ADC 101 - Introduction to Design and Construction
This course introduces students to the fields of architecture, interior design, construction and related disciplines. Students learn basic terminology, and documentation standards and techniques. Significant factors influencing design and construction are explored, including historical precedents and design theory, interrelationships between working professionals, the financing of projects, ethical and social concerns, and physical and legal constraints. Selected current topics, such as sustainability, modular design and computer interface are discussed. This overview course provides students with a broad understanding of the design and construction fields. Students will learn contemporary methods for accessing and processing information about the design professions.
General Education Fulfillment: Technological Competency
ADC 103 - CAD Basics
A general introduction to computer-assisted design. Students gain proficiency in the use of CAD software through creating architectural drawings. Students will learn the terminology, functions and principles of CAD operations as well as building documentation. Additionally, students will be introduced to advanced software for three-dimensional modeling, rendering and animation.
Additional Course Fees: $135
General Education Fulfillment: Technological Competency
ADC 109 - Design Studio I
This studio course introduces students to basic design principles and the manual drawing techniques which are used to graphically convey visual/architectural ideas. Delineation is the means by which students will develop an understanding of the design process. Students will learn to work in both two- and three- dimensional media.
Additional Course Fees: $135
ADC 112 - Construction Materials and Detailing: Properties
This course introduces students to commonly employed construction materials, from those used in excavation and foundations through framing and roofing. Materials are studied in terms of their historical uses, composition, physical properties, manufacture and assembly, applications, regulatory constraints and sustainability. Basic terminology, principles and processes in design and construction, and factors that influence material selection and material assemblies are discussed. Construction details are examined and developed. Students learn about key issues including sustainable design, new technologies and materials and the importance of effective team collaboration.
Prerequisite
ADC 123 - Construction Print Reading and Specifications
Students learn the skills required for reading a variety of construction plan types, details, schedules, and specifications. Topics include terminology, symbols, and conventions used in both commercial and residential drawings.
Additional Course Fees: $135
ADC 133 - Project Management in Construction
This course provides a broad introduction to project management in construction. Students will be introduced to and produce work breakdown structures, cost estimates, and a schedule for a construction project.
ADC 136 - Construction Safety and Building Codes
Students will learn about common construction worker safety procedures contained in OSHA regulations, lead safety procedures regulated by the EPA, and the national model building and energy conservation codes produced by the International Codes Council. The focus will be on the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as state and local adaptations of these. Requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are also studied.
ADC 146 - Construction Contracts and Business Practices
This course introduces students to the life-cycle of a typical construction project and the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of the various professions involved. Major industry contract types and business, marketing, and financial planning are examined.
ADC 159 - Design Studio II
This studio design course helps students master techniques used to develop and graphically convey architectural ideas, primarily using computer modeling. Students develop an understanding of the design process related to space through digital and manual delineation.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
ADC 160 - Presentation Techniques
Introduction to materials and methods in the preparation of architectural presentation drawings and models. Computer modeling and presentation software will be utilized to produce a portfolio with both physical and digital projects. Emphasis is placed on using technique and craftsmanship to make design intent clear and compelling.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
General Education Fulfillment: Oral Communication/Creative Expression
ADC 163 - Architectural Visualization with Autodesk Revit
This course addresses current practices of 3D architectural modeling and visualization. Students undertake hands-on 3D modeling, the application of materials and lighting, and photo-realistic rendering. The course provides a thorough introduction to Autodesk Revit, building information modeling software used widely in the architecture and interior design fields.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
General Education Fulfillment: Oral Communication/Creative Expression
ADC 176 / HIST 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning
Students in this course will study Philadelphia's physical and social development from William Penn's initial founding through the 21st Century. The course will focus on interpretation of the city's physical design as an expression of social, demographic and political contexts, technological advances and new materials, and evolving construction techniques of each significant historical period. Students participate in field trips and other onsite experiences that take place in various sections of the city.
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
ADC 186 - Surveying
Basic course in site surveying as it applies to building construction. Emphasis is placed on skill development using the builder's level and transit and on computer-based applications for site design. Course work includes fieldwork exercises in measurement, differential leveling and topographic surveying.
Additional Course Fees: $85
ADC 192 - Color and Lighting
This course introduces students to the principles of color and light as they apply to interior design. Students will explore the theories of the physical aspects of color, using pigment, light and its application in spaces, as well as in controlling the interaction of colors. They will also examine the theories and concepts of light and lighting through technical measurement, visual observation, and lighting design technologies for fixtures and for rooms. Knowledge, thus acquired, will be applied to the selection and integration of color and lighting in interior design projects.
Additional Course Fees: $85
Prerequisite
ADC 160, which may be taken concurrently.
ADC 209 - Design Studio III
Studio course devoted to the design of housing. Issues related to building context, urbanism and site and appropriate use of materials will be realized through a specific building/interiors program. Values of non-Western cultures relating to habitat will be incorporated into design work. Development of alternatives culminates in selection and detailed realization of a specific design and ends with a juried presentation.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
ADC 212 - Construction Materials and Detailing: Methods
This course introduces students to a comprehensive range of construction materials, techniques and systems commonly employed in the construction and finishing of buildings and spaces, from interior finishes and treatments (including lighting, color and acoustics) through exterior cladding or enclosures. Materials are studied in terms of their composition, physical properties, manufacture and assembly, applications, regulatory constraints and sustainability.
Prerequisite
ADC 221 - History of Architecture and Interiors I
The course concentrates on the major historical movements and theoretical concepts which describe each period from pre-history through Baroque. Lectures will explore ways of interpreting built forms, sculpture and painting so that specific building projects can be understood in the context of the major issues that are central to each period. Extensive reading is required for the purpose of engaging in class discussions that will interpret both the concepts presented and the specific built forms discussed. Interior spaces and their connection to the concepts discussed will attempt to illuminate the relationship between the container and the contained.
Prerequisite
ADC 222 - History of Architecture and Interiors II
This course follows the same format as ADC 221, but will concentrate on the modern world from the late 17th century through the present. Interior design will be explored in greater depth in order to respond to its emergence as an independent discipline. In addition to an expanded discussion of interior design, students will read original texts and treatises pertaining to the major theories presented. At this point students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to interpret both written and visual information presented in the course.
Prerequisite
ADC 221 and ENGL 102, which may be taken concurrently.
ADC 226 - Introduction to Building Structures
This course will provide a broad introduction to the structural design of buildings. After introducing basic structural member types and material properties, a survey of the historic development of various structural systems will be provided.
Prerequisite
MATH 137 or higher
ADC 237 - Construction Cost Estimating II — Computer Methods & Cost-Benefit Analysis
This is the second of two courses that cover the principles and practice of construction cost estimating. It builds on the first course (ADC 236), using computerized methods to produce the detailed cost estimates that contractors use to determine the cost of construction for commercial and residential projects. The course covers the role of estimating and bidding in the construction industry. It also introduces cost-benefit analysis, which encourages sustainability by determining the true cost and value of a building throughout its life.
Additional Course Fees: $85
Prerequisite
ADC 236 and ADC 212, which may be taken concurrently.
ADC 246 - Contracts and Specifications
Study of the purposes, structure and provisions of contemporary construction industry contracts. Relationships among owners, architects and other design professionals, general and subcontractors, and vendors and suppliers are reviewed in detail. Students learn to adjust standard contract formats and specifications to tailor them for individual projects, according to C.S.I. procedure.
Prerequisite
ADC 253 - Environmental Systems I
An overview of environmental control systems used in modern buildings, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Students will gain a basic understanding of and foundation in these systems and their design. Through application and practice, students will learn the interrelationships between systems and approaches to integrating them into building design and construction.
Prerequisite
ADC 101 and ADC 103 or ADC 109
ADC 254 - Environmental Systems II
Components and systems used to control the environment of modern buildings are studied, expanding student's knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. Specialized building systems are also studied, including fire protection, vertical systems, signaling, and communication. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of specialized topics related to sustainability, including alternatives to traditional MEP systems. Students will become prepared for the LEED Green Associate Examination.
Prerequisite
ADC 101 and ADC 103 or ADC 109
ADC 259 - Design Studio IV
Studio course devoted to the design of commercial and institutional projects. This studio introduces students to increased programmatic and contextual complexity. The socio-cultural, environmental and behavioral aspects of architectural and interior design are emphasized through an examination of public buildings, how they are used and how they are perceived. This design studio continues the development of the students ability to understand, interpret and represent architectural spaces. Projects will culminate in a formal juried presentation.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
ADC 260 - Advanced Presentation Techniques
This course assists students in preparing effective presentations of design and documentation work, both for transfer to baccalaureate programs and for career placement. Student portfolio needs will be individually evaluated and assessed with regard to professional and career goals. Students will learn skills necessary for the design, development and dissemination of digital portfolio presentations. Students will create professional development plans and job search materials and strategies.
Additional Course Fees: $85
Prerequisite
Co-requisites
ADC 261 - Construction Management and Scheduling
This course is a thorough survey of the construction project management process from initial conception to completion. Topics include feasibility analysis, siting/staging issues, software application, personnel management, contractual procedures and job-site safety. Students will be introduced to basic contractor operations, project administration, job planning and Critical Path Method scheduling. After building a conceptual base, students will apply their scheduling knowledge to simulated projects. In this latter phase of the course students will use the most current and prevalent project planning software.
Prerequisite
ADC 263 - Digital Animation and Rendering
Introduction of use of the microcomputer to create realistic three-dimensional presentations. Students will construct computerized models, apply materials, backgrounds and lighting, then apply animation techniques to create convincing depictions.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
ADC 273 - Advanced CAD Applications
Students are introduced to contemporary innovations in Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software and apply the newest technological features in a comprehensive, faculty supervised CAD project that documents a building or an individual building system. Project components include: two- and three-dimensional drawings, a written and oral report, and a Web site.
Additional Course Fees: $85
Prerequisite
ADC 283 - Special Topics in Architectural Visualization
This course builds upon students' previous software experience and introduces students to new industry-standard software packages, with which students learn to build and render digital models. The central topic of the course will change, based on the industry-standard software package that students learn to use. The course emphasizes critical thinking regarding digital workflow solutions and the final presentation of work.
Additional Course Fees: $135
Prerequisite
ADC 286 - Building Rehabilitation and Energy Retrofit
This course will examine three integrally related topics: 1) the re-development process by which existing building stock is rehabilitated, 2) construction issues specific to the rehabilitation of existing buildings and 3) energy retrofit, which includes sustainability and related strategies. ADC 286 will introduce students to a broad array of tools, including construction management techniques and methods, energy audits and retrofits as well as public and private financing options and project management relative to building rehabilitation for both small and large scale projects, especially in urban neighborhoods.