Architects organize spaces within and around buildings. They determine the shape a total building will take and how it is to be built. They design, on a large scale, with an awareness of the demands of society. They design in detail with attention to the needs and aspirations of individuals and groups. They show understanding of structural technique, construction detail, and the sound use of materials. They determine the way in which the building will be built and supervise the construction process.
Architecture is a vast spread of concerns about people and their surroundings, their history, cultures, resources, disciplines, and contradictions. The primary concern of the School of Architecture at the University of Waterloo is the development of design skills in architecture, awareness of cultural background, and existing environment.
The academic program in Architecture is intended to prepare the student to become an architect capable of practice within contemporary professional constraints and adaptation to a changing profession and to the society it serves.
Two academic programs of study make up the five years of architectural studies:
- An Honours Four-Year Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree
- Comprised of eight academic terms of study and six four-month co-op work terms leading to the degree Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
- This degree, combined with a minimum cumulative average of 75%, indicates appropriate preparation for the degree Master of Architecture (MArch).
- A Master of Architecture (MArch) degree
- Comprised of a nominal one-year professional program of study (three subsequent academic terms).