The Spatial Arts track offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Design. This intensive, studio-centric program merges ecological parameter frameworks, spatial sociology research, and robust building Information modeling (BIM) methods to challenge future architects to engineer resilient communities.
About The Program
Students electing to enter the Architecture studio engage directly with parametric workflows, experimental building materials, and site-specific topography design. Guided by globally recognized urban design practitioners, structural experts, and environment researchers, you will discover how architectural configurations can actively respond to environmental shifts.
Nova University's design labs are deeply connected with regional construction innovation groups. Students gain vital exposure through large-scale community installations, design-build research initiatives, and public presentations that balance aesthetic form with strict socio-economic and structural accountability metrics.
Program Curriculum
Core studio courses and building technologies modules distributed over three rigorous academic years:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Spatial Orthographics & Representation (ARCH 1101) | 3 Credits |
| Architectural History I: Classical to Renaissance (ARCH 1202) | 3 Credits |
| Fundamental Design Studio: Form & Scale (ARCH 1303) | 3 Credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Material Typologies & Tectonic Assemblies (ARCH 1401) | 3 Credits |
| Environmental Site Systems & Topography Analytics (ARCH 1502) | 3 Credits |
| Digital Graphics & Foundations of CAD (ARCH 1601) | 3 Credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Studio: Urban Infill & Social Space (ARCH 2101) | 3 Credits |
| Structural Mechanics: Load Paths & Statics (ARCH 2202) | 3 Credits |
| Introduction to Parametric Modeling & Grasshopper (ARCH 2303) | 3 Credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Building Integration Modeling (BIM) Architectures (ARCH 2401) | 3 Credits |
| Environmental Control Systems: Passive Design (ARCH 2502) | 3 Credits |
| Elective: Vernacular Material Systems Optimization (ARCH 2603) | 3 Credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Synthesis Studio: Masterplanning (ARCH 3101) | 3 Credits |
| Contemporary Architectural Theory & Criticism (ARCH 3202) | 3 Credits |
| Integrated Building Systems Capstone Project (ARCH 3303) | 3 Credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Portfolio Compilation & Presentation (ARCH 3401) | 3 Credits |
| Professional Practice, Ethics & Codes Framework (ARCH 3502) | 3 Credits |
| Architectural Competitions Strategy Seminar (ARCH 3601) | 1 Credit |
Student Testimonials
The studio ecosystem at Nova replicates top international design agencies. Integrating environmental data models directly into our early generative layout iterations redefined my process.
Emma Elizabeth
Urban DesignerNova balances absolute structural physics with uninhibited creative form generation. The parametric tooling workshops gave me an unmatched advantage entering competitive placement fields.
