Year
Year 1
Semester
First Semester
Credit
3
Program Description
Introduction to structural behaviour, load paths, and basic analysis for architectural applications.
About this course
Structures are the backbone of every building. In ARCH 1520, you will learn how buildings stand up and how forces move through them. You will study the behaviour of different materials, from wood and steel to concrete, and see how architects choose systems to support roofs, floors, and walls.
You will map out load paths to understand where weight goes when a building is in use. The course covers basic analysis methods for trusses, beams, and frames. You will complete a project where you select a structural system for a given architectural design and justify your choice based on strength, cost, and aesthetics.
Who takes this course
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
None
Learning outcomes
- Identify common structural materials used in building design.
- Explain how gravity and lateral loads travel through a structure.
- Analyse simple truss and frame systems using basic equilibrium principles.
- Evaluate the suitability of different structural systems for specific architectural forms.
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Mid-term exam | 30 |
| Structural analysis project | 40 |
| Final exam | 30 |