Master of Science in Architecture

This course introduces and discusses approaches, strategies, and data collection methods relating to research in architecture and urban sciences. Students will consider how to select the appropriate methodology for use in a study to be performed. Additionally, students will learn how to collect data based on different data collection methods, construct these tools, and pilot them before they become ready for use. This course elucidates the requirements for an academic work, considering aspects related to language, writing style, and layout. To culminate this final stage, students will learn to write a comprehensive research proposal that leads to a master thesis.

Prerequisite: Co-/pre-requisite: 0404540

This course provides a framework for addressing theoretical and practical concerns in architectural design through a set of inquiries and premises: advancement in the design methods that shapes our current architectures technological, relational and environmental progresses; implications of performative evaluation and generative design processes on architecture; and recent innovation in materiality and tectonics of architecture. The course is based on the charter that architectural specificity is the result of cross-disciplinary cooperation. Through this approach Advanced Architectural Studies course strives to empower graduating students with the knowledge of cutting-edge practice, innovative construction technologies and recent theoretical scenarios to speculate upon future modes of sustainable architectural research and practice for the region and UAE in particular.

Prerequisite: Co-/pre-requisite: 0404540

This course investigates the evolution of urban theory and major theorists who have shaped this field. It discusses how theories have been used to understand urban development and how theory can inform the ways cities are designed, particularly in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. The course addresses spatial expressions of inequalities, such as segregation, suburbanization, and gentrification. It discusses spatial expressions of differentiation in topics such as the city as a realm of community and lifestyle, the representational city and the public space, and identities in public space.

Prerequisite: Co-/pre-requisite: 0404540

The course focuses on the relation between climate, thermal comfort, and environmental performance of buildings. Active and passive design techniques will be introduced and investigated by integrating environmental simulation software, which will be applied for various thermal, lighting, and energy analyses. Issues of the buildings' safety and construction, IEQ and AEQ, and indoor health problems will be introduced. Latest trends and applications in the area of sustainability are introduced in the course.

Prerequisite: Co-/pre-requisite: 0404540

This is a theory-based course, and it includes hands-on learning utilizing up-to-date BIM tools and technology. It will explore current industry topics such as BIM implementation, BIM strategy, clash detection and BIM collaboration among many other BIM relevant topics. This course will provide students with greater insight into the world of multi-disciplinary projects, virtual construction, BIM for Facility Management (FM) as a management tool and associated technologies.

Prerequisite: 0404540; Co-/pre-requisites: 0404541, 0404542, 0404543, 0404544

Students are required to attend seminars given by faculty members and visiting academics and/or professionals. Students must submit reports on what they attended. They are required to deliver a presentation on a topic relating to their research proposals. Students will prepare a well-developed research proposal as an outcome of the course.

Prerequisite: 0404540, 0404541, 0404542, 0404543, 0404544, 0404545

Students must conduct research, prepare a written thesis, and defend it in a final oral examination before a committee. The thesis should exhibit the student's competence in research through the application of an existing body of knowledge to solve a new research question or specific problem in a new setting. The student must have successfully completed and defended a written thesis proposal before registering for the thesis. The student must have finished all other program requirements and completed a refereed article or conference paper accepted for publication before the thesis defense.

Prerequisite: 0404540, 0404541, 0404542, 0404543, 0404544, 0404545

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404542

This course investigates the processes of globalization and their influences on the city. It addresses the theorization of globalization, world and global cities, and transformations in the urban built environment under contemporary globalization. The course analyzes cases of urban transformation of globalizing cities in the UAE and Gulf region.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404542

Overview of contemporary architectural and urban conservation philosophy, principles, terminology and practice. Critical examination of concepts underlying the international conservation charters and guiding documents. Emphasis on heritage conservation strategies and contemporary developments in the Middle East.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404542

This course covers a special topic in the field of urbanism. Content varies according to the topic.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404543

Facilities Management (FM) is coming into prominence as a profession and an important industry. With the sustainability agenda and tighter building regulations for carbon emissions reduction, this course provides the students with the opportunity to understand and engage in best ways to deliver effective, productive and sustainable facilities (building or infrastructure). Students are to explore the changes in the internationalization of the FM market particularly in developing and emerging markets.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404543

This course focuses on the impact of digital technologies on professional practice and services. It explores issues such as emerging forms of professional practice, the status of professional knowledge and skills, the use and value of digital information in design, and additive manufacturing (AM), where digital fabrication objectives could become a source of inspiration and a driving force of design. Advanced Parametric Design is an innovative course that extends and integrates disciplines between architecture, advanced applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mixed reality intelligence in architecture, urban planning, building construction, and sustainability.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404543

Construction industry is one of the most important contribution to any national economy and with great impact on the environment. The industry is very dynamic and exciting place to work in. This course investigates the evolution of construction management over the years and ascertain the various business models in construction, national, regionally and globally. It aims to help students to explore how to manage construction organizations from all point of views of the client, policy makers, design team, contractors, and facilities management. It further provides an essential learning and practical experience for students with construction management in the digital age. It will provide an all-encompassing understanding of the trajectory of the construction industry and the implication of the application of various digital technologies to enhance the productivity of organization in project delivery and the wider industry. Hence, it aims to develop multifaceted multi-skilled construction managers and leaders to manage and lead innovative construction business, envisage new technological opportunities in construction and enable the digital transformation of construction project delivery in conjunction with UN-SDGs.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404543

This course covers a special topic in the field of digital design and technology. Content varies according to topic.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404544

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the theory and practical application of building science, a multi-disciplinary field focused on improving building design and operation using computational methods and field measurements. Students will explore topics such as heat transfer, thermodynamics, indoor air quality, building envelope design, energy efficiency, and sustainable building practices, as well as advanced topics such as emerging building materials and technologies, dynamic energy modeling, and high-performance building design strategies. The course emphasizes the integration of advanced building science principles into the design process and the use of advanced modeling tools to analyze and optimize building performance.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404544

The course focuses on advanced properties of building energy systems, particularly their integration in the architectural design and construction process, to provide students with the research skills that serve both academia and industry. Through analytical and software-assisted energy balance calculation, the course focuses on the identification and design of energy strategies targeted to different scenarios. The course emphasizes building integrated energy technologies, such as BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics), hybrid HVAC systems (especially those combined with the building fabric/construction), and other technologies such as building-scale renewable energy devices (mini- and micro-wind turbines, waste-to-energy devices, etc.) and building automation. Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing will be introduced to allow full understanding of the environmental-economic benefit-ratio of the presented technologies.

Prerequisite: 0404541, 0404544

This course covers a special topic in the field of sustainable architecture. Content varies according to topic.