Program Overview
Architecture is primarily about dwelling the earth. In an era where Earth is facing major transformations due to climate change, pollution and resources' exhaustion, the architecture profession should also evolve to respond to these changes. In fact, architecture, and more largely the construction industry, have a large share of responsibility in the overall environmental deterioration. However, as is shown by countless successful examples of sustainability-oriented architecture in the last decade, architecture could also hold a major role in mitigating environmental degradation and maintaining the livability of our built environments through adaptation strategies. It is in this light that the architecture department at
Dar Al-Hekma wishes to take its responsibilities in this regard through offering a master’s degree in architecture that contributes to raising the knowledge and skills of architectural professionals, so they would be able to produce more sustainable bioclimatic architectural designs and to better optimize the ecological performance of buildings. The master's program equips students with the principles and methods of bioclimatic architectural design and the technical knowledge and skills - including the use of proper simulation software - to assess and optimize the performance of buildings in terms of energy and material consumption, greenhouse gases' emissions, and quality of indoor environments. For those interested in getting scholarships, the University offers different types of
graduate scholarships. Students can also major in architecture and get a
bachelor’s degree in architecture that the University offers.
Program Mission
To graduate sustainability-committed and innovative professionals able to produce adept climate-responsive design solutions to the challenges of the ecological transition in architecture.
Program Goals
- 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 this Master 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
Programs
| TOEFL Score
| Required Bachelor
Degree
| Bachelor GPA
| Other Admission Requirement
|
|---|
Master of Architecture
| 550
| A Bachelor Degree in Architecture,
a Bachelor Degree in Interior Architecture
or a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design
| 3.75 out 5
| 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.
Plan of Study
|
Year One (1) |
|---|
|
Semester – One |
Semester – Two |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
MARC 1311
| Socioecological Transition, Climate Responsiveness and Circular Metabolism
| 3 | MARC 1332
| Passive and Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Principles and Tools
| 3 |
MARC 1321
| Principles of Bioclimatic Architecture
| 3 | MARC 1333
| Sustainable Construction Technologies for Green and Bioclimatic Architecture
| 3 |
MARC 1331
| Buildings’ Life Cycle Analysis
| 3 | MARC 1334
| Indoor Environmental Quality
| 3 |
| MARC XXXX
| Program Elective
| 3 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
9 |
Total Credit Hours |
12 |
|
Year Two (2) |
|---|
|
Semester – One |
Semester – Two |
|---|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit
Hours |
MARC 2341
| Capstone Research
| 3
| MARC 2443
| Capstone Project Studio 2
| 4
|
MARC 2442
| Capstone Project Studio 1
| 4
|
MARC XXXX
| Program Elective
| 3 |
|
Total Credit Hours |
10 |
Total Credit Hours |
6 |
| CODE | Elective Courses | CREDITS |
|---|
MARC 1335
| Buildings’ Informatics
| 3
|
MARC 1336
| Daylight in Buildings
| 3 |
MARC 1312
| Selected Topics in Bioclimatic Architecture and Environmental Design
| 3 |
MARC 1352
| Construction Management
| 3 |
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: Advises clients and organizations on sustainable building practices, including energy-efficient technologies and ecological design principles.
- Environmental Analyst: Assesses and analyzing the environmental impact of architectural projects, ensuring compliance with ecological standards and regulations.
- Building Performance Analyst: Uses simulation tools to evaluate and optimize the ecological performance of buildings throughout their life cycle.
- Researcher in Sustainable Architecture: Conducts research to advance knowledge in bioclimatic design, green technologies, and sustainable architectural practices.
- Project Manager in Sustainable Construction: Oversees construction projects with a focus on environmentally friendly and energy-efficient practices.
- Works with certification programs to ensure buildings meet stringent environmental and sustainability standards.
- Environmental Policy Advisor: Contributes to developing and implementing policies that promote sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices.
