The study of architecture as a speculation on origins is located at the conjunctive core of any liberal arts curriculum and serves as the physical armature and conceptual foundation of the University. This course is concerned with the contemporary imagination, attempting to make the discipline of architecture meaningful to a wide range of citizens in its public obligation to be constructive and optimistic in the most profoundly ethical, pragmatic, and magical of terms.

In this course we explore the delights and dilemmas of design. With paper, pencils, cardboard, and glue, we draw, sketch, and construct collages and architectural models. As we do so, we ask fundamental questions. What is design? What exactly do designers do when they design? What makes the practice meaningful, and what makes it difficult? To see work from past years, visit: https://web.arch.virginia.edu/designfundamentals/.

The foundations studios involve beginning design students in thoughtful application of fundamental design principles, foundational techniques of representation and fabrication and comprehensive critical design strategies. These courses foster the development of the beginning design student's design methodology founded on thoughtful, creative, ethical and rigorous work practices in service of exploring meaningful formal and spatial propositions.Prerequisite: ARCH 1010, 1020, 1030.

Earth's ecosystems are unraveling at an unprecedented rate, threatening human wellbeing and posing substantial challenges to contemporary society. Designing sustainable practices, institutions, and technologies for a resource-constrained world is our greatest challenge. This integrated and interdisciplinary course prepares students to understand, innovate and lead the efforts necessary to engage in this task.

A comprehensive hands-on course in three-dimensional computer aided design that ranges from beginning to advanced methods in geometrical modeling, macro programming, and visualization used in design related disciplines. The class explores approaches to design made possible through computer-based methods. Lectures and workshops provide a conceptual and applied framework, examine state-of-the-art techniques today,and speculate on future advances

This studio course emphasizes conceptualization and synthesis of complex programs in contemporary contexts at multiple scales.Prerequisite: ARCH 2020

A first course in structures for undergraduates to develop analytic and critical skills through both mathematical and visual investigation. Topics include statics, mechanics of materials, computer-based structural analysis, and the design and behavior of basic structural elements and systems.

This studio course emphasizes conceptualization and synthesis of complex programs in contemporary contexts at multiple scales.Prerequisite: ARCH 3020

Architectural research methods are introduced and applied to the development of an undergraduate thesis in Architecture. Students develop and investigate research questions, research methods, and data sources.

Independent research on topics selected by individual students in consultation with a faculty advisor