Centennial College’s Architecture Program Is on the Cutting Edge

“The architecture program [at Centennial College] leads to a diploma in architectural technology. The program is really cored around sustainable design and that’s what kind of sets us apart from some of the other colleges that have the same sort of program,” says John Romanvo, a professor in the three-year undertaking. An architecture student, Alana Galligan, points out another reason why the architecture program stands out. “It’s the only college in this area that has a paid co-op program, she points out. “The co-op is helpful because you get to incorporate things that you have learned in the past and now it starts to make sense and stick together.”

These testimonials prove that Centennial College’s architecture program (officially known as Architecture Technology) offers fantastic benefits to students, but there is more. Using state-of-the-art computer technology, students in the program prepare designs, construction drawings and specifications needed to communicate with clients, construction professionals and approval authorities. As professor Romanov mentioned, there is a green focus to Centennial’s architecture program that is highlighted through an emphasis on protecting the environment, energy conservation, and sustainable design and construction strategies. In addition, lessons are provided on topics such as building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, contracts, specifications, and the business environment for providing design and construction services. Specific courses in the architecture program include: Design and Computer Aided Drafting Project, College Communications, Environment, Mathematics for Architecture, Microcomputer Applications for Technology, Materials and Methods, and many others.

Academically qualified students can enhance their education by working as paid employees in the architectural technology field, for a total of up to 12 months. This experience puts classroom learning into practice and provides valuable career contacts.

To apply, for the architecture program, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11M or U or 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not, however, guarantee admission to undertaking. Please note that in order to gain entry into the fifth semester of the program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. In, a minimum C grade in COMM-170/171, minimum 2.5 GPA, and minimum 80 per cent successfully completed year 1 courses required for COOP-221 and subsequent co-op work placements.

According to Service Canada, there is an expected growth in construction and architectural services that will result in an increased number of architectural technology jobs in the next couple of years. Service Canada adds that the new opportunities will first be available to candidates with a college diploma in the architectural technology/technician areas of study. In 2006, census data showed that approximately 63 per cent of architectural technologists and technicians worked in architectural, engineering and related services firms. Significant numbers could also be found in the construction industry, public administration and the manufacturing sector.