CENG-CC-01

Approved: September 2014

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING

ARCT 511 / Senior Project Preparation and Programming

FALL 2019

Instructor Information

Name : Madhavi Indraganti, Ph.D.

Academic title : Assistant Professor
Office : C07 224
Phone : 4403 -4345
E-mail :madhavi@qu.edu.qa
Office Hours : Monday (11:30 am- 12:30pm), Tuesday (11:00 am -12:00 noon)

TA Information

Name : Revina M Abraham

Office : C07 -222
Phone : 4403 4352
E-mail : r.abraham@qu.edu.qa
Office Hours : Thursday (8:00 am – 10:00 am)

Class/Laboratory Schedule

Day & Time : Monday (2:00 pm – 4:50 pm) - Studio

Wednesday (2:00 pm – 2:50 pm) - Lecture
Location : C07 256

Coordinator Information

Name/ Email/ Office/ Phone number : N/A

Course Information

Catalog Description:
Understanding and training in design management and the practice of pre-design studies. Emphasis is
placed upon program development, response to contextual constraints; and deep involvement in
articulating a complete program and pre-design document, reaching a high degree of practicality and
implement-ability.

Credits: 2 credit hours

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Contact Hours: 4 contact hours

Prerequisites: ARCT 411 – Architectural Design Studio VI

Textbook(s):
§ Programming for Design: From Theory to Practice, Edith Cherry, Wiley, 1999.

References:
Recommended reading:
Architectural Programming and Pre-design Manager, Robert Hershberger, McGraw Hill, 1999
Architectural Programming, Information Management for Design, Donna Duerk, Wiely1993

Additional suggested reading:

Precedents in Architecture, Roger Clark and Michael Pause, Wiely, 2005
Programming the Built Environment, Wolf P.E. Preiser (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1985
Site Analysis, Edward T. White, Architectural Media, 1983
Space Adjacency Analysis, Edward T. White, Architectural Media, 1986
Defining the Architect’s Basic Services, AIA Best Practices, July 2007.
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/secure/documents/pdf/aiap026834.pdf
Other texts may be assigned when required

Course Objectives (COs):

The course aims to achieve the following objectives;

1. Understand how advance planning and architectural programming information can be translated
into preliminary design concepts.
2. Understand programming as a process integral to the overall design process.
3. Understand how concept statements are integrated in a comprehensive project including
functional needs, contextual constraints; physical and cultural -- with respect to aesthetic and
formal issues that pertain to the project selected.
4. Understand how to translate the different types of knowledge gained throughout the years into a
design program that will be eventually translated into a design solution.
5. Understand how different design constraints can be utilized as opportunities for
developing responsive design concepts & solutions.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

1. Design: Ability to conceptualize and coordinate designs, addressing social, cultural,

environmental and technological aspects of architecture.
2. People & Equity: Ability to recognize the dialectic relationship between people and the built
environment in the GCC/Arab region. Ability to recognize diversity of needs, values, behavioral
norms, social patterns as they relate to the creation of the built environment. Ability to recognize
diversity of needs, values, behavioral norms, social patterns as they relate to the creation of the
built environment.
3. Technology: Ability to utilize cutting edge building technology in design.
4. Communication and CAD: Ability to apply visual and verbal communication skills at various
stages of architectural design and project delivery processes. Ability to apply and integrate
computer technology in design processes and products.
6. Research: Ability to employ architectural research methods including data collection and
analysis to assess and propose improvements in existing built environments.
7. Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with teams of architects and various
interdisciplinary design teams involved in the building industry.
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Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

NAAB Student Performance Criteria (SPCs):
A.1. Communication Skills Ability to read, write, speak and listen effectively.
A.5. Investigative Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, apply, and comparatively evaluate
relevant information within architectural coursework and design processes.
A.7. Use of Precedents Ability to examine and comprehend the fundamental principles present in
relevant precedents and to make choices regarding the incorporation of such principles into
architecture and urban design projects.
A.11. Applied Research Understanding the role of applied research in determining function, form,
and systems and their impact on human conditions and behavior.
B.1. Pre-design Ability to prepare a comprehensive program for an architectural project, such as
preparing an assessment of client and user needs, an inventory of space and equipment requirements, an
analysis of site conditions (including existing buildings), a review of the relevant laws and standards
and assessment of their implications for the project, and a definition of site selection and design
assessment criteria.
B.7. Financial Considerations Understanding of the fundamentals of building costs, such as acquisition
costs, project financing and funding, financial feasibility, operational costs, and construction estimating
with an emphasis on life-cycle cost accounting.
C.2. Human Behavior Understanding of the relationship between human behavior, the natural
environment and the design of the built environment.
C.6. Leadership Understanding of the techniques and skills architects use to work collaboratively in the
building design and construction process and on environmental, social, and aesthetic issues in their
communities.
C.9. Community and Social Responsibility Understanding of the architect’s responsibility to work in
the public interest, to respect historic resources, and to improve the quality of life for local and global
neighbors.
Relationship of Program Learning Outcomes to NAAB Student Performance Criteria:

Student Program Learning Outcomes

NAAB Performance
No. People & Communication Critical Collaboration
Criteria Design Technology Research
Equity & CAD Thinking
Communication
A.1.
Skills XX
A.5. Investigative Skills XX
A.7. Use of Precedents XX
A.11. Applied Research XX
B.1. Pre-Design XX
Financial
B.7.
Considerations
XX
C.2. Human Behavior XX
C.6. Leadership XX
Community and
C.9. Social XX
Responsibility

Additional Requirements if any:

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1- Oral communication: Yes (juries and pin-ups presentations mainly individually/possibly in

groups)
2- Written communication: yes (reports)
3- Professional and ethical implications: Yes through collaborative works and leadership in
community design involvement.

Topics Covered:
Topics are covered across the semester in both simultaneous and sequential manner. The following
matrix outline topics covered assigned to different weeks.

Chapter NAAB
Topics COs Weeks
SPCs
Courrse Inntroduction 1,2 A1, A7 1,2
01 Aug 26, 28 2019
1.1 Project Identification/1.2 Site Selection
1.1 Project Identification/1.2 Site Selection 1,2 A1, A7 1,2 02 Sep. 2, 4, 2019
2.1. Community-Leadership Study 4,6 B1, C2, 1,2 03 Sep 9, 11, 2019
C6, C9
2.1. Community-Leadership Study 4,6 As above 1,2 04 Sep 16, 18, 2019
2.2 Precedent Studies (national, regional, 4,6 As above 1,2 Sep 23, 25, 2019
05
international)
Pin-up, Discussion, Submission on A3 n/a A1, A7, n/a Sep. 30- Oct. 2
Interim I B1, C2, 2017
06
(15+5%) C6, C9

3.1 Site Analysis/ 3.2 Site Design 6 A1, A5, 1,2 Oct 7, 9, 2019
07
A11, B1
Pin-up, Discussion, Submission on A3 n/a A1, A5, n/a Oct 14,16, 2019
Interim II (20%) A7, A11,
B1, B7, 08
C2, C6,
C9
4. Users Requirements/Space Adjacency 3,8 As above 3,4 Oct 21, 23 2019
5.1 Program Development/Performance 5,6,7 3,4 09
6. Concept Statements/Alternatives 9 4,5
Review, Discussion, Submission n/a All n/a Oct 28, 30 2019
10
Interim III (20%)
Review, Discussion, Submission n/a All n/a Nov 4, 6 2019
7.0 Draft Submission of Boards and 11
Reports (10%)
Enhancement strategy / Discussion and 9,10 All 1-5 Nov 11, 13 2019
Reflection; Communication: Report & Boards 12

8.0 Final Submission / n/a All n/a Nov 18, 20 2019

13
Presentation / Reviews (35%)
Post Final Jury Enhancement Week (5%) n/a All n/a 14 Nov 25, 27 2019
Last Day of Classes Thursday November 28, 2019
Exam Period As per University Schedule
Total 14 weeks

Method of Instruction
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The course is mainly a studio-development based course using lecture-discussion and assignments-
stages as support. It adopts research lead teaching/learning sequences (RLT), where high interactivity
faculty/students is requested and supported. It develops around a combination of pre-design sessions
supported by lectures delivered by the faculty-instructor and by guests-presenters during the whole
semester. Application goes through concise design studio sessions focusing on the preparation of the
senior design project and its programming. It will target the different topics of programming and project
pre-design phases in the field of architecture. Organized around 4 modules, delivered by 6 lectures and
enhanced by specific 2 guest lectures delivered by professionals and academics in the field. A series of
seminars organized and directed by the students collaborating in group work and/or role playing within
the community will also be developed based on the course milestones for each module.
Methods of delivery can be summarized as follow:
Lectures on Research and Programming for Design entail discussions of major concepts and stages in
design and programming; developments in the field of programming; social, cultural, behavioral,
environmental factors in the design of different environments; gathering information techniques; space
adjacency analysis; site analysis; user’s requirements; and design and performance requirements.

Readings on Programming and Building Requirements play a crucial part of this course. It is absolutely
necessary that students keep abreast with reading assignments. Although a list of readings is provided,
students will need to seek out additional reading materials/examples/cases and bring them to the
attention of the instructor and the rest of the class for discussion.

Discussions provide a forum for students’ participation and the exchange of ideas. Since the key purpose
of this course remains the development of a complete-articulated program document, students will have
the opportunity to discuss known local outstanding examples in light of the topics and issues presented in
the lectures. It is noted that project and site identification is a first crucial step in this course. Students
will need to identify a community, a site and a project and justify their selection. Project types are
limited to five types: Tourism (Coastal Village, Hotel, Ecotourism); Supporting Sports Facilities
(Administrative, Accommodation, Media Facilities); Urban Regeneration (Community Centers,
Residential Block, Mixed Use); Socio-Cultural (Museum, Galleries and Art Centers); Retail/Commercial
(Shopping Mall, Souq/Commercial Block, offices); and Urban Facilities (Medical, Transportation). The
land plot area should range between 10,000 to 12,500 m2, and the building footprint area would range to
60% of land occupation : 6,000 to 7,500 m2.

Research Related to the Project Identified is seen an integral component of the design process toward
developing an effective building program together with conceiving preliminary concepts. Coupling the
delivery of topics outlined in the above matrix, there will be exercises in which students apply methods
learned through lectures and readings.

Assessment Methods and Grading Policy

The Senior Project Preparation & Programming (ARCT 511) course follows a continuous monitoring
and evaluation of the student throughout the semester. Mainly individual work is used and evaluated.
Evaluation and grading rubrics are developed in accordance with NAAB SPC elements. Readiness of the
student is monitored weekly through continuous evaluation and process assessment. Each student is
evaluated and assessed according to the project phase requirements. Details are explained as follow:

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- Activities/Assessment Weighting
- Active in-class behavior & work attitude All over the phases below (total 20%)
– Progress overall semester
- Interim I 20 % (5 % progress)
- Interim II 20 % (5 % progress)
- Interim III 20 % (5 % progress)
- Final Jury 35 % (5 % progress)
- Post-Final Enhancement 5%
Total 100 %

According to work progress, details of each review and submission will be announced clearly and in
advance prior to the submission

Computer/Software Usage

Students are required to use word processing and image processing software packages. As well, in major
submission software such as Power Point, In-Design, Illustrator, will be required to develop reports and
presentations.

Laboratory Projects
N/A
Course Ground Rules

1. Attendance Policy
Since this is a lecture/discussion course. Class attendance is mandatory, and indispensable. Students are
expected to attend all lecture sessions and professional practice guest presentations as well as
site/firms/institution visits and related activities. Students are required to attend and participate in the
course related activities. Participation is an important part of the course experience, providing the
opportunity to critically evaluate course materials, debate, comment, suggest and share ideas.
Participation will be weighted based on class attitude, being on time, good conduct on class, and very
importantly on the student’s active and critical engagement in the course. For further details on
attendance policy, please refer to “Qatar University Attendance Policy from the Student Handbook”.

2. Conduct in Class
a. All class works should be submitted on time, with students name and due date.
b. Plagiarism, collusion and fabrication of data are strictly forbidden and any misconduct will lead
its author to receive grade Zero and affect his studies negatively.

3. Communication policy
Lectures and presentations, announcements and notifications are posted and communicated automatically
via BB and through emails. Students are expected to check their emails regularly.

4. Submission formats
Not adhering to the submission format requirements will negatively affect grades of the submitted work.
Neatness, accuracy and clear presentation aspects affect grades positively.

Support for Students with Special Needs

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It is Qatar University policy to provide educational opportunities that ensure fair, appropriate and
reasonable accommodation to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in
course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact their
Instructor to ensure that their individual needs are met. The University through its Special Needs Section
will exert all efforts to accommodate for individuals’ needs.

Contact Information for Special Needs Section:

Tel-Female: (00974) 4403 3843
Tel-Male: (00974) 4403 3854
Location: Student Activities Building
Email: specialneeds@qu.edu.qa

Academic Support and Learning Resources

The University Student Learning Support Center (SLSC) provides academic support services to
male and female students at QU. The SLSC is a supportive environment where students can seek
assistance with academic coursework, writing assignments, transitioning to college academic life,
and other academic issues. SLSC programs include: Peer Tutoring, the Writing Lab, Writing
Workshops, and Academic Success Workshops. Students may also seek confidential academic
counseling from the professional staff at the Center.

Contact Information for Students Support and Learning Resources:

Tel: (00974) 4403 3876
Fax: (00974) 4403 3871
Location: Female Student Activities Building
E-mail: learningcenter@qu.edu.qa

Student Complaints Policy

Students at Qatar University have the right to pursue complaints related to faculty, staff, and other
students. The nature of the complaints may be either academic or non-academic. For more information
about the policy and processes related to this policy, you may refer to the student handbook.
Declaration

This syllabus and contents are subject to changes in the event of extenuating circumstances. The
instructor (with approval of the Head of Department) reserves the right to make changes as necessary. If
changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the students will be notified by email
communication and posting the notification on the online teaching tool Blackboard. It is the student’s
responsibility to check on announcements made while they were absent.

Faculty Name : Dr. Madhavi Indraganti

Last Modified : 19th August, 2019
Date : 19th August, 2019

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