Architecture

Program Narrative
Northampton's program offers a balance of academic, design and advanced computer technology coursework. The academic courses provide a broad base of general knowledge serving to widen the student's educational outlook. The four semester design studio sequence with supporting coursework in history, graphics and building technology emphasizes the development of skills in architectural conceptualization and understanding of design vocabulary and design process, enhancing critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Emphasis is placed on a balance of both traditional graphic and model making, and computer graphics and 3D modeling as design study tools.

Computer technology has dramatically changed the way we practice architecture. The challenge for the profession, both practitioners and educators alike, is to keep pace with such change. The architecture curriculum is responding to such patterns and has as its goal to stay on the leading edge of computer technology integrating both 2D and 3D computer technology across the curriculum in all major courses. The combination of academic, design and computer technology courses form the foundation needed for advancement into the profession of architecture as a technician or to transfer to an accredited five year Bachelor of architecture professional program. Either way you will be on your way to an exciting career in the field of architecture. Note that senior architecture schools consider applicants from Northampton on an individual basis and have traditionally granted both full and partial credit depending on the ability of the student and the requirements of the transfer school.

Program Features
In the program you will work with state of the art 2D and 3D architectural software such as AutoCAD, ARCHICAD, and others giving you a broad exposure to technology required by the profession.

Northampton's faculty consists of practicing, registered architects who as members of the American Institute of Architects stay abreast of new developments in architectural education and practice. This helps to ensure that your education will be up-to-date and relevant. Northampton's program is also a member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture further keeping faculty in touch with current movements in architectural education. The Architecture Department also has a strong, active chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) allowing the students the opportunity to get involved in leadership activities both at Northampton and at the national level. The AIAS also provides students with social activities and field trips.

"Real World Community Learning"
Northampton's architecture program offers you a 5 credit capstone community design studio which takes place in a community wide environment giving you "hands-on" learning opportunities.

Professional Internship
Students who qualify may choose the option of a three credit professional internship and apply their practical office experience to their education for credit. Students will work under the direction of an employer with a professional degree in architecture. Arrangements will be made through the architecture department. Both the community design and internship learning experiences will prove to be of great value when the graduate either enters the profession or transfers to a Bachelor degree program.

Course Scheduling
Courses are scheduled both day and evening for students who want to attend full time or part time. Although many of the required courses are offered in the evening, the complete program will require some daytime attendance.

Who Can Apply for the Architecture Program?

• High school students
• College students
• Individuals considering a career change
• Individuals presently employed as technicians looking to advance their education.

Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:

• Be prepared for transfer into an accredited five year Bachelor of Architecture Professional Program leading to a three-year internship and NCARB Examination to practice architecture.
• Be prepared to transfer into a four-year architectural construction management technology degree program.
• Be prepared for employment as an architectural technician which assists the architect, planner or engineer in planning, designing, and inspecting the construction of buildings and related areas of design and manufacturing, such as product design, furniture design, display design, display design and product sales.
• Be prepared for employment in the fields of plant engineering, supervision, testing and product representation in the building and construction industry.
• Develop a broad exposure to both 2D and 3D architectural software such as AutoCAD, ARCHICAD, and others
• Learn to produce construction drawings and presentation drawings through traditional and computer graphics.
• Develop an understanding and ability to select and design structural, systems for low-rise buildings.
• Develop an understanding of how our physical (built) environment is influenced by our social, cultural, historical and philosophical determinants.