Courses - Spring 2026
ARCH170
Design Thinking and Architecture
Examines conceptual, perceptual, behavioral, and technical aspects of the built environment, and methods of analysis, problem-solving, and design implementation.
ARCH200
Design Media and Representation I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH171; or permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Must be in a major in ARCH-Architecture Program.
Study of architectural representation in physical and digital design media. Examine visual literacy and visual communications through applied drawing, modeling and visual making to explore the role of design media and representation in design and design thinking.
ARCH225
History of World Architecture I
Pre-1500 World Architecture survey course - History of Architecture structured to develop critical thinking and visually literacy with regard to the worldwide legacy of design thinking and cultural production through architecture
ARCH271
People, Planet, and Profit: Building Sustainable Places
Cross-listed with: RDEV250.
Credit only granted for: ARCH271 or RDEV250.
An introduction to the four disciplines represented in the School: architecture and urban design, community planning, historic preservation, and real estate development, that work to create a more sustainable environment for the future to create a more sustainable environment for the future using our interpretation of the quadruple bottom line: socio-cultural, economic, environmental, and design sustainability. Students will be provided with an understanding of the fundamental scholarship and processes of each of these disciplines and examine the intersections between them. Additionally, they will learn by applying the approaches of the four disciplines through a series of field studies.
ARCH272
Explore the ways and the degrees to which University of Maryland, College Park campus master planning and operations incorporate principles of sustainability including smart growth, LEED and other building rating systems, higher education rating systems, sustainable agriculture and transportation planning. Among other subjects, students will learn about the Campus and the City of College Park and survey the relationship between local, national and global sustainability concerns. Students will learn about the University's Climate Action Plan and the roles, and extent to which, the UMD Office of Sustainability and other campus units are helping develop a carbon-neutral and resource-efficient campus infrastructure.
ARCH386
Experiential Learning
Restriction: Must have learning proposal approved by faculty sponsor and student's internship sponsor; and sophomore standing or higher; and permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Learning experience tied to internship of specified duration with targeted learning outcomes.
ARCH400
Architecture Design Studio I
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH300; or permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Must be in a major in ARCH-Architecture Program; and permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Introduction to architectural design with particular emphasis on conventions and principles of architecture, visual and verbal communication skills, formal analysis, design process, spatial composition, architectural promenade, basic program distribution, and elementary constructional and environmental responses.
ARCH402
Architecture Design Studio III
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in ARCH401.
Restriction: Must be in Architecture (B.S.) program.
Architectural design studio with emphasis on building and facade typologies, the development of architectural promenade and sequence, public and/or civic infill buildings dependent upon the architectural promenade, and urban housing types of varying densities. The architect's obligations to urban context are explored in many dimensions including historical, typological, and physical.
ARCH405
Graduate Architecture Design Studio II
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B- in ARCH404.
Restriction: Must be in Architecture (Master's) program.
Architectural design studio with emphasis on building and facade typologies, the development of architectural promenade and sequence, public and/or civic infill buildings dependent upon the architectural promenade, and urban housing types of varying densities. The architect's obligations to urban context are explored in many dimensions including historical, typological, and physical. Offered spring only.
ARCH407
Graduate Architecture Design IV
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B- in ARCH406.
Corequisite: ARCH654.
Restriction: Must be in Architecture (Master's) program.
Studio problems and theories concentrating on urbanism and urban design techniques. Issues and sites range from high-density urban in-fill to suburban and greenfield development in American and other contexts. Studio theories explore such topics as Contextualism, Neo-Traditional design, Transit Oriented Development, density, sustainable development, building typology, and street design.
A Fearless Ideas Course from the Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (AIE): http://ter.ps/iamFEARLESS Click here for more information on the Fearless Ideas Courses.
ARCH408
Special Topics Architecture Design Studio
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ARCH418B
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; Neuroscience for Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Neuroscience for Architecture focuses on the theory and practice of neuroscience for architecture. Students will work both independently and in collaborative teams. During the first half of the semester, we will explore the conceptual basis of this multidisciplinary field through selected readings from the literature, class discussion, and a written literature review. During the second half of the semester, we will focus on the application of theory to practice. We will formulate research questions, design simple experiments to address the questions, and consider the application of neuroscientific methods to the study of built environments. Each student will document their proposed experiments in a research paper that will demonstrate their command of a selected aspect of theory and its application in practice.
ARCH418D
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; The future of Sustainability:Human:centered Design, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ARCH418G
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; Building Optimization
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This course introduces a holistic approach to building systems design that aims to achieve the goal of building optimization. Topics include performance criteria of each building system design phase (climate and weather analysis, passive systems design, active systems design, renewable energy systems, and building control systems), greenhouse gas emissions assessment, cost analysis, and multi-objective optimization and their applications.
ARCH418I
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; Design Morphology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Morphology is the science of form. Enabled by computation, digital fabrication, emerging design technologies, and AI, the course will study fundamental principles of formal composition and the relation between form and structure in design.
ARCH420
History of American Architecture
Prerequisite: ARCH225 and ARCH226; or ARCH425 and ARCH426; or permission of the ARCH-Architecture program.
American architecture from the late 17th to the 21st century.
ARCH423
History of Roman Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH225 and ARCH226; or ARCH425 and ARCH426; or permission of the ARCH-Architecture Program.
Survey of Roman architecture from 500 B.C. To A.D. 325.
ARCH425
History of Architecture I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Credit only granted for: ARCH225 or ARCH425.
Additional information: Graduate architecture history course requires additional recitation section and additional coursework tied to survey lectures.
Pre-1500 World Architecture survey course - History of Architecture structured to develop critical thinking and visually literacy with regard to the worldwide legacy of design thinking and cultural production through architecture. Structured to nurture critical thinking and visually literacy with regard to the worldwide legacy of architecture. The work in the course will involve the evaluation of sources and arguments in reading architectural history. Architecture will be framed relative to ways of thinking, religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and cultural values.
ARCH428F
Selected Topics in Architectural History; History of Modern Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Advanced investigation of historical problems in modern architecture.
ARCH428J
Selected Topics in Architectural History; Cities of the Modern Mediterranean (1750-present)
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This course explores architecture and cities in the modern Mediterranean (1750-present) - a crucial period for understanding the contemporary city and relations between Europe and the Islamic world today. In the 19th century, technological and social revolutions had a huge impact on city form; at the same time, much of the eastern and southern shores of the sea came under European control. Ideas about the modern city and the historic city emerged in exchanges between Rome and Tripoli, Marseilles and Algiers. We follow this story through the post-colonial era, as cities continue to evolve under regimes of development assistance and global finance.
ARCH428U
Selected Topics in Architectural History; Latin American Architecture and Urbanism in Context
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This course explores the history of architecture and urbanism in Latin America, tracing the evolution of the built environment from pre-Columbian times to the present. We examine the cultural, social, and political forces shaping Latin American cities from indigenous civilizations through the colonial period to contemporary practices. While Latin America's urban landscapes reflect legacies of colonization, racial inequality, and political unrest, they demonstrate resilience, creativity, and transformation. From grassroots reclaiming of public space to revitalizing local knowledge and materials, Latin American cities are reimagining their futures. This course explores regional responses to challenges, such as environmental degradation, social inequity, and institutional violence, while challenging dominant global paradigms and inspiring new approaches to shaping the built environment.
ARCH428W
Selected Topics in Architectural History; Writing Architecture in Practice
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ARCH445
Visual Analysis of Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH400; or permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Must be in Architecture (B.S.) program or MArch program.
Study of visual principles of architectural and urban precedents through graphic analysis. Exercises include on-site observation, documentation and analysis. Focuses on the development of an architect's sketchbook as a tool for life-long learning.
ARCH448M
Selected Topics in Visual Studies in Architecture; Applied Model Making
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Introduces students to rapid ideation techniques to help exercise and explore innovative design and perspectives through a series of rapid model building and recorded sketching exercises creating a feedback loop to further assist with exercising composed connections, assembly design and aesthetic design composition.
ARCH463
Sustainable Systems in Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH462.
Restriction: Must be in a major in undergraduate or graduate ARCH program.
Sustainable systems in architecture examines the nature of the global problem, environmental economics, understanding the local environment, bioclimatic design, solar control and shading, solar access zoning, residential scale energy design issues, commercial scale energy design issues, and urban scale energy design issues.
ARCH465
Architectural Structures II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH464 and PHYS121; and MATH120 or MATH140, or equivalent; or permission of the ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Must be in either BS in Architecture or M. Architecture Program.
Credit only granted for: ARCH412 or ARCH465.
The basic principles of elastic behavior for different materials such as wood, steel, concrete, and composite materials and compares the properties and applications of materials generally will be covered. It investigates cross sectional stress and strain behavior in flexure and in shear, and torsion as well as the stability of beams and columns. The qualitative behavior of combined stresses and fracture in materials is also covered.
ARCH468I
Selected Topics in Architecture; Ecological Design Thinking through Diagrams and Visual Storytelling
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
This course invites you on a creative journey to redefine sustainable design in architecture through an immersive learning experience. "Eco-Design"empowers you to think critically about ecological principles and apply them with advanced diagramming and visual storytelling, using a blend of manual, digital, and AI-driven techniques. You'll dive into the synergy between hand-drawn sketches, digital illustrations, and AI-generated visuals to communicate complex sustainable concepts effectively. Through hands-on projects and collaborative workshops, you'll develop skills in generative design drawing and learn to communicate ideas that inspire ecological innovation and thoughtful technology use. With a strong foundation in digital and AI tools, you'll transform ideas into visually compelling forms and narratives.
ARCH468P
Selected Topics in Architecture; Resume and Portfolio Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for ARCH468P or ARCH668P. Restriction: Students must have 90 credits or more.
ARCH472
Building Information Modeling Communication and Collaboration
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH400; or permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Must be in a major in ARCH-Architecture Program; or must be in the Construction Project Management Minor.
Building Information Modeling is explored as pertains to collaboration and communication in the design and construction of buildings and building systems. Practical and empirical learning using BIM software and case studies of real world projects and construction scenarios.
ARCH478J
Selected Topics in Architecture; Adaptation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This seminar investigates adaptation as both philosophy and practice. It explores adaptive processes at various scales (materials, buildings, cities, landscapes) and of various types (reuse, reframing, addition/subtraction, infill, preservation, recovery, erasure). Topics include memory and the artifact; building as palimpsest; obsolescence and renewal; adaptation and sustainability; new architecture in historic contexts; urban/suburban retrofits; and recovered landscapes. Students delve into case studies and theoretical writings, as well as the practical aspects of engaging in adaptive reuse and renovation. Involving close reading and discussion of complex texts, lectures, workshops, and individual and group research, this course requires sustained attendance and engagement.
ARCH478O
Selected Topics in Architecture; Three-Dimensional Digital Documentation: Using Laser-based Measurement Systems
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with ARCH678O, ANTH448R, ANTH632, and HISP619O. Credit only granted for: ARCH478O, ARCH678O, ANTH448R, ANTH632 or HISP619O.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of documenting components of the built environment and the landscapes in which they are located. It focuses on the use of lasers to calculate 3-D measurements at various scales, from objects, to buildings, and landscapes. It will cover data management and archiving, field documentation processes, and post-processing of scan point clouds. This includes the production of deliverables for clients or project partners, such as plans, elevations, orthoimagery, and cleaned exported point clouds in formats that are compatible with Autodesk software and other CAD or rendering software platforms. This course is intended for students working in fields that rely on accurately documenting components of the built environment in three dimension, including architects, engineers, preservationists, archaeologists, or digital designers.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of documenting components of the built environment and the landscapes in which they are located. It focuses on the use of lasers to calculate 3-D measurements at various scales, from objects, to buildings, and landscapes. It will cover data management and archiving, field documentation processes, and post-processing of scan point clouds. This includes the production of deliverables for clients or project partners, such as plans, elevations, orthoimagery, and cleaned exported point clouds in formats that are compatible with Autodesk software and other CAD or rendering software platforms. This course is intended for students working in fields that rely on accurately documenting components of the built environment in three dimension, including architects, engineers, preservationists, archaeologists, or digital designers.
ARCH601
Topical Design Studio VI
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B- in ARCH600.
Restriction: Permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Topical architectural design studio with concentration on advanced topical inquiry addressing but not limited to: architectural competitions, sustainable design, theoretica/conceptual issues, programmatic, contextual, and/or technical issues.
Restricted to ARCH, URPD or ARCP majors.
ARCH618B
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; Neuroscience for Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Neuroscience for Architecture focuses on the theory and practice of neuroscience for architecture. Students will work both independently and in collaborative teams. During the first half of the semester, we will explore the conceptual basis of this multidisciplinary field through selected readings from the literature, class discussion, and a written literature review. During the second half of the semester, we will focus on the application of theory to practice. We will formulate research questions, design simple experiments to address the questions, and consider the application of neuroscientific methods to the study of built environments. Each student will document their proposed experiments in a research paper that will demonstrate their command of a selected aspect of theory and its application in practice.
ARCH618G
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; Building Optimization
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
This course introduces a holistic approach to building systems design that aims to achieve the goal of building optimization. Topics include performance criteria of each building system design phase (climate and weather analysis, passive systems design, active systems design, renewable energy systems, and building control systems), greenhouse gas emissions assessment, cost analysis, and multi-objective optimization and their applications.
ARCH618I
Selected Topics in Architectural Technology; Design Morphology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Morphology is the science of form. Enabled by computation, digital fabrication, emerging design technologies, and AI, the course will study fundamental principles of formal composition and the relation between form and structure in design.
ARCH628J
Selected Topics in Architectural History; Cities of the Modern Mediterranean (1750-present)
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
This course explores architecture and cities in the modern Mediterranean (1750-present) - a crucial period for understanding the contemporary city and relations between Europe and the Islamic world today. In the 19th century, technological and social revolutions had a huge impact on city form; at the same time, much of the eastern and southern shores of the sea came under European control. Ideas about the modern city and the historic city emerged in exchanges between Rome and Tripoli, Marseilles and Algiers. We follow this story through the post-colonial era, as cities continue to evolve under regimes of development assistance and global finance.
ARCH628U
Selected Topics in Architectural History; Latin American Architecture and Urbanism in Context
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
This course explores the history of architecture and urbanism in Latin America, tracing the evolution of the built environment from pre-Columbian times to the present. We examine the cultural, social, and political forces shaping Latin American cities from indigenous civilizations through the colonial period to contemporary practices. While Latin America's urban landscapes reflect legacies of colonization, racial inequality, and political unrest, they demonstrate resilience, creativity, and transformation. From grassroots reclaiming of public space to revitalizing local knowledge and materials, Latin American cities are reimagining their futures. This course explores regional responses to challenges, such as environmental degradation, social inequity, and institutional violence, while challenging dominant global paradigms and inspiring new approaches to shaping the built environment.
ARCH635
Seminar in the History of Modern Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH225 and ARCH226; or ARCH425 and ARCH426; or permission of the ARCH-Architecture Program .
Restriction: Permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Advanced investigation of historical problems in modern architecture.
ARCH645
Visual Analysis of Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: ARCH404; or permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Must be in MArch program.
Credit only granted for: ARCH445 or ARCCH645.
Study of visual principles of architectural and urban precedents through graphic analysis. Exercises include on-site observation, documentation and analysis. Focuses on the development of an architect's sketchbook as a tool for life-long learning.
ARCH654
Urban Development and Design Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: ARCH225 and ARCH226; or ARCH425 and ARCH426; or permission of the ARCH-Architecture Program.
Restriction: Permission of ARCH-Architecture Program.
Advanced investigation into the history, and practice of urban design, planning, and development.
ARCH668I
Advanced Selected Topics in Architecture; Ecological Design Thinking through Diagrams and Visual Storytelling
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
This course invites you on a creative journey to redefine sustainable design in architecture through an immersive learning experience. "Eco-Design"empowers you to think critically about ecological principles and apply them with advanced diagramming and visual storytelling, using a blend of manual, digital, and AI-driven techniques. You'll dive into the synergy between hand-drawn sketches, digital illustrations, and AI-generated visuals to communicate complex sustainable concepts effectively. Through hands-on projects and collaborative workshops, you'll develop skills in generative design drawing and learn to communicate ideas that inspire ecological innovation and thoughtful technology use. With a strong foundation in digital and AI tools, you'll transform ideas into visually compelling forms and narratives.
ARCH668P
Advanced Selected Topics in Architecture; Architecture:Resume and Portfolio Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Credit only granted for ARCH468P or ARCH668P. Restriction: Students must have 90 credits or more.
ARCH678J
Advanced Selected Topics in Architecture; Adaptation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
This seminar investigates adaptation as both philosophy and practice. It explores adaptive processes at various scales (materials, buildings, cities, landscapes) and of various types (reuse, reframing, addition/subtraction, infill, preservation, recovery, erasure). Topics include memory and the artifact; building as palimpsest; obsolescence and renewal; adaptation and sustainability; new architecture in historic contexts; urban/suburban retrofits; and recovered landscapes. Students delve into case studies and theoretical writings, as well as the practical aspects of engaging in adaptive reuse and renovation. Involving close reading and discussion of complex texts, lectures, workshops, and individual and group research, this course requires sustained attendance and engagement.
ARCH678O
Advanced Selected Topics in Architecture; Three-Dimensional Digital Documentation: Using Laser-based Meausrement Systems
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with ARCH478O, ANTH448R, ANTH632, and HISP619O. Credit only granted for: ARCH478O, ARCH678O, ANTH448R, ANTH632 or HISP619O.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of documenting components of the built environment and the landscapes in which they are located. It focuses on the use of lasers to calculate 3-D measurements at various scales, from objects, to buildings, and landscapes. It will cover data management and archiving, field documentation processes, and post-processing of scan point clouds. This includes the production of deliverables for clients or project partners, such as plans, elevations, orthoimagery, and cleaned exported point clouds in formats that are compatible with Autodesk software and other CAD or rendering software platforms. This course is intended for students working in fields that rely on accurately documenting components of the built environment in three dimension, including architects, engineers, preservationists, archaeologists, or digital designers.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of documenting components of the built environment and the landscapes in which they are located. It focuses on the use of lasers to calculate 3-D measurements at various scales, from objects, to buildings, and landscapes. It will cover data management and archiving, field documentation processes, and post-processing of scan point clouds. This includes the production of deliverables for clients or project partners, such as plans, elevations, orthoimagery, and cleaned exported point clouds in formats that are compatible with Autodesk software and other CAD or rendering software platforms. This course is intended for students working in fields that rely on accurately documenting components of the built environment in three dimension, including architects, engineers, preservationists, archaeologists, or digital designers.
ARCH797
Thesis Proseminar
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B- in ARCH601.
Directed research and preparation of thesis program.
ARCH798
Thesis in Architecture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
ARCH799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
Restricted to ARCH majors only.
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
/
Phone:
301.405.1000
Copyright
© 2025 University of Maryland
/
Privacy /
Web Accessibility
Contact us
with comments, questions and feedback
/