Architectural Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of the Field

This module traces architectural engineering from ancient load-bearing masonry to modern integrated systems. It provides the historical context that frames every subsequent technical topic.

Lesson 2 • Building Systems Overview

This module maps the major systems—structural, mechanical, electrical, and envelope—and their interdependencies. It sets the integrative mindset required throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Core Physical Principles

This module introduces statics, forces, and material behaviour as the physical basis for all design decisions. It connects physics fundamentals directly to building performance.

Lesson 4 • Roles and Responsibilities in Practice

This module defines the architectural engineer's scope versus architects, civil engineers, and contractors. It clarifies professional boundaries essential for team collaboration.

Lesson 1 • Beams: Shear and Bending Moment

This topic constructs shear force and bending moment diagrams for simply supported and continuous beams. These diagrams directly inform member sizing and connection design.

Lesson 2 • Load Classification and Combinations

This topic categorises dead, live, wind, seismic, and snow loads and explains combination rules. Accurate load definition is a prerequisite to safe structural sizing.

Lesson 3 • Static Equilibrium and Free Body Diagrams

This topic applies Newton's laws to isolated structural elements using free body diagrams. It builds the analytical foundation for all subsequent structural calculations.

Lesson 4 • Deflection and Serviceability

This topic calculates mid-span deflections and evaluates them against serviceability limits. It links structural analysis to occupant comfort and finish protection.

Lesson 1 • Construction Sequencing and Methods

This topic maps cast-in-place, precast, prefabricated, and modular construction sequences and their structural implications. It connects material choice to site logistics and schedule.

Lesson 2 • Masonry and Composite Systems

This topic evaluates brick, concrete masonry units, and reinforced masonry walls for compressive and lateral resistance. It introduces composite action between dissimilar materials.

Lesson 3 • Timber and Engineered Wood Products

This topic analyses sawn lumber, glulam, CLT, and LVL in terms of grain direction, moisture sensitivity, and span capacity. It supports sustainable material selection decisions.

Lesson 4 • Steel: Grades, Profiles, and Connections

This topic identifies steel grades, standard cross-sections, and connection types used in building frames. It prepares students for steel member design in the following chapter.

Lesson 1 • Column and Wall Design

This topic designs axially loaded and eccentrically loaded columns in concrete and steel, including slenderness effects. It extends to shear wall sizing for lateral resistance.

Lesson 2 • Foundation Systems

This topic selects and sizes spread footings, combined footings, mat foundations, and deep pile systems based on soil bearing capacity. It links superstructure loads to geotechnical data.

Lesson 3 • Design Philosophy and Code Frameworks

This topic contrasts allowable stress design and load-and-resistance factor design philosophies. It establishes the code-based decision framework used throughout structural design.

Lesson 4 • Lateral Force Resisting Systems

This topic designs moment frames, braced frames, and shear walls to resist wind and seismic lateral forces. It integrates lateral system selection with overall building configuration.

Lesson 1 • Fenestration and Glazing Performance

This topic evaluates window and curtain wall systems by U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and visible transmittance. It balances daylighting benefits against thermal and glare penalties.

Lesson 2 • Air Barrier Systems and Airtightness

This topic designs continuous air barrier assemblies and specifies testing protocols to verify airtightness. It reduces infiltration-driven energy loss and moisture transport.

Lesson 3 • Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Buildings

This topic explains conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to opaque and transparent envelope components. It provides the thermal physics basis for all envelope design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Moisture Control and Vapour Management

This topic analyses dew point, vapour drive, and condensation risk within wall and roof assemblies. Correct vapour barrier placement prevents long-term moisture damage.

Lesson 1 • Plumbing and Fire Protection Systems

This topic designs domestic water supply, sanitary drainage, and wet-pipe sprinkler systems for multi-storey buildings. Pipe sizing and routing must coordinate with structural framing.

Lesson 2 • HVAC System Types and Selection

This topic compares all-air, air-water, and refrigerant-based HVAC systems by capacity, zoning flexibility, and energy use. System selection drives mechanical room sizing and duct routing.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Distribution and Lighting

This topic sizes electrical service, distribution panels, branch circuits, and lighting systems for commercial occupancies. It integrates electrical routing with structural and architectural constraints.

Lesson 4 • Heating and Cooling Load Calculations

This topic performs peak heating and cooling load calculations using envelope data and occupancy schedules. Accurate loads prevent oversizing and ensure occupant comfort.

Lesson 1 • Structural and Architectural Modeling

This topic models structural framing, floors, walls, and roofs with parametric families and accurate material assignments. Accurate geometry enables reliable quantity extraction.

Lesson 2 • BIM for Analysis and Handover

This topic links BIM models to energy, structural, and lighting analysis tools and prepares asset data for facility management handover. It extends model value beyond construction.

Lesson 3 • MEP System Modeling

This topic models ductwork, piping, conduit, and equipment within the federated BIM environment. It enables spatial coordination before construction begins.

Lesson 4 • Documentation and Sheet Production

This topic generates construction documents, schedules, and detail sheets directly from the BIM model. Model-driven documentation reduces errors from manual drafting.

Lesson 1 • Cost Estimating and Value Engineering

This topic applies order-of-magnitude, systems-level, and detailed quantity-based estimating methods at each design phase. Value engineering aligns design intent with budget constraints.

Lesson 2 • Risk, Quality, and Commissioning

This topic identifies project risks, implements quality management plans, and executes building commissioning to verify system performance. It closes the loop between design intent and operational reality.

Lesson 3 • Construction Administration

This topic covers submittal review, RFI management, site observation, and change order processing during construction. It ensures built work conforms to design intent and contract documents.

Lesson 4 • Design Phase Management

This topic structures schematic, design development, and construction document phases with milestones, reviews, and deliverable checklists. Disciplined phase management prevents scope creep.