printer and a large scale plotter allow students to display their drawings in various viewable formats.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree in Architectural Technology, the graduate will be able to:
• draw plans, elevations, sections and isometric views of three dimensional objects and use architectural symbols and conventions appropriately.
• create design compositions using and organizing principles such as axis, symmetry, hierarchy, and grid. Understand that formal elements in a design such as points, lines, planes, and volumes can assume symbolic meanings subject to personal or cultural interpretation.
• produce a set of working drawings for a wood frame, single-family residence using the AutoCAD computer program.
• analyze environmental factors influencing an architectural design including: cultural/historical, legal/economic, and climatic. Translate graphic diagrams into AutoCAD generated floor plans, sections, and elevations.
• setup and operate the AutoCAD computer drawing program, including creating drawing parameters, opening, saving, and plotting drawings productively ultilizing basic AutoCAD commands to create and edit drawings.
• utilize advanced principles of the AutoCAD program, including hatching, blocks, and attributes in the creation of working drawings. Perform at an acceptual level on a simulated AutoCAD assessment exam.
• create and view three dimensional drawings by various methods using the AutoCAD program. Render a three dimensional structure, including selecting views, placing lights, assembling a scene, and incorporating materials and landscape objects in a scene.
• select materials that are compatible with the architectural and structural design regarding their appearance, strength, properties, and behavior against natural and man-made stressing forces.
• understand the basic fundamentals involved in the analysis and design of structural/architectural building elements.
• calculate heating and cooling loads in buildings, estimate the annual costs of various heating and cooling systems, evaluate site drainage, calculate water demand and drainage requirements for a building and calculate building electrical loads.
Faculty
Barney Barnhart, Chair
Instructor Staff: Marilyn Phelan, Samuel Wang
| Degree requirements for Architectural Technology |
Technology Courses: 42 Credit Hours |
| Course# |
Course |
Credits |
Lecture |
Lab |
| AR100 |
Architectural Graphics |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR110 |
Introduction to CAD |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| AR150 |
Introduction to Architectural Design |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR160 |
Building Construction |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR200 |
Contract Drawings |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR210 |
CAD I |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR250 |
Environmental Systems |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR260 |
Architectural Design Studio |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR270 |
CAD II |
4 |
3 |
2 |
| AR280 |
Statics & Strength of Materials |
4 |
4 |
1 |
| CT100 |
Computer Applications |
3 |
2 |
2 |
| |
General Studies Courses: 29 Credit Hours |
| Course# |
Course |
Credits |
Lecture |
Lab |
| EN130 |
College Composition I |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| EN140 |
College Composition II |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| HU/SS |
Elective |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| HU/SS |
Elective |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| HU/SS |
Elective |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| MA105 |
Technical Mathematics I |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| MA120 |
College Algebra and Trigonometry |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| PH212 |
Physics I |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| PH215 |
Physics Lab I |
1 |
0 |
2 |
| SK101 |
Freshman Seminar |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| MA130 |
Pre-Calculus |
3 |
3 |
0 |
| |
| Typical Course Sequence for Architectural Technology |
| Semester 1 |
| AR100 |
Architectural Graphics |
|
| AR110 |
Introduction to CAD |
|
| CT100 |
Computer Applications |
|
| EN130 |
College Composition I |
|
| MA105 |
Technical Math I |
|
| SK101 |
Freashman Seminar |
|
| |
| Semester 2 |
| AR150 |
Introduction to Architectural Design |
|
| AR160 |
Building Construction |
|
| EN140 |
College Composition II |
|
| HU/SS |
Elective |
|
| MA120 |
College Algebra and Trigonometry |
|
| |
| Semester 3 |
| AR200 |
Contract Drawings |
|
| AR210 |
CAD I |
|
| PH212 |
Physics I |
|
| PH215 |
Physics Lab I |
|
| MA130 |
Pre-Calculus |
|
| HU/SS |
Elective |
|
| |
| Semester 4 |
| AR250 |
Environmental Systems |
|
| AR260 |
Architectural Design Studio |
|
| AR270 |
CAD II |
|
| AR280 |
Statics & Strength of Materials |
|
| HU/SS |
Elective |
|
| |
|
