Principles of Structural Behaviour

Undergraduate

An analysis of known structural systems in terms of spatial behavior in non-mathematical terms. The basic approaches to structure, proper scale of use and the effects of various materials, geometry and construction techniques are integrated into the course content. Illustrated lectures covering buildings from ancient to modern are used to demonstrate structural principles. VABE-2150/ARCH-2150. Construction I This course is the first in a two-semester sequence covering building materials, methods of construction, and assemblies. The goals of Construction I are to explore the form and expression of buildings through their construction systems; to develop a basic understanding of materials and methods of construction; and to investigate the inherent relationship between construing an idea and its construction. Topics covered include site work, concrete, masonry, metals, woods and plastics, doors and windows, vertical transportation systems, glass, overall building assemblies, and systems integration. (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy as ARCH 2150. Open to VABE students only). (This is an experiential learning course). VABE-2160/ARCH-2160. 3D Computer Graphics This course in computer aided design uses primarily Autodesk 3D Studio software. The emphasis is on visualization and design in three dimensions. Students learn how to assemble complex three- dimensional, digital architectural landscapes equipped with real-life attributes of light, building materials, etc. These objects are rendered and animated to facilitate the needs of the design process as well as complex graphic presentations. Additional post-processing and graphic software is introduced. (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) VABE-2210/ARCH-2110. Visual Communications III This course is the third in sequence of Visual Communications courses, building on the experience gained from Architecture Design I and II, that is designed to develop the student’s abilities in architectural graphic analysis and presentation techniques. This course will use Computer Aided Design and Building Information Technology tools to analyze, interpret and illustrate building construction at different levels of detail. The class will support lessons from the Construction II course and Architecture Design courses.(Taken at University of Detroit Mercy as ARCH 2110. Open to VABE students only). VABE-2250/ARCH-2250. Construction II This course is the second in a two-semester sequence covering building materials, methods of construction, and assemblies. In Construction II principles, materials, and methods of architectural construction are examined as they relate to the exterior enclosure systems of buildings. An analysis of materials and systems, including damp proofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, windows, glass and glazing, sealants and joint design, moisture and heat control is undertaken. Codes and standards are considered for their effects on the technical aspects of the construction process. The importance of maintaining the integrity of exterior enclosure systems is stressed. (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy as ARCH 2250. Open to VABE students only). (This is an experiential learning course). VABE-2300/ARCH1300. Architectural Design III Design III is intended to transfer ideas explored in first year into their architectural applications while introducing students to the design of simple buildings and spaces as a creative integration of multiple systems i.e. concept, site, function, structure, mechanical systems, accessibility, materials and codes. The overall intent is to give students the opportunity to understand and explore in more detail how various systems inform, integrate and coordinate the design of architectural form and space. This term focuses on the issues of the integration of form and structure and the issue of materiality/constructability. 263 Winter 2027 Undergraduate Calendar (Prerequisites: VABE-1200) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (This is an experiential learning course). VABE-2330/ARCH-2330. Structures I Analysis of structures. This course teaches the mathematical calculation of structures through lectures, and individual problem assignments. It focuses on resolution of forces; reaction; forces in frames and trusses; and forces in frames with beams. Also examined are characteristics of structural materials and structural components: shear and bending movements, flexural and shear stresses, combined stresses, principal stresses, combined bending and axial loads and stresses, deflection, continuity in structures. Light weight wood framing is presented as is wood as a structural material. (Prerequisites: VABE-2130) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) VABE-2400/ARCH-1400. Architectural Design IV Design IV is a continuation of studies begun in Design III. It is intended to further develop the student's ability to design buildings and building complexes within the context of integrated multiple systems. The issues of focus for this term also include sustainability, environmental systems and the design of a totally integrated project. (Prerequisites: VABE-2300) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (This is an experiential learning course.) VABE-2430/ARCH-2430. Structures II This second course in structures focuses on principles of design of simple structures. Primarily studied are the design of beams, columns, trusses, built-up components and foundations in standard structural materials, steel and concrete. Related building construction techniques as well as lateral and seismic loading are also presented. (Prerequisites: VABE-2330) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) VABE-2640/ARCH-2640. Building Structures I Building Structures I is a module in a course of study focused on the impact of gravitational forces in architectural projects. It is intended to build upon the theory and physics background established in VABE-2130 Principals of Structural Behaviour to explore elementary structural systems, typically deployed in small-scale architectural works. The course covers gravity loads, load path analysis, and foundations and soil mechanics, in addition to wood, steel, and masonry structural systems. These systems are explored through presentations, readings and dynamic, hands-on laboratory work. (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy. Open to Visual Arts and the Built Environment students only). VABE-2660/ARCH-2660. Building Environment I Building Environment I is a module in a course of study focused on the impact of environmental forces in architectural projects. It is intended to build upon the theory and physics background established in VABE-2130 Principals of Structural Behavior to explore the appropriate selection of passive heating, cooling, ventilation and daylighting systems, focused on deployment in small-scale architectural works. The course also introduces plumbing systems. These systems are explored through presentations, readings and dynamic, hands-on laboratory work (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy. Open to Visual Arts and the Built Environment students only). VABE-2680/ARCH-2680. Building Construction I Building Construction I is a module in a course of study focused on the underlying principles involved in the appropriate selection of building materials and building envelope components in architectural projects. It is intended to build upon the theory and physics background established in VABE-2130 Principals of Structural Behaviour to explore assemblage and material strategies, typically deployed in a small-scale architectural work, including fire protection concepts. These systems are explored through presentations, readings and dynamic, hands-on laboratory work (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy. Open to Visual Arts and the Built Environment students only). 264 Winter 2027 Undergraduate Calendar VABE-2840/ARCH-2840. Building Structures II Building Structures II is a module in a course of study focused on the impact of seismic and lateral forces in architectural projects. It is intended to build upon the background established in VABE-2640 Building Structures I to explore more advanced structural systems, typically deployed in mid-rise and high-rise architectural works, including lateral forces. This course will also explore the evaluation, selection and application of an appropriate structural system. These systems are explored through presentations, readings and dynamic, hands-on laboratory work (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy. Open to Visual Arts and the Built Environment students only). VABE-2860/ARCH-2860. Building Environment II Building Environment II is a module in a course of study focused on the impact of environmental forces in architectural projects. It is intended to build upon the background established in VABE-2660 Building Environment I to explore the appropriate selection of active environmental control systems, indoor air quality, moisture, vapor and energy transfer, communication and security systems, and renewable energy systems focused on deployment in mid-rise architectural works. These systems are explored through presentations, readings and dynamic, hands-on laboratory work (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy. Open to Visual Arts and the Built Environment students only). VABE-2880/ARCH-2880. Building Construction II Building Construction II is a module in a course of study focused on the appropriate selection of the components of assemblage and materiality in architectural projects. It is intended to build upon the background from the VABE-2680 Building Construction I to explore envelope assemblage and material strategies for performance, aesthetics and durability, 9-09-09 vertical transportation, life safety and building codes, plumbing codes and restroom design, and accessibility and universal design, typically deployed in a mid-rise architectural work. The systems are considered through the lenses of environmental impact and reuse. These systems are explored through presentations, readings and dynamic, hands-on laboratory work. (Taken at University of Detroit Mercy. Open to Visual Arts and the Built Environment students only). VABE-3000/ARCH-3000. Co-op Training Presentation This course prepares students for the Co-op experience. Topics covered include the Career Development Model and the Cooperative Education Model including job search & job readiness, learning objectives, resume writing, and practice interviews. This course offers students the opportunity to learn about the profession of architecture and its practice. Students must also collaborate on a group exhibition in the School of Creative Arts Gallery and develop and deliver a hard copy individual portfolio documenting their pedagogical art and design work. (Open to 3rd year VABE students only) (Course delivered at the University of Detroit Mercy with the full participation of a concluding exhibition at the University of Windsor.) (This is an experiential learning course). VABE-3100/ARCH-2100. Architectural Design 5 This is the first of a series of studio courses that combines students from the third and fourth years into a common studio to explore a particular project type and theme. These projects change from term to term. Project types include: housing, civic buildings, urban design, retail, office, health care and manufacturing buildings, etc. Themes include: community design, architectural competitions, historic preservation, electronic design, sustainable design, representation, design-build, and architectural theory. It is the intent of these studios to broaden and deepen the student’s design skills and experiences while preparing them for the Master’s Studios. (Prerequisites: VABE-2400) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (This is an experiential learning course). VABE-3200/ARCH2200. Architectural Design 6 265 Winter 2027 Undergraduate Calendar Design VI is a continuation of studies begun in Design V and is the second part of the combined third and fourth year common senior studio series. The projects change from term to term and students explore different project types and themes. Project types include: housing, civic buildings, urban design, retail, office, health care and manufacturing buildings, etc. Themes include: community design, architectural competitions, historic preservation, electronic design, sustainable design, representation, design-build, and architectural theory. It is the intent of these studios to broaden and deepen the student’s design skills and experiences while preparing them for the Master’s Studios. (Prerequisites: VABE-3100) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (This is an experiential learning course.)