Department of Architecture

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria - Nigeria

Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture

Admission Requirements

For admission to BSc Architecture degree programme in the Department of Architecture, a student must satisfy the minimum University – Faculty of Environmental Design requirements including credits in Physics, Mathematics, English Language, and at least two other subjects. Preference will be given to candidates with Credits in Technical Drawing and Fine Arts at ‘O’ Level SSCE Final Examination.

Candidates coming from the School of General and Remedial Studies are expected to have 5 – Credits in at least Mathematics, English Language, Physics and 2 others at the ‘O’ Level SSCE Final Examinations, plus a Pass in all their Subjects in the Remedial Examinations.

Candidates with Passes at H.S.C. or G.C.E/IJMB (A Level) in Physics and Mathematics and any one subject from the following list: Geography, Economics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing or Fine Arts may be allowed to register for a degree in Architecture at 200 Level. Applicants with H.N.D. in Architecture with Distinction or Upper Credit may also be considered for admission if places are available at 300 Level.

Courses

The course introduces the student to basic concepts of computers and computing processes to support their professional needs. It consists of basic computing operations; hardware for input and output devices, RAM, Motherboards, etc., and specification requirements for machines for the profession of architecture. Also generic software appreciation such as word processing, spreadsheets, power-point presentation would be studied. At the end of the year, the student is expected to be able to use the computer in producing term papers and simple computer presentation techniques.

The course introduces the student to basic concepts of scale and proportion. Emphasis is placed on the linear scale and 2- dimensional drawings and human proportion relative to architectural scales. It goes further to develop the graphics presentation skills of the students; types of drafting materials, lines, lettering, angles, planes, views, drafting in rapid graphic ink and perspective drawings. Rendering, light and shadows in 3-dimensional drawings, details, trees in plan, sections and elevations, water colouring, drawing of human figures, vehicles, furniture and fittings.

This course is designed to improve the `space concept` and develop an understanding of 3D-design awareness of form, function, material, structure, and space relationships. Emphasis is on 3D organisation of forms with integration of basic design principles to a long-term project(s). Introduction to the concept of structure, material, light, circulation, as the component of a simple function, ergonomics, scale, the idea of context, scenario preparation to describe activities leading to programming. Simple weekly design exercises showing furniture arrangements in toilets, hostel room, kitchen etc.

This is an introductory to architecture that emphasises the architect’s role in the building industry. It introduces basic principles of architectural analysis, criticism and aesthetic principles and includes the roles and responsibilities of the design professions; interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning and engineering. The course content will cover the following; definition and terminology of architecture including definition of architecture as a discipline, profession and vocation; architecture and the building industry, including the role of the architect as the team leader and his relationship with other professionals in the building industry and distinct roles of other professionals (engineers, planners, builders, estate and quantity surveyors, sociologists, psychologists and others ) in the building industry.

The course introduces the student to basic concepts of computers and computing processes to support their professional needs. It consists of basic computing operations; hardware for input and output devices, RAM, Motherboards, etc., and specification requirements for machines for the profession of architecture. Also generic software appreciation such as word processing, spreadsheets, power-point presentation would be studied. At the end of the year, the student is expected to be able to use the computer in producing term papers and simple computer presentation techniques.

The course develops the graphic presentation skills of students; types of drafting materials, lines, lettering, angles, planes, views, drafting in rapid graphic ink, introductory perspective drawing. Advanced Architectural Graphics. Perspectives, rendering, light and shadow in 3-Dimensional drawings, details, trees – in plan, section and elevations, plants, water coloring, drawing of people, cars, furniture, and fittings.

Introduction to the concept of structure, material, light, circulation, as the component of a simple function, ergonomics, scale, the idea of context, scenario preparation to describe activities leading to programming. Simple weekly design exercises showing furniture arrangements in toilets, hostel room, kitchen etc.

This course gives the students an introduction to Architecture and its relationship to Construction and other Building profession. Also an in depth exposure to the role of the Architect in the Nigerian Construction Industry. The various facets of services offered by the Architect to the public are reviewed.

Course Code Course Title Credit Units Semester
ARCH 121 Intro. Basic Compt Skills 1 First
ARCH 103 Graphic Comm. 3 First
ARCH 101 Basic Design 3 First
ARCH 123 Intro. to Architecture 2 First
MATH 103 Descriptive Geometry I 2 First
ARCH 111 Scale & Proportion for QS 2 First
ARCH 122 Computer Appreciation 2 Second
ARCH 104 Architectural Graphics 3 Second
ARCH 102 Basic Design II 3 Second
ARCH 124 Intro. to Architecture II 2 Second
MATH 104 Conic Section /App. Of Calculus 2 Second
STAT 102 Introductory Statistics 2 Second
Second

In the first semester, the student is exposed to the classical history and theory of the architecture of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greek and the Romans. Also African architecture styles such as the Sudano-Sahelian and the architecture of the coastal areas, would also be studied together with the influences of the coming of Christianity and Islam. A study of historical influences (external and internal) that have shaped architectural forms of the West African region. A theoretical discussion of the human, economic, and environmental factors which may have influenced the shape, appearance, and structure of houses over time, the knowledge gained is applied to study typical traditional houses found in different West African towns.

Architectural Design Studio is the foundation of the architectural course upon which other skills and resources are used to produce an architect. It goes over the last three years of the programme, whereby at the end the student is expected to handle simple design projects like kiosks, bus stops, residential buildings, simple educational buildings up to more intermediate designs like housing estates, secondary schools and up to four-story complexes*

Introduction to documentation of small built-up spaces and traditional buildings, forms and elements of design. The students are exposed to the underlying principles in ordering spaces, interiors, furniture design, anthropometrics and ergonomics. Exercises in simple buildings and spaces are undertaken. *

Highlights the operations of Architectural works in the Preliminary Stage, Working drawings and specifically construction stages. Students are exposed to the programme of works and how it relates to Architectural project execution and completion.

Introduction to the basic principles of the building construction process. Including materials and components. Foundation system, sub-structure, floors, floor finishes, introduction to stair-cases.*

Introduction to wall systems; masonry walls, brick walls, opening in walls doors and windows, roof system, introduction to ceilings.*

Continuation with introduction of students to structural mechanics, analysis of statically indeterminate structures, the moment area theorem, conjugate beams, moment distribution, studio work in calculation of stresses in trusses and simple structures.

The course exposes the student to a historical account of art and architecture from pre-historic time. Emphasis will be on Egypt, the development of Hellenic Art and Architecture, and the Architecture of the Greek and Roman.

Introduction to basic fundamental concepts of CAD using AutoCAD are taught in the first semester. Introduction to the interface and basic concepts of drawing in a virtual environment like user interface, drafting settings, limits, coordinate systems, etc. Introduction to basic drafting tools in two-dimensions like lines, circles, polylines, multilines and modifying techniques like offset, rotate, trim, extend, etc. The use of layers, blocks and external references (x-refs) are put into use as tools for more efficient drafting in AutoCAD

In the second semester, modelling techniques of solids, surfaces & regions, Boolean operations, are introduced. Construction of a building model consisting of foundations, floors, walls, and roofs are undertaken. Modification tools like 3d align, 3d rotate and much more are used to modify objects. Creation of isometric drawings together with the different 2d views of a simple building together with rendering undertaken. At the end of the semester, the student should be

The course explores materials and methodology in the processes involved Construction of buildings. For example, concrete cube testing, tensile and compressive strengths of materials used in construction. The course also engages students in practical to demonstrate the procedures of these tests.

Building climatology deals with the study of relationship between climates (globally and locally) and buildings. Different climate classifications and their subsequent modifications, should be studied and how their choice affect different strategies for designs around the world. Strategies with regard to performance indices between buildings and climates should be emphasised. At the end of the year, design strategies for the different climate zones both locally in Nigeria and globally in different parts of the world, would prepare the students to be comfortable in practising architecture in any part of the world. Environmental degradation, greenhouse effect, depletion of the ozone layer, etc., are some of the current issues, which arise from the use, and abuse of our immediate environment. The course discusses the use of our natural resources and the effect of this use on the environment. Emphasis in the course is on sensitising the student on the need for sustainable use of global natural resources.

Building structures is a course that aids architects in understanding the basis of structural stability in buildings. It involves safety, durability, cost and aesthetics. At the end of the course, the student should understand the definition of architecture in structural terms, identify the components and elements that make up a building.*

Science of building materials and their characteristics – stones, rocks, asbestos, cement products, asphalt and bituminous felt, glass, steel, aluminum and other metals. Paints, plastic materials for sound and thermal insulation. Timber, veneer plywood, chipboard, particle board. Basic study of the range of non-industrial building materials. The course introduces the various building materials available to the Architect and their uses in building works. Materials to be studied include both natural and synthetic, for example earth, stones, wood, metals, plastics, etc. The reaction of the materials to different environmental conditions are also studied.

Course Code Course Title Credit Units Semester
ARCH 225 History/ Theory of Traditional Architecture 2 First
ARCH 201 Architectural Design 4 Second
ARCH 202 Architectural Design II 4 Second
ARCH 224 Architectural Programming 2 Second
ARCH 232 Building Climatology 2 Second
ARCH 203 Building Construction 3 First
ARCH 204 Building Construction II 3 Second
ARCH 206 Building Structures II 3 Second
ARCH 226 History/Theory Of Ancient Architecture 2 First
ARCH 221 Computer Aided Design I 2 First
ARCH 222 Computer Aided Design II 2 Second
BLDG 207 Concrete Technology 2 First
ARCH 228 Building Climatology 2 Second
ARCH 205 Intro. to Building Structures 3 First
ARCH 223 Building Material Science 2 Second

This subject expresses the student to an account of Art and Architecture from the early civilisations. Emphasis is on the Greek and Roman period. Topics covered include; Greek and Roman Architecture, the early Mycenaean or Helladic, Hellenic and Hellenistic periods, and Roman and Etruscan periods.

Advanced Architectural Design exercises, which involves the student in the design of complete buildings and in the location of the buildings on site. Programme is limited in line with the theoretical knowledge of the students. Further exercises in Advanced Architectural Design. The student is involved in either the design of single building or a group of buildings and their location on site. Sometimes, the student may be asked to design a more complex building on a site.

Properties of materials; tensile, compressive and shear stresses deflection of beams restrained and continuous beams. Laboratory Demonstrations. Design and analysis of flitched beams and Continuous Beams. Brief introduction to Structural Drawings in preparation for SIWES.

Special foundations; reinforced concrete foundations, raft foundations, piles – principles and types. Flooring; ground floor-traditional terracing, plain cement concrete floor, floor finishes, cast in-site and precast roof, wooden floors, floor tiles, skirting. Roofing: Roof trusses, materials for roofing – asbestos, galvanised iron, aluminum, concrete roofing tiles, fixing and fitting details. Reinforced concrete work; staircases, floor slabs, beam and lintels. Construction site visits and detailing exercises.

Surface water drainage and sewage treatment, sanitary appliances, septic tanks and Soak away, sanitary system in buildings, domestic sewage treatment, municipal sewage treatment, refuse collection and disposal.

The course introduces the student to the design principles and techniques of man-modified environment. Topics covered include introduction to landscape, factors influencing physical landscapes, cultural landscape, process of soil analysis, micro-climate considerations, site planning. This course further acquaints students with landscape design principles and techniques. Topic covered include visual perception and sensuous space, architectural proportion and scale, views, vistas, axis, cone of vision, visual structures, and sequence, tropical trees and shrubs, element of urban design, history of gardens.

Basic principles of artificial lighting, fitting and light source, distribution and space geometry. Types of electrical supply in Nigeria. Lighting design procedure and data requirements, domestic and non-domestic installations. The ring main and service units, voltage drops, ring and rising distribution, industrial installation, switch gear and fuses. Building lighting, lighting and Electrical loads in Building, energy balancing in Buildings. An Appraisal of Electrical Drawings and its interpretation in Building Projects. Contemporary Electrical Fittings used in Design in Nigeria.

This exposes the student to six-month industrial attachment where the practical and office exposure are paramount. The ability to work in the office and understanding the procedures and work ethics together with exposure to site visits where construction takes place are the gains from this exercise. The scheme can be broken in to two subsequent breaks at the end of two sessions of 200 and 300 levels.

The origin of Hindu Architecture can be traced back to Indus Civilization (BC 3000-2000). The course traces the various phases in the development of the architecture, and discusses the fundamental purpose of building art within the context of the Architecture.

Course Code Course Title Credit Units Semester
ARCH 321 History of Architecture 2 First
LNSV 331 Surveying for Professionals I 2 First
ARCH 301 Architectural Design 4 First
ARCH 305 Building Structures 3 First
ARCH 303 Building Construction 3 First
ARCH 325 Building Services (Mechanical) 2 First
ARCH 323 Site Planning/Landscape Design 1 First
ARCH 327 Building Services (Electrical) 2 First
ARCH 308 Industrial Attachment 8 Second
ARCH 352 Hindu Architecture 2 Second

Introduction to the principles of criminal and civil law of Tort and principles of agency and agent. Forms of contract; contract with and without quantities, arbitration procedure; duties, liabilities and relationship of employer, Architects, contractor, clerk of work both in public and private practice. Building Acts that apply to the Federation of Nigeria.

Design for intensive and extended space uses. Design projects involving wide environmental situations and technological angles. Students are expected to reflect all the knowledge acquired from their theory courses in their design.

The course introduces the students to the scientific method of research. Topic covered include choosing a research topic writing proposals, designing data collection instruments, data collection and analysis, research report writing.

Introduction to the theory and design of simple reinforced concrete structures. Development of classic theory or reinforced concrete beams, slabs, and columns. Application of continuity to the design of construction structure

The Course aims at deepening the understanding of various techniques of construction by the students. Timber construction, scaffolding, form-work, under pining, old foundation. Cladding: curtain walls, panel walls, tiles, stone, burnt bricks. Advanced reinforced concrete; modular co-ordination/prefabrication, system building, prestressed concrete.

Students are engaged in practical ways of applying sustainable principles to the problem and design challenges being faced in the Industry. In addition, a parallel is drawn between Sustainability and Architecture. In what ways does Architecture affect sustainable development or vice-versa?

Students are introduced to the measurement in quantities of the Building components. A brief appraisal of the components of a Bill of Quantities, its interpretation and how it is related to Architectural designs and the construction process

Addresses contemporary issues relating to the origin and conception of urban design and its practice. Understanding urban design in the context of Architecture through case studies of urban design projects and intervention. A review of the relationship between urban design and other design professions.

Advanced design for intensive and extended space uses. Design exercises task the abilities of the students to their limits, and usually involves wide cultural, environmental and technical considerations.

Acoustics Design: noise control in building, transmission of air-borne and structure-borne sounds, noise reduction, sound insulation, community noise, and barriers, design of auditorium, reverberation control, sound absorbing materials and systems, special problems in Architectural acoustics, study of functional acoustic design based on design project. Use of acoustical tools and simulation software are to be used for a design project or case study. At the end of the course, the student should have a basic understanding of architectural acoustics and its application in buildings.

Continuation of the design of simple reinforced concrete structures. Development of classic theory or reinforced concrete beams, slabs, and columns. Application of continuity to the design of construction structure.

The course discusses advanced building technology using more complex building components. Metal works; sliding doors and windows, sliding/folding doors, revolving doors security doors, doors and window schedule.

Introduction to computer simulation and architecture. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the development of the virtual laboratory. Introduction to Ecotect Analysis, Openstudio and Rhino/Diva software. Introduction to lighting, acoustical and thermal simulations. At the end of the semester, a simulation analysis of an existing and a designed building may be undertaken based on individual tools and software.

An introduction to modelling in AUTODESK related software like AUTOCAD, REVIT ARCHITECTURE, and ARCHICAD. Students are taught to develop relevant drawings using Computer aid. For example, the use of Massing in REVIT Architecture. Furthermore, Students are introduced to contemporary concepts like BIM to prepare for the Industry after graduation. Assessment is usually practical works using any specified software.

Introduction to the Code of Ethics and the Rules and Regulation governing the practice of Architecture in Nigeria. The Role of the Architect, the responsibilities of the Architect to the Client and Other Professionals. An overview of Building law regulations in Nigeria.

This is an individual study chosen by the student with the approval of the Department. The study may be either in the field of design, theories, methods, history and philosophy of Architecture. The student conducts a thorough research under the supervision of an academic staff. He produces a final research report to the approved standard.

This course builds on ARCH 327 and introduces the students to master Architects and the critic of their design principles and works. Architects like Frank Lloyrd Wright, Le corbesier, Philip JOhnson, Richard Neutra, Frank Gehry. I.M.Pei, Zaha Hadid, Hassan Fathy are amonst who can be studied, At the End of the course these principles can be sensitised by the Students in their own designs

Students are formally introduced to Interior design as a viable specialisation. Students learn to appreciate and harmonise the elements that constitute the building interior and exterior envelope. Practical would engage students in freehand sketches to develop their mental and perceptual abilities, using colouring to enhance visual aesthetic and real-life judgments.

Course Code Course Title Credit Units Semester
ARCH 4271 CAAD 2 First
ARCH 431 Building. Law & Arbitration 1 First
ARCH 423 Interior Design 2 First
ARCH 401 Architectural Design 4 4 First
ARCH 421 Research Methods 2 First
ARCH 405 Building Structures 4 3 First
ARCH 403 Building Construction 4 3 First
ARCH 433 Sustainability in Architecture 2 First
ARCH 427 Building Measurement 2 First
ARCH 424 Urban Design 2 Second
ARCH 402 Architectural Design 5 4 Second
ARCH 426 Building Services(Acoustics) 2 Second
ARCH 406 Building Structures 5 3 Second
ARCH 404 Building Construction 5 3 Second
ARCH 453 Computer Aided Design 2 Second
ARCH 434 Computer Aided Design 2 Second
ARCH 422 Introduction to Professional Practice 2 Second
ARCH 420 Independent Research Project 2 Second
ARCH 425 History/Theory of Modern Architecture 2 First
ARCH 429 Interior Design 2 First