Architectural Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of the Field

Traces architectural engineering from ancient load-bearing masonry to modern integrated systems. Provides historical context that frames every subsequent technical topic.

Lesson 2 • Building Systems Overview

Maps the major systems—structural, mechanical, electrical, and envelope—and their interdependencies. Sets the integrative mindset required throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Core Physical Principles

Introduces statics, forces, and material behaviour as the physical basis for all design decisions. Connects physics fundamentals directly to building performance.

Lesson 4 • Roles and Responsibilities in Practice

Defines the architectural engineer's scope versus architects, civil engineers, and contractors. Clarifies professional boundaries essential for team collaboration.

Lesson 1 • Beams: Shear and Bending Moment

Constructs shear force and bending moment diagrams for simply supported and continuous beams. Diagrams directly inform member sizing and connection design.

Lesson 2 • Load Classification and Combinations

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

Lesson 3 • Static Equilibrium and Free Body Diagrams

Applies Newton's laws to isolated structural elements using free body diagrams. Builds the analytical foundation for all subsequent structural calculations.

Lesson 4 • Deflection and Serviceability

Calculates mid-span deflections and evaluates them against serviceability limits. Links structural analysis to occupant comfort and finish protection.

Lesson 1 • Construction Sequencing and Methods

Maps cast-in-place, precast, prefabricated, and modular construction sequences and their structural implications. Connects material choice to site logistics and schedule.

Lesson 2 • Masonry and Composite Systems

Evaluates brick, concrete masonry units, and reinforced masonry walls for compressive and lateral resistance. Introduces composite action between dissimilar materials.

Lesson 3 • Timber and Engineered Wood Products

Analyses sawn lumber, glulam, CLT, and LVL in terms of grain direction, moisture sensitivity, and span capacity. Supports sustainable material selection decisions.

Lesson 4 • Steel: Grades, Profiles, and Connections

Identifies steel grades, standard section profiles, and connection types used in building frames. Prepares students for steel member design in the following chapter.

Lesson 1 • Column and Wall Design

Designs axially loaded and eccentrically loaded columns in concrete and steel, including slenderness effects. Extends to shear wall sizing for lateral resistance.

Lesson 2 • Foundation Systems

Selects and sizes spread footings, combined footings, mat foundations, and deep pile systems based on soil bearing capacity. Links superstructure loads to geotechnical data.

Lesson 3 • Design Philosophy and Code Frameworks

Contrasts allowable stress design and load-and-resistance factor design philosophies. Establishes the code-based decision framework used throughout structural design.

Lesson 4 • Lateral Force Resisting Systems

Designs moment frames, braced frames, and shear walls to resist wind and seismic lateral forces. Integrates lateral system selection with overall building configuration.

Lesson 1 • Fenestration and Glazing Performance

Evaluates window and curtain wall systems by U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and visible transmittance. Balances daylighting benefits against thermal and glare penalties.

Lesson 2 • Air Barrier Systems and Airtightness

Designs continuous air barrier assemblies and specifies testing protocols to verify airtightness. Reduces infiltration-driven energy loss and moisture transport.

Lesson 3 • Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Buildings

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to opaque and transparent envelope components. Provides the thermal physics basis for all envelope design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Moisture Control and Vapour Management

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

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

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

Sizes electrical service, distribution panels, branch circuits, and lighting systems for commercial occupancies. Integrates electrical routing with structural and architectural constraints.

Lesson 4 • Heating and Cooling Load Calculations

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 Modelling

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

Links BIM models to energy, structural, and lighting analysis tools and prepares asset data for facility management handover. Extends model value beyond construction.

Lesson 3 • MEP System Modelling

Models ductwork, piping, conduit, and equipment within the federated BIM environment. Enables spatial coordination before construction begins.

Lesson 4 • Documentation and Sheet Production

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

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

Identifies project risks, implements quality management plans, and executes building commissioning to verify system performance. Closes the loop between design intent and operational reality.

Lesson 3 • Construction Administration

Covers submittal review, RFI management, site observation, and variation order processing during construction. Ensures built work conforms to design intent and contract documents.

Lesson 4 • Design Phase Management

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