Program Overview

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Master of Architecture Program

The Master of Architecture program at Dar Al-Hekma University is a two-year interdisciplinary program that broadens the scope of architectural studies through an advanced process of thinking and making architecture, empowered by an integral approach to design solutions.

Program Overview

The program's defining feature is the Integral Design Theory, based on a holistic approach to architectural design with multiple dimensions of the built environment. Graduates of the M. Arch Program can connect different domains of knowledge and develop independent inquiry, creativity, and responsibility as they respond to human experience and technological, ecological, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions of the built environment.

Mission

The mission of the program is to graduate sustainability-committed and innovative professionals able to produce adept climate-responsive design solutions to the challenges of the ecological transition in architecture.

Goals

The program aims to:

• Impart a comprehensive understanding of bioclimatic and green architectural design principles.
• Foster knowledge of innovative building technologies to enhance ecological performance.
• Develop critical thinking skills to examine stakeholders' discourses on sustainable architecture and urbanism.
• Cultivate the ability to identify context-specific bioclimatic and ecological approaches.
• Equip students with skills to analyze social and environmental factors, addressing challenges at multiple spatial scales.
• Emphasize the use of diverse methodological approaches for socio-ecological transition analysis.
• Provide proficiency in using analysis and simulation tools to assess ecological performance.
• Foster the development of innovative bioclimatic architectural designs.
• Promote effective communication of bioclimatic solutions.
• Instill values such as a professional attitude, independence, curiosity, and collective initiative.
• Nurture a strong commitment to sustainability at both social and ecological levels.
• Prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to advancing ecological awareness and sustainable practices within the architecture profession.

Why Choose the Master of Architecture Program at Dar Al-Hekma University?

Choosing the Master of Architecture Program at Dar Al-Hekma University offers a unique and compelling opportunity for several reasons:

• Specializing in bioclimatic architecture and ecological buildings sets the program apart, providing students with a specialized skill set highly relevant to contemporary environmental challenges.
• The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education, encompassing a variety of bioclimatic and green architectural design principles, innovative building technologies, and critical analysis skills specific to sustainable architecture.
• Students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge research and diverse methodological approaches, ensuring they stay at the forefront of sustainable design and architecture advancements.
• Hands-on experience with analysis and simulation tools and the emphasis on using relevant analysis and simulation tools equips students with practical skills to assess and optimize a building's ecological performance, contributing to a holistic understanding of sustainable design.
• The program puts emphasis on developing innovative bioclimatic architectural designs, fostering creativity and practical application of knowledge to address contemporary social and environmental challenges.
• Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in sustainable architecture, thanks to the program's holistic approach that combines technical proficiency, critical thinking, and a commitment to sustainable values.

Admission Requirements

• Linguaskill Score: 176
• Required Bachelor Degree: A Bachelor Degree in Architecture, a Bachelor Degree in Interior Architecture, or a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design
• Bachelor GPA: 3.75 out of 5
• Other Admission Requirement: Digital Portfolio

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Knowledge

• Identify advanced knowledge and competencies needed in architectural design.
• Recognize the technical expertise necessary for professional practice.

Skills

• Apply expert knowledge gained to preserve both built and natural environments.
• Demonstrate advanced analytical, theoretical, and methodological research skills.
• Apply a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to solve complex and challenging problems.
• Develop innovative holistic architectural designs that consider cultural and contextual issues.
• Communicate with advanced skills and display innovative, integral design solutions.

Values

• Model ethics and lifelong learning, which includes the development of skills and propensity for independence, initiative, curiosity, and reflection.
• Act as responsible community members.

Plan of Study

The program is structured over two years, with the following courses:

Year One

• Semester One:
  • MARC 1311: Socioecological Transition, Climate Responsiveness, and Circular Metabolism
  • MARC 1321: Principles of Bioclimatic Architecture
  • MARC 1331: Buildings' Life Cycle Analysis
  • MARC XXXX: Program Elective
• Semester Two:
  • MARC 1332: Passive and Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Principles and Tools
  • MARC 1333: Sustainable Construction Technologies for Green and Bioclimatic Architecture
  • MARC 1334: Indoor Environmental Quality

Year Two

• Semester One:
  • MARC 2341: Capstone Research
  • MARC 2442: Capstone Project Studio 1
  • MARC XXXX: Program Elective
• Semester Two:
  • MARC 2443: Capstone Project Studio 2

Career Prospects

The program equips students with the necessary skills that qualify them for a variety of career paths/jobs in the market, including but not limited to:

• Sustainable Design Consultant
• Environmental Analyst
• Building Performance Analyst
• Researcher in Sustainable Architecture
• Project Manager in Sustainable Construction
• Works with certification programs to ensure buildings meet stringent environmental and sustainability standards
• Environmental Policy Advisor

Course Descriptions

MARC 1311: Socioecological Transition, Climate Responsiveness, and Circular Metabolism

This course discusses the emergence of sustainability as a new normative value that guides the development of human societies.

MARC 1321: Principles of Bioclimatic Architecture

This course discusses the concept of bioclimatic architecture and identifies it as a design approach in the field of architecture.

MARC 1331: Buildings' Life Cycle Analysis

This course assesses environmental impact of complex systems in technology and building processes based on a life-cycle perspective.

MARC 1332: Passive and Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Principles and Tools

This course introduces the importance of quantitative analysis in the design of low energy buildings.

MARC 1333: Sustainable Construction Technologies for Green and Bioclimatic Architecture

This course introduces advanced sustainable construction practices which include the selection of structural system, façade system, construction, and material performance.

MARC 1334: Indoor Environmental Quality

This course relates human experience of buildings to the main dimensions of Indoor Environmental Quality: thermal, acoustic, lighting, and indoor pollution.

MARC 2341: Capstone Research

In this course, students mobilize methodologies, methods, and tools to investigate a particular issue of relevance to their Capstone Project.

MARC 2442: Capstone Project Studio 1

In this course, students mobilize bioclimatic architecture design strategies and building technologies to provide solutions to an architectural design problem.

MARC 2443: Capstone Project Studio 2

It is the continuity of MARC 2442, it sets on developing the conceptual ideas and design strategy identified in this course.

Key Facts

• Program Name: Master of Architecture
• Academic Degree: Master
• Credit Hours: 42
• Program Length: 2 Years
• Mode of study: Full-time / Part-time

Faculty

• Dr. Mohammed Mansour Gomaa: Chair - Associate Professor, Hekma School of Engineering, Computing and Design.