Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Conservation & Sustainability) Program

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Conservation & Sustainability) program offers a unique specialization among all undergraduate architecture programs in Canada. Since 2009, this stream has focused on the conservation of historic architecture, paired with a study in the principles of sustainable design.

Program Overview

A growing proportion of architectural work particularly in sustainable design involves renovations with sustainability upgrades, or the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Following the Understanding, Planning, and Intervening method set out in the Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places, students in this program learn to study and assess existing architecture so that they can formulate creative and compatible design solutions for historic built fabrics. Conservation studio projects are founded on strong historical and social understanding, along with deep knowledge of conservation theories.

Collaborative Course Delivery

Benefiting from collaborative course delivery between the School of Architecture and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, students in the BAS Conservation and Sustainability program receive in-depth technical education on integrated building systems, architectural materials and assemblies, green building techniques, and hands-on practice with heritage documentation. Through the study of conservation theory, ethics, and best practices, students also learn to research and analyze existing architecture.

Course Requirements

The program's course sequence is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in conservation and sustainability. The courses are structured as follows:

First Year

• Fall:
  • ARCH 1111 Studio 1A: Land
  • ARCH 1221 Material Histories of Architecture
  • ARCH 1331 Introduction to Architecture
  • ARCH 1441 Drawing and Media
• Winter:
  • ARCH 1112 Studio 1B: Fundamentals of Design
  • ARCH 1222 Design, Climate, Environment
  • ARCH 1442 Digital Drawing and Modelling
  • ARTH 1201 History & Theory of Architecture: 1500 to Present

Second Year

• Fall:
  • ENVE 1001 Architecture and the Environment
  • ARCH 2300 Introduction to Modern Architecture
  • ARCC 2202 Architectural Technology 1
  • ARCN 4100 Historic Site Recording & Assessment
  • Free Elective
• Winter:
  • ARCS 2302 Conservation Studio
  • CDNS 2400 Heritage Places & Practices in Canada
  • CIVE 2005 Architectural Technology 2
  • Core Elective

Third Year

• Fall:
  • ARCS 3301 Conservation Studio 2
  • ARCC 2203 Architectural Technology 3
  • ARCH 4200 Architectural Conservation Philosophy & Ethics
  • Core Elective
  • COOP 1000 Co-op Preparation (0.0 credit)
• Winter:
  • ARCS 3302 Conservation Studio 3
  • ARCN 4200 Building Pathology & Rehabilitation
  • ARCU 3100 Morphology of the City
  • Free Elective

Fourth Year

• Fall:
  • ARCS 4105 Comprehensive Studio
  • ENVE 4105 Green Building Design
  • ARCC 3202 Architectural Technology 4
• Winter:
  • ARCS 4107 Option Studio
  • ARCC 4207 Advanced Building Assessment
  • ARCH 4002 Canadian Architecture
  • ARCC 4500 Design Economics

Additional Information

Course requirements have changed over time. For a complete layout of course sequencing for a specific entry year, students should consult the relevant course calendar. Certain courses include labs and tutorials, which students must also register for when registering for the course.