PDF version of this chapterCourses of Instruction
Architecture (ARCH)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
102abL Architectural Design I (4-4, FaSpSm) Introduction to principles and processes; sequence of exercises emphasizing development of basic skills, ideas, and techniques used in the design of simplified architectural projects.
105L Fundamentals of Design Communication (2) Visual communication techniques applicable to the design of the built environment; drawing, photography, modeling.
106x Workshop in Architecture (2, Fa) Introduction to the ways architecture is created and understood, for minors and nonmajors. Hands-on discussion and laboratory session with some drawing and model building. Not available for credit to architecture majors.
114 Architecture: Culture and Community (2, Fa) Introduction to the ways architecture represents aspirations of culture, satisfies practical and spiritual needs, shapes the social and urban environment, and helps preserve the planet.
202abL Architectural Design II (6-6, FaSpSm) Continuing development of principles and processes; sequence of projects selected to broaden awareness of design issues at various scales in the urban context. Prerequisite: ARCH 102bL or departmental approval.
205abL Building Science I (4-4, FaSp) The process and communication of building design: physical building shell, systems for structure, enclosure, and space ordering. Prerequisite: CE 107.
206 Shelter (4, Fa) Introduction to issues, processes, and roles of the individual in relation to present and future shelter needs and aspirations.
207ab Computer Applications in Architecture (2-2, FaSp) Introduction for the non-programmer to the uses of the computer in architecture, including the application of existing programs and their implications for design. Lecture and laboratory. a: Overview and use of software types. b: Management of computer systems. Prerequisite: ARCH 207a or departmental approval.
209 Modern Housing (3, 2 years, Sp) Review of 20th century, international housing by country and building type; the evolution of building forms; American housing problems.
211 Materials and Methods of Building Construction (3, Sp) Basic considerations and design implications of the problem of determination of the materials and construction details and processes for buildings.
213ab Building Structures and Seismic Design (3-3, FaSp) a: Investigation and design of elements and systems for building structures; applied mechanics, strength of materials, structural investigation as a design tool. b: Investigation and design of structure systems: their resistance to seismic and wind forces and integration with architectural design for synergy of form and structure. Recommended preparation: PHYS 125 and MATH 108.
214ab History of Architecture (4-4, FaSp) History of building and cities, social, political, technical, formal, aesthetic dimensions in western and non-western traditions: a: antiquity through the Middle Ages; b: Renaissance to present.
215 Design for the Thermal and Atmospheric Environment (3, Fa) Ideas, problems, and computations related to the design of buildings in response to the thermal and atmospheric environment; passive solar systems, mechanical control systems.
220x The Architect's Sketchbook (2, FaSp) The architect's sketchbook as a portable laboratory for perceiving and documenting space introduces the study of the built environment. On-site sessions develop drawing, observation, and visualization skills. Not for professional elective credit for architecture majors.
260L Landscape Architecture Design I (6, Sp) Development of principles and processes for the design of gardens and parks and the definition of open space in the built environment. Prerequisite: ARCH 202a.
302abL Architectural Design III (a: 6, Fa; b: 6, Sp) Special integrative year including design issues relating to housing. Prerequisite: ARCH 202bL.
304x Intensive Survey: Prehistory to the Present (4) An intensive historical overview of architecture from prehistory to the present, emphasizing interrelationships of various global cultures and how social considerations were translated into form. Not available for credit to architecture majors.
305abL Building Science II (4-4, FaSp) The design of a building as a complex of interacting systems; relations of subsystems; influences of production and marketing on design. Prerequisite: ARCH 205abL.
312 Urban Form and Architecture in Italy (2, Fa) Historical overview and theoretical discussion of selected cities, urban spaces and buildings from ancient Rome to the present in Italy. Prerequisite for Milan/Como program.
313 Design of Building Structures (3, Fa) Problems and processes of design of building structures; structural investigation for design; codes and standards; design of elements and systems of wood, steel, masonry, and concrete for gravity and lateral loads. Prerequisite: ARCH 213a.
314 Theory and Criticism: Recent Trends and Developments (3, Fa) Examination of the issues and images, the polemics and personalities that are animating current architectural discourse and practice. Prerequisite: ARCH 214b or departmental approval.
315 Design for the Luminous and Sonic Environment (3, Sp) Ideas, problems, and computations related to the design of buildings in response to the luminous and sonic environment.
316 Place and Culture (3, FaSpSm) (Study abroad programs only) Study of the relationships between places and culture through readings, lectures, discussion and weekly field trips.
322 Great Houses of Los Angeles (4, FaSp) An introduction to the architectural philosophies of five influential California architects through readings and site visits.
326 The Modern Movement in Architecture (4, Sp) Major theories of modern architecture are presented by studying the work of masters such as: Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, Corbusier, and Kahn.
341 History of Italian Architecture 1400-1990 (4, Sp) Introduction to the important buildings, architects and architectural movements in Italy from the Renaissance to the present.
360aLbL Landscape Architecture Design II (a: 6, Fa; b: 6, Sp) a: Principles, policies and practice of planned community design focusing on site planning. Prerequisite: ARCH 260. b: Principles and design of conservation and enhancement of cultural and natural resources. Studio investigates historic landscape landmarks, conservation programs and urban landscape renewal. Prerequisite: ARCH 360a.
361L Ecological Factors in Design (3, Fa) Lectures, laboratory exercises and field trips introduce basic knowledge of incorporating ecological factors in urban design and interaction of landscape science with the human environment.
362 Landscape Architecture Construction (3, Sp) An investigation of construction processes, horizontal and vertical control of space, site detailing control of space, site detailing and materials and construction drawings. Prerequisite: ARCH 211 and ARCH 213a.
363 Plant Material Identification: Horticulture (4, Fa) Introduction to 300 species of plantings. Learn visual characteristics, nomenclature, cultural considerations, and design applications through visits to existing gardens.
364 Materials and Methods of Landscape Architecture (3, Fa) Aesthetic and ecological concepts for planting design. Methods of selecting appropriate plants for site development and an understanding of irrigation techniques for a given site. Prerequisite: ARCH 363.
365 History of Landscape Architecture (4, Sp) Provides understanding of design of landscape in Western world. Includes case studies on general specific projects. Students develop personal theory of landscape design.
366 Nature Landscape and Gardens in Non-Western Cultures (4, Sp) An investigation into landscape as cultural interpretation of nature, and the representation of landscape as garden in Asian, Islamic, and Pre-Columbian American civilizations.
375 The Urban Neighborhood (4, Fa) Enroll in URBN 375.
390 Special Problems (1-4, FaSp) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
402abcL Architectural Design IV (6-6-6, FaSpSm) Selected areas of specialization; three projects chosen with advisement from a variety of studio offerings that concentrate on different areas of vital concern. Prerequisite: ARCH 302bL.
404 Topics in Modern Architecture in Southern California (3, FaSp) Investigation of modern architecture in southern California within its cultural and historic contexts.
405abL Building Science III (4-4, FaSp) Design of building systems as an experimental process. Prerequisite: ARCH 305abL.
407 Advanced Computer Applications (4, Fa) Investigation of computer graphic applications, emphasizing the role of computers in helping designers create and communicate using color (rendering), form (modeling), and time (animation) and the implications of future technological advancements. Prerequisite: ARCH 207a and ARCH 207b, CADD studio or departmental approval.
410 Computer Transformations (2, FaSp) To explore the potential of computer-integrated design software; to develop techniques for critical analysis of architectural precedents; to expand the ability to visualize options; to expand perception; and to learn the basics of computer-integrated design. Prerequisite: 202b.
411 Architectural Technology (3, Sp) Architectural design considered as a technological problem; influence of technology on design; buildings as integrated sets of subsystems. Prerequisite: ARCH 313.
416 Architecture and Urbanism in France (2, Sp) Provides an understanding of the cities and buildings of France. Includes case studies as specific places, historical background for development of personal design theory. Open to architecture students (majors and minors) at third year and above.
417 Computer Programming in Architecture (3, Fa) Principles underlying computer programming, emphasizing algorithms, procedures, and program structures applicable to architecture.
418 Designing with Natural Forces (3, Fa) Investigation of natural force effects and their relationships to architecture; laboratory work includes drawing, photography, model building and tests on models.
420 Visual Communication and Graphic Expression (3, Fa) An exploratory study of fundamental and innovative visual communication principles and graphic expression techniques to facilitate the design enquiry process for architects. Prerequisite: ARCH 302L.
422 Architectural Photography (2, FaSp) Perceiving and documenting the built environment through the perspective and frame of the camera. Abilities with 35mm and large format cameras, lighting, and black and white lab techniques will be developed. Recommended preparation: knowledge of 35mm camera.
423 Light, Color and the Character of Material (2, FaSp) Color theory, constructed drawings, constructed shadows, descriptive geometry, constructed perspective drawing, and layered wash techniques lead to experimentation with methods representing materiality and construction in design projects. Prerequisite: ARCH 105L.
424L Field Studies in Architecture (2, FaSpSm) Field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings in architecture. Department approval. Recommended preparation: core curriculum.
425L Field Studies in Urbanism (2, FaSpSm) Field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings in urbanism. Departmental approval. Recommended preparation: core curriculum.
426L Field Studies in Tectonics (2, FaSpSm) Field studies using direct observation, site recordings/documentation, analysis and evaluation supplemented by discussions and readings in tectonics. Departmental approval. Recommended preparation: core curriculum.
430 Design Teaching Methods (2, FaSp) The teaching of architectural design is introduced through readings, seminar discussions, and the observation of teaching in action. In addition to a one hour per week seminar, each student will participate in a design practicum. Prerequisite: ARCH 302L.
432 People, Places and Culture: Architecture of the Public Realm (4, Sp) Critical observation of the architecture of public buildings and places and the importance of design in promoting a better contemporary public life.
440m Literature and the Urban Experience (4, Fa) Post-industrial revolution urban environments and dynamic relationships in cities such as Manchester, Paris, St. Petersburg, New York, and Los Angeles, as revealed in novels, architecture, and urban forms. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
441 A History of Architectural Theory: 1400-1914 (2, Sp) A seminar on architectural theory from Alberti to Scott, reviewing primary texts and subsequent criticisms.
442m Women's Spaces in History: "Hussies," "Harems" and "Housewives" (4, Sp) Methods for studying patterns of spatial differentiation of women throughout history from home to city embodied in gender specific language and gendered spaces.
450 Fundamentals of Historic Preservation (4, Fa) Concepts and strategies for preservation of significant elements of the built environment: buildings, sites and communities as revealed by reading, site visits and case studies.
454 Contemporary Asian Architecture (4) Exploration of various "Asian" architectures, comparisons of areas, identifying current trends and impact of Asia on Southern California and Los Angeles.
460L Landscape Planning Studio (6, Fa) Studio examining basic concepts and stimulating ecological landscape project planning. Preparation for landscape project and land management project. Prerequisite: ARCH 360b.
461L Landscape Architecture Comprehensive Project (6, Sp) Preparation of an individual comprehensive design project under a faculty advisor to demonstrate knowledge of landscape architecture principles and professional skills. Prerequisite: ARCH 460L.
463 Plant Material Identification: California Plant Communities (4, Sp) Expand plant material vocabulary to include native plants of Southern California. Emphasis on bioengineering techniques for site design. Prerequisite: ARCH 363.
475 Urban Practicum (4, Sp) Enroll in URBN 475.
490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8, FaSpSm)Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Selected topics in various specialty areas of architecture.
501 Independent Study (2, Sp) Concurrent academic research and documentation on a subject related to the comprehensive design studio, providing for independent study and the production of a written and illustrated paper. Prerequisite: ARCH 402cL; concurrent enrollment: ARCH 502aL.
502abL Architectural Design V (6-0, SpSm) The final comprehensive architectural project under the guidance of a faculty advisor to demonstrate architectural knowledge, skills, and professional interests and goals. Graded IP/L. a: Prerequisite: ARCH 402aL; corequisite: ARCH 501; b: Prerequisite: ARCH 502b.
505abL Graduate Architecture Design (6-6, FaSp) Emphasis on comprehensive architectural design; attention to theories and skills appropriate for practice in contemporary urban conditions. Open to graduate architecture majors only. Prerequisite: a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture or its equivalent; recommended preparation: six semesters of architecture design.
507 Theories of Computer Technology (3, Sp) Fundamental theories and meanings of computation as a technique in architectural design. Lecture/discussion.
511L Seminar: Building Systems (4, Fa) Advanced study of construction system development within the architectural design context; processes and issues of selection, evaluation, optimization, integration, design control, and innovation. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
513L Seminar: Advanced Structures (4, Fa) Issues and problems in the development of structural systems for buildings; design criteria, system choice, design development, optimization, subsystem integration. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
515L Seminar: Advanced Environmental Systems (4, Sp) A compressed course in design criteria and calculation methods for mechanical and passive solar systems (loads, plant system, duct, and storage sizing) and lighting and acoustics (CIE and IES methods, dBA and NC systems). Prerequisite: departmental approval.
520 Professional Practice: Pre-Design (2, Fa) Design methodology, typology programming, site analysis, budget formulation and pro-forma procedures.
521 Professional Practice: Legal and Economic Context (2, Fa) The laws and regulations that affect architecture as well as building economics and financing.
522 Professional Practice: Project and Office Administration (2, Sp) Project and office management, emphasizing professional services and professional ethics as well as project responsibilities during design and construction.
523 Professional Practice: Project Documentation (2, Sp) Development of comprehensive project documentation, detailing, specifications, drawing formats and organizations.
524 Professional Practicum (1, max 2, Sm) Comparative studies of professional practice between U.S. firms and firms in other countries. Open to international upper-division and graduate architecture students only. Graded CR/NC. Prerequisite: ARCH 302bL.
531 The Natural Landscape (3, 2 years, Fa) Lectures, laboratory exercises and field trips introducing basic knowledge of the continually transforming landscape as a base for human settlement.
532 Elements of the Urban Landscape (2, Sp) Study of the basic spatial and infrastructure elements of the city, and how urban places are formed. Typological analysis of buildings, open space, and urban patterns.
533 Urban Landscape Case Studies (2, Sp) Lectures, discussion, and individual research on the physical, formal, and spatial characteristics of historical urban centers.
535ab Materials and Methods for Landscape Architecture (3-3, Sp) Introduction to materials of landscape construction, including plant species and planting design, site grading and drainage, surface and building materials and assemblies.
536 The Landscape Planning Process (4) Investigation through graphic, verbal, and written methods of the potential of sites for future development. Sites vary in size. Establish criteria based upon ecological principles and alternative development.
542abL Landscape Architecture Design (6-6, FaSp) Projects in complex urban settings; collaboration with students in related fields; emphasis on development of integrative schematic proposals as well as detailed open space design.
550 Historic Preservation Management, Planning and Development (4, Sp) Preservation practice within an economic, political and cultural context. The regulatory environment, public advocacy and policy, development, heritage tourism, environmental sustainability, cultural diversity and interpretation.
551 Conservation Methods and Materials (4, Fa) Concepts and techniques for building conservation including identification of treatments, recordation and research, material properties and behavior, building forensics, and implementation of preservation projects.
552 Introduction to Historic Site Documentation (2, Fa) Survey of basic guidelines and standards for documentation in historic preservation, including cultural resource surveys, historic structures reports and Historic American Building Survey and Historic American Engineering Record recordation.
553 History of American Architecture and Urbanism (4, Fa) History of American architecture and urbanism from prehistory to World War II examined in relation to European influences and indigenous developments. (Duplicates credit in former ARCH 409).
561 Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places (2, Fa) Study of the basic spatial and infrastructure elements of the city, and how urban places are formed: Focus on incremental development, public-private collaboration, community incentives and controls, project implementation strategies. (Duplicates credit in former ARCH 532b.)
563 Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories (2, Sp) A comparative study of design theories of the physical, formal and spatial characteristics of historic city types from ancient to modern. (Duplicates credit in former ARCH 533b.)
590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
596 Building Science Thesis Preparation (1, Fa) Exploration of topics leading to the development of a thesis prospectus. Topics may be in the areas of building structures, seismic design, environmental control, passive and active energy, or other relevant topics.
597abzL Landscape Architecture Thesis Option I (4-8-0, FaSpSm) Field studies and thesis for the Master of Landscape Architecture degree. Credit on completion of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
598abzL Landscape Architecture Directed Design Research (4-8-0, FaSpSm) Directed design research option for the Master of Landscape Architecture degree. Credit on acceptance of research project. Graded IP/CR/NC.
599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Selected topics in various specialty areas of architecture.
605abL Graduate Architecture Design (6-6, FaSp) Development of advanced skills and theoretical knowledge about urban architectural issues: a: a series of projects emphasizing the interaction between general principles and local sites; b: a major urban project in Los Angeles.
613L Seminar: Structures Research (4, Fa) An overview of research topics in building structures; detailed investigation of selected major issues. Prerequisite: ARCH 513L.
615L Seminar: Environmental Systems Research (4, Sp) A detailed examination of current issues in the thermal, acoustical, and radiant environment; recent developments in criteria, systems, controls, design tools and simulations; an understanding of the relationships between environmental factors, economics, and architectural goals. Prerequisite: ARCH 515L.
630 Landscape Architecture Practice (3, 2 years, Sp) Introduction to the activities, principles, and ethics of professional practice.
690abL Directed Research (a: 2-8; b: 2-8, FaSpSm) Graded CR/NC.
691abz Historic Preservation Thesis Preparation and Thesis (2-6-0, FaSp) Introduction to, and exploration of, topics leading to the development of a thesis prospectus and directed research towards the completion of the master's thesis in historic preservation. Credit on acceptance of thesis. Registration restricted to Master of Historic Preservation students who have satisfactorily completed 12 hours of graduate course work and have permission of the Program Director. Graded IP/CR/NC. Prerequisite: ARCH 553, ARCH 450.
692abzL Building Science Thesis (6-8-0, FaSpSm) Research and thesis for the Master of Building Science degree. Credit on completion of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC. Prerequisite: ARCH 596.
693abzL M.Arch. Thesis, Option I (4-8-0, FaSpSm) Directed research option for M.Arch. degree. Credit on acceptance of research project. Graded IP/CR/NC.
695abzL M.Arch. Thesis, Option II (4-8-0, FaSpSm) Design thesis for the Master of Architecture degree. Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
696abczL Building Science Thesis (1-6-8-0) Research and thesis for the Master of Building Science degree. Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
697abczL M.L.Arch. Thesis, Option II (3-3-6-0) Field studies and thesis for the M.L.Arch. degree. Credit on completion of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
698abczL M.L.Arch. Thesis, Option I (3-3-6-0) Directed research option for the M.L.Arch. degree. Credit on acceptance of research project. Graded IP/CR/NC
Urban Neighborhood Studies (URBN)
375 The Urban Neighborhood (4, Fa) Understanding neighborhoods as the fundamental places of everyday urban life from the perspective of the fields of architecture, education, planning and social work. (Duplicates credit in former ARCH 375.)
475 Urban Practicum (4, Sp) Critical assessment of existing urban neighborhoods as a basis for proposing positive social and physical interventions. (Duplicates credit in former ARCH 475.) Recommended preparation: URBN 375.