University Of Tehran
Kish International Campus

Master Program in

Architecture Engineering

Introduction

The Master degree program in architectural involve in-depth studies in the design, analysis, construction, and operation of buildings and building systems. The impact of the ever-changing social, economic, political, energy, regulatory, and technical boundary conditions creates significant opportunities for architectural research. The building industry has a growing need for design professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in their discipline and the ability to collaborate effectively with other designers, investors, contractors and project managers, through knowledge of whole-building design and performance, integrated design of sustainable buildings, and digital methods for planning, designing, constructing and operating buildings. This master is a practice-focused degree for students with engineering or architecture backgrounds to gain professional, work-ready building design skills.

 

Curriculum

The Master of Industrial Design requires completion of 32 credits, with 24 credits in the core courses and 2 credits of elective courses. The program requires completion of a thesis of 6 credits. Admitted students may need to complete a few credits of leveling courses which prepare such students for success in the Master of, these courses do not count toward the degree.

A minimum GPA of 14 over 20 must be maintained for graduation.

Leveling Courses (not applicable to degree)
The Masters in Architecture assumes a B.Sc. degree in related fields. However students holding any other undergraduate degree will be required to complete the leveling courses that are designed to provide a background for the Master courses. These leveling courses are not counted for graduate credit towards Master degree in Architecture.

 

 

Leveling courses: Up to 6 credits may be required

Course	credits			hours			Prerequisites
	Theory	Practice	Total	Theory	Practice	Total
Introduction to Architectural Design III	-	5	5	-	160	160	Architectural Design I
Architectural Expression III	-	2	2	-	64	64	Architectural Design I
Contemporary Architecture I	2	-	2	32	-	32	Architectural Design I

 

Core Courses: 9 courses required, 24 credits

Course	credits			hours			Prerequisites
	Theory	Practice	Total	Theory	Practice	Total
Architectural Research and Thesis Preparation	2	-	2	32	-	32	-
Architectural Programming and Design Methods	2	-	2	32	-	32	-
Graduate Architectural Design I	-	4	4	-	128	128	-
Architectural Wisdom in Iran	2	-	2	32	-	32	Architectural Design I
Human and Environment	2	-	2	32	-	32	Architectural Design I
Graduate Architectural Design II	-	4	4	-	128	128	Architectural Design I
Architectural Rights and Regulations (Graduate)	2	-	2	32	-	32	Architectural Design I
Construction Procedures	-	2	2	-	64	64	Architectural Design I
Graduate Architectural Design III	-	4	4	-	128	128	Architectural Design I

 

Elective Courses: 1 course required, 2 credits

Course	credits	hours
Architecture and Development	2	32
Site Analysis	2	32
Contemporary Structure	2	32
The Origins of Contemporary Architectural Theories	2	32
Architecture and Climate	2	32

 

Thesis: 6 credits

The research work for the thesis is supervised by one of the department member. The thesis must be written and defended within the second calendar years after admission into the Master program. The Thesis Committee will consist of a Chair and at least two other academic referees.

 

Course Descriptions

Architectural Research and Thesis Preparation

Course Contents

The Architectural Research Course is presented in three sections, including "Introduction", "Methodology and Methods" and "Thesis Fulfillment" ordered as follows:

 

• Introduction to basic concepts and required theoretical infrastructures to fully understand the fundamental architectural research paradigms and the relation between theory and research, as well as research and design in architecture.
• Methodology and introduction to research strategies, selecting the research topic and review of the former studies on the subject, along with investigation of relevant strategies in architectural education. Introduction to data collection techniques and tactics and their implementation in architectural research and design.
• Analyzing principal grammar rules in thesis structure; scientific bibliography formats.

Accordingly the course syllabus is set as follows:

• The Necessity of teaching research methods in architectural education;
• The relation between architectural theories and research (defining theory, model and hypothesis);
• Selecting the research topic and studying literature review;
• Research plan (types, structural models, required parts);
• Research methodology, definition of descriptive research levels: paradigms, strategies, tactics and techniques;
• Research Strategies: Historical-Descriptive Strategy;
• Research Strategies: Mixed methods (Case Study);
• Research Strategies: Qualitative research;
• Research Tactics or Techniques (data collection methods)
• Research Tactics: Observation (the key technique in obtaining the required information for design)
• Research Tactics: Observation techniques (Social science methods)
• Thesis Content and form structure (features and differences)
• Thesis writing tips
• Bibliography and citation (comparative analysis of methods in Persian and English literature)

References:
Groat , L. N., & Wang , D. (2001). Architectural Research Methods. Wiley; 1st edition.
Leedy, P. D. (2015). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Pearson; 11th edition
Yin, R. (2013). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. SAGE Publications, Inc; 5th edition

Architectural Programming and Design Methods

 

Course Contents

In addition to studying architectural design theories and introducing "Good" architecture specifications, the following should be considered:

 

• Introducing design procedure steps from problem solving to design
• Discussing problem solving methods
• Discussing design methods and implementing critical thinking in decision making
• Architectural Programming
• Design Procedure
• Problem Solving
• Thinking in Design
• Design methods
• Design Concept
• Research Methods in Architecture

 

References
Broadbent, G. (Postscript), (1988). Design in Architecture: Architecture and the human Science. UK: David Fulton Publishers.
Lawson, B. (1990). How Designers Think? The Design Process Demystified. 2nd Edition. London: Butterworth Architecture.
Lang J. (1987). Creating Architectural Theory: The role of the Behavioral Science in Environmental Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Leseau, P. (1989) Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Cherry, E. and Petronis J. (2009) Architectural Programming. https://www.wbdg.org/design-disciplines/architectural-programming (2010/08/20).
Durek Donna P. (1993). Architectural Programming: Information Management for Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Hershberger, R. (2001) The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice. 13th edition. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Hershberger, R. (1995) Architectural Programming and Pre-Design Manager. New York: McGrow Hill.
Pena, W. and Parshall S. (2001) Problem Solving: An Architectural Programming Primer, 4th edition. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Graduate Architectural Design I

Course Contents
Practice

During this course the student will complete an exercise which needs him/her to use architectural design methods to complete the program and recognize the subject and design needs.
The evaluation will be based on three factors, including:

• Analytical justification of the subject, context and needs
• Consideration of design quality and creative aspects of it
• Interaction of the above points in achieving the final response

References
Ching F. D. K. (2007) Form, Space, Order. John Wiley & Sons; 3rd edition
Davis, D. and Walker, T. (1999) Plan Graphic. Wiley; 5th edition.
Grutter, J. (2001) Aesthetics in Architecture (Trans. Pakzad, J.), Shahid Beheshti University Publications. (In Persian)
White E. (1975) Concept Sourcebook - A Vocabulary of Architectural Forms. Architectural Media, Ltd.; 1st Edition.
Largo, J. (2001) Site Analysis, Linking Program and Concept in Land Planning and Design, John Wiley and Sons, Canada.
Lynch, K. (1984) Site Planning, United States of America, Maple-vai.

 

Architectural Wisdom in Iran

Course Contents

• In two first sessions the relationship between human and creation of architectural work will be analyzed.
• In 12 sessions the evolution of Iranian architectural concepts and its quality of emergence will be analyzed by choosing examples.
• During the final sessions a conclusion of the evolution of Iranian architectural concepts and its achievements will be studied.
• The relationship between concept and architecture (2 sessions)
• The evolution of Iranian architectural concepts, Including:
  • From beginning to urbanization
  • From urbanization to Ilam
  • Medes
  • Achaemenid Empire
  • Sasanian Empire
  • Early Islam
  • 4th to 6th centuries of Islam
  • 6th to 10th centuries of Islam
  • Safavid Dynasty
  • Qajar Dynasty
  • 1st and 2nd Pahlavid Dynasty
  • After Islamic Revolution

References
Alexander, Ch. (1979) The Timeless Way of Building. Oxford University Press.
Kiani, M. (2010) Iranian Architecture (Islamic Period) SAMT. (In Persian)
Kiani, M. (2010) History of Iranian Architecture in Islamic Period. SAMT. (In Persian)
Goli Jani Moghadam, N. (2007) Historiography of Iranian Architecture: Design of a New Approach according to shortcomings of Iranian Architecture Historiography. University of Tehran Publication. (In Persian)
Naghizadeh, M. (2006) Islamic Architecture and Urbanism (Theoretical Foundations), Raahian.
OSanloo, H. and Rostamizadeh, A. (2008) A Study in History of Iranian Architecture and Urban Design. Soorehmehr.

Human and Environment

Course Contents

• Behavioral Sciences and theoretical foundation of the residential architecture.
• Basic concepts and human behavior
• Activity patterns and social interaction in residential architecture.
• Identification of aesthetic factors and their effect on formation of residential architecture
• The relationship between behavioral science and programming and design of environment
• Recognition of the nature of environment, basic procedures of human behaviors
• Activity patterns and the built environment
• Anthropology and engineering of human factors
• Maps of cognition and space activity
• Neighborhood theory
• Safety and security in environment
• Social interaction in environment
• Social institutions and residential patterns
• Aesthetic values of environment

References
Grutter, J. (2001) Aesthetics in Architecture (Trans. Pakzad, J.), Shahid Beheshti University Publications. (In Persian)
Lang J. (1987). Creating Architectural Theory: The role of the Behavioral Science in Environmental Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Hall, E. (1990) The Hidden Dimension. Anchor; 27th printing edition
Lawson, B. (2001) The Language of Space. Oxford. Architectural Press.
Porteous, J. (1977) Environment and Behavior: Planning and everyday Urban Life. Mass: Addison-Wesley.

Graduate Architectural Design II

Course Contents

Practice
Based on the knowledge of Graduate Architectural Design I, during this course the student will complete an exercise which needs him/her to consider theoretical aspects in the design concept. According to the evolution of ideas in doctrines and theories in interior design and architecture, as well as the emphasis on human's role in the built environment, students are asked to submit a report of the formation procedure of their theoretical foundation and the design drawings.
The evaluation will be based on three factors, including:

 

• Justification of theoretical foundation and design policy
• Identification of design quality and the aesthetic aspects

References
Baker, G. (1996) Design Strategies in Architecture: An Approach to the Analysis of Form. Taylor & Francis; 1st edition
Antoniades, A. (1990) Poetics of Architecture: Theory of Design. Van Nostrand Reinhold
Cherry, E. (1998) Programming for Design: From Theory to Practice. Wiley; 1st edition.
Ching F. D. K. (2007) Form, Space, Order. John Wiley & Sons; 3rd edition
Grutter, J. (2001) Aesthetics in Architecture (Trans. Pakzad, J.), Shahid Beheshti University Publications. (In Persian)
Lawson, B. (2006) How Designers Think: The Design Process Demystified. Elsevier/Architectural.
Kasmaei, M. (2006) Climate and Architecture. Khak Publications. (In Persian)
Salvadori, M. (1986) Structure in Architecture: The Building of Buildings. Prentice Hall; 3 Sub edition.

Architectural Rights and Regulations

Course Content

• Generality of law
  • Introduction to:
    • Civil law
    • Business law
    • Public Audit Act
    • The law for prohibiting of government employees intervention in governmental transactions
    • Construction laws and regulations
  • Laws of agreements and Contracts
    • Definitions and various contracts
    • Principles, interpretations and structure of contracts
    • Documents and proofs of contracts
    • Bail commitments
    • Contract conditions
  • Eligibilities and responsibilities
    • Recognition the eligibility of legal and real persons according to construction and technical system
    • Recognition the professional eligibility of real and legal persons.

Rules and regulations for lands' ownership and use

• • Regulations for civil lands
  • Regulations for maintaining and development of urban greeneries
  • Regulations for establishment of urban and architecture supreme council
  • Regulations for the construction of ports beyond the legal boundaries of cities
  • Civil regulations
  • Record regulations
  • Apartments ownership regulation
  • Regulations for forest and pastures nationalization
  • Regulations for legal boundaries
• Rules and regulations for design and construction of ports
  • Urban rules
  • Rules of construction and engineering organization
  • Municipality rules
  • National building rules
  • Rules and regulations for disabled passage

 

References

Schwalbe, K. (2013) Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning; 7th edition.
Jahangir, M. Business Law with latest Revisions.
Jahangir, M. Civil Law.
Jahangir, M. Rules and Regulations for Municipalities, Islamic Councils, Municipality rules, Occupations and Places.
Rahpeyk, H. (2010) Civil Rights, Contract Rights. Tehran. Khorsandi Publications.

Construction Procedures

 

Course Contents

Practice

 

• Construction jobs' responsibility specifications
• Basic principles of building design
• Construction related Organizations and Institutions
• Primary studies, concept design, construction detailing
• Building technical specifications, rules and national building regulations
• Technical study, construction procedure, excavation, foundation
• Structure, floor, column, …
• Walls
• Elevations
• Doors and windows
• Electrical instruments
• Mechanical instruments

References
Esfandyari, M. (2005) Building Details and Their Construction, Azar Publications (In Persian)
Zomorshidi, H. (2010) Building Construction (Details and Elements) Zomorod Publications (In Persian)
Kebari, S. (2009) Construction Detailing: 1300 Details. Danesh o Fan Publications (In Persian)
Iran Management and Planning, Scientific Documents and Publication (2005) General Technical Specifications of Building Constructions. Volume No. 55 (In Persian)

Graduate Architectural Design III

Course Contents

Practice
Students are encouraged to do an exercise emphasizing on technical and practical aspects as well as creative, methodic and theoretical aspects. Students should be guided to observe the way their design interacts with the environment in micro and macro scales.
The evaluation will be based on three factors, including:

 

• Justification of technical aspects as a report
• Design quality
• Design compatibility with construction factors

References
Baker, G. (1996) Design Strategies in Architecture: An Approach to the Analysis of Form. Taylor & Francis; 1st edition
Antoniades, A. (1990) Poetics of Architecture: Theory of Design. Van Nostrand Reinhold
Capon, D. (1999) Architectural Theory. Academy Press; 1st edition
Neufert, E. and Neufert P. (2012) Neufert Architects' Data. Wiley-Blackwell; 4th edition.
Laseau, P. (2000) Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers. Wiley; 3rd edition.
Panero, J. and Zelnik M. (2001) Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning. McGraw-Hill Education; 2nd edition.

Architecture and Development

Course Contents

 

• Study the problems in architecture and development
• The necessity of the subject
• The aim of the course and the interaction of architecture and development
• Studying methods of approaching the subject
  • Descriptive method
  • Explanatory method
  • Sampling method
  • Comparative method
• Presenting models for relationship of human with himself, others (society), environment, built environment, and God.
• Studying the viewpoint of Le Corbusier and Geddes.
• Studying Geddes Thinking Machine.
• Studying the subject of creativity in design and production, in productive and consumptive society
• Design for people, with people and by people
• Studying the Endogenous model and its scientific principles:
  • The production process
  • The principle of supply and demand
• Studying development from bottom to top and reverse and comparing them with horizontal development
• Studying the projects that have used people's cooperation in design and building of the living space
• Studying examples of architecture for deprived people
• Studying examples of architecture for catastrophes.
• Observing architecture as a factor of development or declination
• Observing architecture as a transcendental art

References
Eslami Gh. And Kamelnia H. (2012) Collective Architecture from Theory to Practice. University of Tehran Publication. (In Persian)
Eslami, Gh. (2012) Theoretical foundation of architecture: Let's build our own sunglasses. Art Research Institute. (In Persian)
Ackoff R. L. (1974) Redesigning the Future. University of Pennsylvania. A Wiley International Publication.
De Staussure, F. (1966) Course in General Linguistics, McGraw-Hill.
Bax, M. F. (1989) Structuring Architectural Design Processes. In Newcastle University, Open House International. Housing-Design-Development: Theories, Tools and Practice, ISSN 0168-2601 Vol 14 No.3
Boulding, Kenneth E. (1956) General Systems Theory: The Skeleton of Science. In Management Science, Vol 2, No. 3, April 1956, pp. 197-208.

Site Analysis

Course Contents

 

• The relationship between architecture, place and space, place definition
• The importance and relevance of location and field specifications, or site in architectural design.
• Identifying of various places inside and outside of the city and recognizing their specifications
• Identifying place, natural, climatic, environmental and formal potentials
• Studying feasibility of suggested uses for specific places
• The process of site selection and analysis in relation to development policies, uses, accesses, economic conditions, construction manners, and regulations for site development, site value and the employment issue
• Study and analysis of land specifications, i.e. soil and topography
• Building density of the neighborhood
• Location analysis to obtain energy efficiency, i.e. solar energy, wind, and reducing sound pollution
• Location analysis regarding infrastructure matters, i.e. wastewater management, and land slope
• Location analysis regarding viewpoint, neighborhoods and landscape
• Design of the access network considering the standard slope, viewpoints and environmental factors
• Site analysis regarding security and safety of the location
• Activity zoning in site
• Regulations for land separation
• Study and analysis of residential sites
• Factors for optimizing site selection for a specific project
• Factors for environmental impact assessment
• Studying the process of preparing site development programs for large projects
• Phenomenology of place
• Introduction Geomancy and Feng-Shui in Far-East
• The mental, spiritual, and physical impacts of place on the user and the conclusion

Main References:
Ching F. D. K. (2007) Form, Space, Order. John Wiley & Sons; 3rd edition
Davis, D. and Walker, T. (1999) Plan Graphic. Wiley; 5th edition.
Grutter, J. (2001) Aesthetics in Architecture (Trans. Pakzad, J.), Shahid Beheshti University Publications. (In Persian)
Kasmaei, M. (2006) Climate and Architecture. Khak Publications. (In Persian)
White, E. (1972) Introduction to Architectural Programming. Tucson, Ariz: Architectural Media
Lagro, J. (2001) Site Analysis, Linking Program and Concept in Land Planning and Design. John Wiley & Sons

Contemporary Structures

Course Contents

The following structural systems will be studied:

 

• Tensile structures
• Membranes
• Air-supported structures
• Arches
• Trusses
• Space-frames
• Geodesic domes
• Domed
• Rigid frames
• Grids
• Cylindrical shells
• Hyperbolic-parabolic shells
• Folded plates
• Space structures
• Timber structures
• High-rise buildings
• Future systems

References
Allen, E. (2005) How Buildings Work: The Natural Order of Architecture. Oxford University Press; 3rd edition
Pawley, M. (1993) Future Systems: The Story of Tomorrow. Phaidon Press Ltd; 1st edition.
Chilton, J. (1999) Space Grid Structures. Routledge; 1st edition.
Margolius, I. (2002) Architects + Engineers = Structures. Academy Press; 1st Edition.
Billington, D. (2003) The Art of Structural Design. Princeton University Art Museum, USA.
Charleson, A. (2005) Structure as Architecture, A Sourcebook for Architects and Structural Engineers, Elsevier.
La Vine, L. (2001), Mechanics and Meaning in Architecture, University of Minnesota Press.
McDonald, A. (1994) Structure and Architecture, Oxford, Butterworth Architecture.
Popovic L. & A. Tyas (2003) Conceptual Structural Design, Bridging the Gap between Architects and Engineers, Thomas Telford.
Salvador, M. (1980) Why Buildings Stand Up, New York, Norton.

The Origins of Contemporary Architectural Theories

Course Contents:

• Introduction to criticize and analysis methods in contemporary architectural theories.
• Introduction to definition of: modern, modernity, modernism, post-modernism, contemporary, tradition, east and west
• The position of modern thinking in human life
• The connection of culture and architectural style
• Humanism and modern human
• Contemporary human identity and architecture identity
• Introduction to contemporary evolution of philosophy
• Science and modernity, technology and modernity
• Introduction to criticism and individualism
• Introduction to contemporary social concepts
• Modern foundations in formation of Romantic art and architecture
• Eclecticism, a beginning for modernity
• Modern art movement, scientific and philosophic approach
• Modern art movement, social approach
• Ideas and philosophic issues in early modern architecture
• Late modern architecture and human identity issue
• Post-modern architecture, philosophic and social roots
• Architecture at the end of millennium of cultural issues
• Architecture and philosophic tendencies after 2000

References
Norberg-Schulz, Ch. (1975) Meaning in Western Architecture. Praeger.
Antoniades, A. (1990) Poetics of Architecture: Theory of Design. Van Nostrand Reinhold
Benevolo, L. (1977) History of Modern Architecture. The MIT Press.

 

Climate and Architecture

Course Contents

 

• Identifying the definition of climate and climatic zones
• Definition of vernacular architecture, its characteristics, formation and its paradigms in today's architecture.
• Analyzing the world vernacular architecture and giving examples
• Analyzing the relevance of vernacular architecture and today's life.
•  

Note 1- Each student is asked to study and analysis a selected example of vernacular architecture.
Note 2- There should be an Educational Extrusion to a climatic zone for further understanding the vernacular architecture.
References
Detmar, G. A. (2004) Architecture as settling and construction. (Trans. Ansari, H.) Architecture and Urban Development Journal, Vol. 78-79. pp. 112-117.
Dadkhah, M. (2005) An Introduction to Vernacular Architecture- A Glance to Pictures and Phenomenon. Vernacular architecture. pp.97-151. Italian Cultural Council. Faza Scientific and Cultural Center. Tehran.
Rapaport, A. (1977) Human Aspects of Urban Form: Towards a Man-Environment Approach to Urban Form and Design. Pergamon Press.

Final Project and Thesis

Course Contents

Practice

 

• Choosing a title and preparing a research proposal by the help of the supervisor
• Prepare a study program and defining thesis chapters
• Setting correction meetings with the supervisor and developing the design procedure.
• Preparing a report in the University standard format
• Preparing the study and design plans and a model for presenting at the final defense.