Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
Architecture is at a “cross roads” between human/cultural values and the technical capabilities of construction. Moreover, digital technology is rapidly growing, changing our ways of communication, expression, perception, thought and interaction.
The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Program is to graduate architects who can lead the architectural profession in Egypt and the Middle-East into the digital age with an understanding of context as means of respecting local heritage. The program promotes the implementation of the latest advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), stresses the rich local and historical context, and incorporates construction engineering and professional contents which respond to the needs of the industry. It also embraces the liberal arts approach to education through its multidisciplinary nature. Thus, the program will contribute positively to the well needed human development efforts in Egypt.
It is the aim to form an architect with a comprehensive vision, capable of integrating all the aspects dealing with the built environment and how it is planned, designed, used, furnished, landscaped, maintained, and appreciated by the society. This is emphasized through a curriculum that maintains a reasonable balance between utilization of the emerging digital design methods and pedagogies, meeting the professional demands, and creating contextual-humanistic and sustainable awareness.
The specific objective of the Architectural Engineering Program is to educate students in the fundamentals of the science and design of architecture with particular emphasis on developing skills of innovation, creativity and critical thinking in the design of the built environment. This is accomplished through research-based studio pedagogy, digital aided design, history, arts and the realization of users requirements within the constraints of the society. In the process, students learn to effectively work independently and collaboratively, develop analytical skills, and consider the impact of architectural solutions on both Egyptian society and the evolving global community.
Graduates of the Architectural Engineering Program will be well equipped to work in the international-level segment of the construction industry. They will become excellent candidates for the local and international architectural design firms. They can effectively work for construction contractors in aspects related to architecture and building integration. Graduates of the program will be qualified for professional licensing in architecture in Egypt and the USA. Furthermore, they will be prepared to pursue graduate studies in architecture and related fields in Egypt and abroad.
The architectural engineering program acquired the UNESCO-UIA Validation from the International Union of Architects (UIA). It is the label of excellence in architectural education of the UIA, which encompasses key professional organizations of architects in countries and territories all over the world. Graduates of UNESCO-UIA validated architectural programs are eligible to register as professional architects in many countries around the world, after passing the required licensure process. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering at AUC is also acknowledged by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities as equivalent to Egyptian Architectural Engineering degrees. Accordingly, graduates of the program are entitled to professional licensure by the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers, the sole authority for licensing the practice of architecture in Egypt.
Students are admitted to the Architectural Engineering Major either upon admission to AUC (at the gate), or from within AUC through an internal declaration process. All students admitted to the Major must have a mathematics/science background. Students applying at the gate are accepted depending on their High School grades, their performance in an Architecture Aptitude Assessment, and available quota in the Major. Students who get admitted to AUC as undeclared students as well as students transferring from other majors are considered for declaration of the Major upon successful completion of specific criteria courses and achieving minimum grades in these courses. These students are accepted based on a minimum GPA required by the Department, their grades in specific required courses in the Program, number of credit hours earned at AUC, and available quota in their cohort.
Applications submitted by students minoring in Architectural Design will not be considered for declaration of the Major, except if there was an available quota at their entry level cohort.
Students who are admitted to the program have to demonstrate their visualization, graphic communication and creative potential. They must achieve a minimum grade of B in each of the four courses listed below before taking any other courses in the major.
• ENGR 115/1005 - Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Drawing (2 cr.)
• ARCH 273/1521 - Digital Representation Tools for Architects (2 cr.)
• ARCH 250/2512 - Foundations of 3-Dimensional Design (3 cr.)
• ARCH 221/1511 - Free-hand Representation for Architects (3 cr.)
Students should consult the course listings and their faculty advisor on a regular basis to ensure that prerequisites for engineering core, concentration and elective courses are met. A model course plan for the major is provided in the office of the Department of Architecture.
(In year 4 and 5 the curriculum culminates in vertical design studios with streams, a dissertation writing and a senior project. Students are not allowed to register in more than 15 credit hours at the term of Senior Project 2)
A total of 162 credits is required for the bachelor of science degree in Architectural Engineering.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering program is structured so that students would concentrate on an area of study in the last two years of their program. After completing design studio 3, students are required to choose one of three streams of courses as their area of study choice. Students must successfully pass an elective course and 3 design studios as well as an architectural theories and dissertation course in their selected stream. These culminate to a senior project in the same stream. Students are not allowed to register for more than 15 credit hours at the semester of their Senior Project.
