Architecture (ARCH) 243

Architectural Design Theory Fundamentals (Revision 1)

Status:

Open

Delivery mode:

Individualized study online. Delivered via Brightspace.

Credits:

Area of study:

Applied Study

Prerequisite:

None

Course start date:

If you are a:

Self-funded student: register by the 10th of the month, start on the 1st of the next.
Funded student: please check the next enrolment deadline and course start date.

Precluded:

ARCH 330

Challenge:

ARCH 243 is not available for challenge.

Faculty:

Faculty of Science and Technology

Notes:

ARCH 243: Architectural Design Theory Fundamentals is intended for students enrolled in the BSc (Architecture) program at the RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University. For those students interested in pursuing a career as a registered architect, this course also contributes to the RAIC Syllabus Diploma.

Overview

Architecture 243: Architectural Design Theory Fundamentals explores the creative process of design through reading, investigation, and analysis of ideas in architectural form and relationships. By understanding how architects convey the ideas and values of society in built form, you will recognize the purpose of architecture as a cultural artifact. The course will introduce you to the process of critical thinking, and you will learn to synthesize the information you collect and base your decisions on valid premises.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to

demonstrate objective awareness of the natural and built environments (past and present) through critical observation.
explain the basic nature of the design process.
use specific vocabulary related to the design process.
use analysis and derive ideas from abstract thinking.
demonstrate a critical approach to architectural thinking.
critique your own work.

Evaluation

To receive credit for ARCH 243, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least C+ (67 percent). Students who wish to be certified by the CACB must achieve and maintain a final grade point average of at least 2.3 (67 percent).

The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Activity	Weight
Collection 1	10%
Collection 2	20%
Collection 3	20%
Collection 4	50%
Total	100%

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.

Opened in Revision 1, July 15, 2025

Updated July 15, 2025

Architecture (ARCH) 243

Overview

Outline

Learning outcomes

Evaluation

Materials

Digital course materials

Important links