In your first three years of study in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch) program, students learn the fundamentals of design; how to apply them to the design of buildings, neighborhoods, and cities; and how to graphically communicate a design solution.
Before their final two semesters of the program, students have the option to choose to continue on the Architectural Studies track or move to the Architectural Design track. Both tracks allow students to pursue a four-studio track professional
Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch) at CU Denver as well as a professional career in architecture. In addition to offering a strong foundation in architecture, both the Architectural Design and the Architectural Studies tracks prepare students
to pursue graduate studies and future careers in allied design disciplines, including digital design (games and animation), industrial design, graphic design, landscape architecture, urban design, and real estate development, among others.
The Architectural Studies track offers students a less prescribed path with greater freedom to shape the direction of their studies in the final two semesters. Based on individual interests and projected career paths, students who choose this track will
have the opportunity to focus on one or more areas of study in architecture and allied disciplines, including architectural history, theory, technology, and visualization, among other options.
The Architectural Design track is for students who desire additional design studios to hone their design skills. This track also prescribes additional history and technical coursework to support design thinking and application.
Both tracks prepare students for admission to a two-year (minimum) accredited graduate architecture degree program in the United States or Canada, as well as compatible degree programs internationally. Advance standing in a Master of Architecture program can be maximized in either track by selecting elective courses in technical studies and professional practice typically recognized by accredited graduate architecture degree programs.
*Please contact Program Coordinator Jeana Delamarter first with any questions about the B.S. in Architecture program or the College of Architecture and Planning.
To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the areas below in addition to their individual major requirements.
Course # | Course Title | # Credits |
ARCH 1711 | Architectural Visualization I | |
ARCH 1721 | Architectural Visualization II | |
Take all of the following required Design Studies courses in the order indicated | ||
ARCH 2111 | Design Studio I (co-rec or pre-rec ARCH 1711) | |
ARCH 2121 | Design Studio II (co-rec or pre-rec ARCH 1721 and ARCH 1711) | |
ARCH 3111 | Design Studio III (pre-rec ARCH 2121) | |
ARCH 3121 | Design Studio IV (pre-rec ARCH 3111) | |
Take all of the following Cultural Studies courses in the order indicated | ||
ARCH 1110 | Introduction to Architecture | |
ARCH 2230 | Architectural History I | |
ARCH 3230 | Architectural History II | |
Take both of the following Technical Studies courses | ||
ARCH 3130 | Construction Practices: Material and Structural Systems | |
ARCH 3430 | Construction Practices: Building Envelope | |
Take one of the following Math courses/sets: | ||
MATH 1110 & MA1120 | College Algebra, College Trigonometry | |
or one of the following | ||
MATH 1130 | Precalculus Mathematics | |
MATH 1401 | Calculus I | |
MATH 2411 | Calculus II | |
MATH 2421 | Calculus III | |
Note: also applies to the CORE Math requirement | ||
Take both of the following Physics courses | ||
PHYS 2010 | College Physics I | |
PHYS 2030 | College Physics Lab I |
Complete 27 credits specific to Architectural Studies ONLY:
NOTE: Any of the specific courses listed in the Architectural Design track may be taken and will count as ARCH electives.
Take the additional required elective:
Take both of the following additional Technical Studies courses:
Take 6 hours of CAP electives (any prefix used in the College of Architecture and Planning)
Note: Additional general elective hours may be needed to reach the required 120 hours for the B.S. Arch degree.
Note: Required math and physics courses may apply toward general electives if not already applied toward core math or biological and physical sciences requirements.
Complete 27 credits specific to Architectural Design ONLY
Take both of the following additional Design Studies Courses:
Take the additional required elective:
Take both of the following additional Technical Studies courses:
Take 6 hours of CAP electives (any prefix used in the College of Architecture and Planning)
Note: Additional General elective hours may be needed to reach the required 120 hours for the B.S. in Architecture degree.
Note: Required math and physics courses may apply toward general electives if not already applied toward core math or biological and physical sciences requirements.
Urban Works is a flexible and creative environment equipped with apartments, studios and a marketplace, allowing the artist, creator or small business owner to live, work and sell all under one roof. Geared towards the creative class, this proposal combines the popular co-working model with residential and commercial space.
A lot on the corner of 26th and Lawrence Streets was chosen as the location. This site is on the border of the residential Five Points and the industrial RiNo neighborhoods, and sits right in the middle of the various co-work spaces popping up throughout the area. Mindful of these conditions, we decided to stitch the two urban fabrics together by creating a live/work community nested in a modest warehouse
By stacking our three major programmatic elements – retail, working and residential – we addressed the three-story building maximum per the zoning code. Four light wells puncture vertically through the building to allow ample light and exterior windows for all apartments on the third floor. Ground-level glazing and a grand entryway give the building a strong street presence. Up above, balconies enable residents and office workers to enjoy the city's great climate and to feel connected to the lively urban environment.