Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Conceptual Thinking and Process

• Communicate conceptual thinking verbally and in writing
• Articulate and extend conceptual thinking through diagrams
• Develop a rigorous material logic for model-making to test ideas
• Produce diagrams indicating critical analyses of relevant precedent buildings or the built environment recognizing the significance to the discipline of architecture
• Produce critical analyses of contemporary, historical, global precedents inclusive of buildings, urban planning, theoretical texts, or related arts applicable to studio projects and systems
• Develop a design identity which synthesizes critical thought, architectural intent, and urban design strategies by developing decision-making criteria substantiated by research

Fundamental Design & Drawing and Making

• Develop criteria to generate and evaluate an architectural order and formal language
• Develop architectural proposals sensitive to the site context in scale and use based on research
• Produce architectural drawings with appropriate drawing conventions to convey spatial qualities and design intent
• Convey materiality in design projects based on an understanding of construction material properties
• Construct drawings and models with a high level of craft and attention to detail

Presentation Skills

• Clearly explain and defend design projects in verbal presentations
• Create presentation boards, slides, and/or printed materials which exhibit logical sequencing and a hierarchy of information
• Develop effective visual communication strategies to convey information that build towards an argument
• Determine appropriate representation techniques to describe the spatial qualities and human experience of the design proposal

Leadership and Community

• Demonstrate a commitment to community building and social equity through programming and organization of an architectural project
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse viewpoints of user groups in the design of a building
• Engage a collaborative process in the development of a design, with a range of design and engineering disciplines
• Demonstrate and articulate knowledge of professional practices and contractual conventions

Integrated Design

• Conduct a user & programmatic analysis
• Communicate analyses of the urban and environmental conditions of a site with clear graphic devices
• Integrate sustainable and energy-conscious strategies into the design of a building
• Communicate analyses of environmental performance systems of the design with clear graphic devices
• Develop an energy-conscious strategy for the design of building envelope systems and material selection
• Integrate structural systems into the design of a building
• Produce technical documentation describing the integration of architecture and building systems
• Accommodate accessibility and life safety requirements in the design of a building

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.