The Architectural Design and Building Technician Diploma program consists of 16 core architectural training courses. With the exception of the practicum all courses are classroom-based lectures and include hands-on laboratories.
This course will give students an introduction and overview focusing on Computer Aided Design and drafting using AutoCAD on a PC platform. Explore the use of computer-aided design in the profession. Utilizing high-end computer tools, students will gain knowledge in basic AutoCAD settings and acquire some fundamental 2 dimensional technical drawing skills.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - 2D Drawing, Drafting, Computer Software Skills
This course introduces and emphasizes AutoCAD three-dimensional drawing concepts and model creation settings. The application of isometric assembly, three-dimensional user defined coordinate system, surface modeling, 3D object creation / editing and multiple viewport presentation and viewing technique will be the focus. Students will acquire the knowledge in the concept of forming and editing composite solid models in spatial orientation. Rendering technique and multiple viewport presentation for solid models will also be emphasized in this course.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Advanced 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling, Rendering and Animation
This course will give students a thorough understanding of the Canadian building law and the British Columbia Building Code. Major topics include the study of the zoning, all aspects of residential and commercial building construction standards, design specifications, occupant safety and professional practice which may affect the design and construction of the building. Occupational health and safety in local workplace will also be emphasized in this course.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Legislative Knowledge, Safety Knowledge, Communication
This course covers the principals of plumbing services with a strong emphasis on building piping components, materials and design layout as applied to water, storm and sanitary system in buildings. Students will learn to prepare piping design layout in accordance with British Columbia plumbing services standards.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Pipe Layout / Design, Hydraulic Calculating, Local Code Interpretation and Communication
This course is a powerful parametric Building Information Modeling (BIM) program that works the way Architects think. From Preliminary Design through Design Development, and into Construction Documents, the program streamlines the design process with a central 3D model. Students use Revit® Architecture to learn about building information modeling and the tools for parametric building design and documentation. Students begin the course by learning the fundamental features of Revit Architecture, and then progressing through schematic design and construction documentation, before finishing with design visualization.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Computer Software Skills, Design Visualization and 3D Parametric Building Information Modeling
This course provides the student with the knowledge necessary to estimate and control construction activities for typical building and civil engineering construction projects. Topics include construction equipment, planning, quantity takeoffs, productivity rates, costing, and construction inspection. The second part introduces the legal aspects of construction contract administration. Topics include an overview of the Canadian legal system, contractual responsibilities and relationships between the various parties to a construction contract, bonding, liens and holdbacks, tendering, types of construction contracts, contents of a contract document, and the application of typical clauses to construction-related issues.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Planning, Graphical Interpretation, Calculations, Problem Solving
This course provides students with the principles of mechanics of building construction materials and structural design. The course is delivered through lectures and problem-solving sessions. Topics include concepts of axial stress and strain, section properties of structural shapes, bending and shear stresses in beams, deflection of beams, column buckling, NBCC gravity and wind loads, limit states design philosophy, and sizing of major structural members which will lead to the design of building structures.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Calculations, Analysis, Problem Solving
This course helps students learn AutoCAD by actually using it in planning and designing a wide variety of building interiors. Major topics will include open space design concept, furniture plan layout, reflected ceiling plan, demolition criteria, interior finishes and schedules, building elevation and sections. All the projects will be completed by using AutoCAD.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Computer Software Skills, 2D Drafting, Local Code Interpretation, Spatial Visualization Skills
This course will give students a thorough understanding of inspection methods as well as the management of construction projects. Students will work on various residential, commercial building as well as civil construction projects. Major topics include the discussion of construction contracts, project scheduling and building inspection methods.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Project Management, Scheduling, Graphical Interpretation and Inspection Standards
This course covers the principals of electrical systems and practice reading technical drawings and specifications. Students will learn basic Canadian Electrical Code standards and will be taught to prepare for the industry standard examination.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Reading, Communications, Drawing
This course will introduce students to the physical relationships between buildings and their interior and exterior environments. Topics include terminology used to describe building envelope materials, assemblies, and performance, properties of air and water vapor, characteristics of environmental effects, exterior claddings, roofing and waterproofing techniques which prevent leakage. Local city building and zoning bylaws will also be discussed in this course.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Legislative Knowledge, Building Analysis, Calculating
This course focuses on the verbal, writing and the presentation skills within the scope of architecture, building science and construction. Students will learn to create technical report documentation and they are required to present their project drawings.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Writing, Presentation Skills, Reporting
This course provides students with the contemporary architecture and building design concepts, site planning, theory, aesthetics and structure as integral parts of design; Open space planning, retrofit design skills apply to residential and commercial buildings. A systematic methodology for creative problem-solving that involves analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and resolution will be introduced as well. Emphasis is also placed on zoning by-laws and their impact on building uses, size, and location on the site.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Planning, Analytical Skills, Critical Thinking
The goal of this course is to develop and gain knowledge of the principles underlying sustainable building design practice which relates to the environmental attributes of the building, the creation of healthy and comfortable interior environments, and the selection of appropriate building materials and the minimization of embodied and operational energy consumption. This course centers on issues surrounding the integration of sustainable design principles into practical architectural design.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Writing, Comprehension, Research
Students will be at various small and mid-sized engineering / design businesses within the lower mainland. The purpose of this time is to apply the theory and skills learnt throughout the program and observe professionals in practical situations. The students will also acquire situational-specific skills and identify areas that may need to be developed further. Students receive feedback and evaluation of their performance and gain valuable contacts in this diverse field.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Communication, Workplace Skills, Situational Problem Solving
This course will give the students the opportunity to prepare a portfolio for presentation purposes. Students will use various computer aided design software to print architectural, civil engineering, as well as mechanical working drawings. The portfolio will also include resumes and cover letters for job.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Drawing, Communications, Computer Software Skills, Writing
