Architecture Program Puts the Spotlight on Technology

Centennial College’s three-year architecture program is unique in that it places the focus on technology, which sees graduates work in positions with architects, architectural technology firms, engineers, builders, contractors, developers, construction material manufacturers and suppliers, and municipal building departments. These collaborations between architecture program grads and other professionals in the industry revolve around duties such as: providing building design services and solutions; dealing with combination of architectural technology, building design and construction; and negotiating the construction project and manage the process from conception through to completion. These professionals essentially concentrate on the technology of building design and construction, and as such are employed in architectural and engineering firms, or with municipal authorities. Others provide independent professional services directly to clients. Additionally, those who attend Centennial College’s architecture program may apply to become members of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO); to obtain a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN); and to obtain LEED status through membership with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).

The architecture program curriculum revolves around architecture technology with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, energy conservation and sustainable design and construction strategies. As such, students are taught to use state-of-the-art computer technology that will allow them to prepare designs, construction drawings and specifications needed to communicate with clients, construction professionals and approval authorities. They are also introduced to 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 architecture program courses include Materials and Methods (the first of a series of the courses addressing the construction materials and methods of construction with a focus on construction materials and techniques associate with residential construction in North America); Builders and Contractors (introduces students to builders, contractors and their industry associations with students gaining an understanding of the role of the builder and contractor); Applied Physics (Physics for Architecture is taught as a basic science course, providing an emphasis on introducing students to physics topics that are must essential to understanding architecture. Topics include: imperial and metric units and conversions, statics, dynamics, work – energy, elasticity, and thermal properties of matter); and more.

It is important to note that to gain entry into the fifth semester of the architecture program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Also, students who have completed all courses in semesters one to four will have all the prerequisites requirements for courses in semester five and six.

Application to this architecture program requires possessing at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, applicants 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 the Architectural Technology program.