REGULATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES (BA[ArchStud])

(See also General Regulations, pp. 1 to 16)

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Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BA[ArchStud])

Bachelor of Science in Surveying (BSc[Surv])

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Master of Science in Urban Planning (MSc [UrbanPlanning])

Master of Science in Construction Project Management (MSc [ConstProjectMan])

Master of Science in Real Estate (MSc[RealEst ])

Master of
Urban Design (MUrbanDesign)

Master Degree Programmes in Construction Project Management, Real Estate and Urban Design


Ar 1 To be eligible for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies a candidate shall

(a)

comply with the General Regulations; and

(b)

complete the curriculum and satisfy the examiners in the First, Second and Third Examinations in accordance with the regulations set out below.

Ar 2 The curriculum shall extend over three academic years and shall include the First Examination, the Second Examination and the Third Examination.


Ar 3 To complete the curriculum a candidate shall

(a)

follow instruction in the courses prescribed and complete satisfactorily all coursework requirements set as tests or as parts of any examination; and practical work 1 to be undertaken as an integral part of the BA(ArchStud) course; and

(b)

satisfy the examiners at the First, Second and Third Examinations in the manner specified below.
  1. Students are required to undertake practical work for a total minimum of 20 weeks normally during their summer vacation in the BA(ArchStud) course under the guidance of the Department. Reports for assessment on their practical work have to be submitted to the Department before the commencement of the First Semester in September.

Ar 4 The Examinations shall comprise

(a)

an examination (which may include an oral examination) of a candidate's completed projects and coursework in Architectural design and visual studies at the First and Second Examinations and in Architectural design at the Third Examinations; and

(b)

one paper in each of the following:

(i) First Examination

  • History and theory of architecture
  • Principles of building
  • Building structures
  • Environmental science
  • CAAD I

(ii) Second Examination

  • History and theory of architecture
  • Urbanism Building techniques and materials
  • Building structures Environmental controls
  • CAAD II

(iii) Third Examination

  • History and theory of architecture
  • Urbanism Building techniques and materials
  • Building structures
  • Environmental controls

Ar 5

(a)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than two papers in the First Examination may be permitted to proceed to the second year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in the paper or papers in May or June of the following academic year. If he fails again to satisfy the examiners in the paper or papers at his second attempt, he shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

(b)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in Architectural design and visual studies and in more than two papers in the First Examination shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

(c)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in more than two papers in the First Examination shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

(d)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in Architectural design and visual studies and in not more than two papers in the First Examination may be permitted to repeat all or part of the First Year curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in May or June of the following year.

(e)

A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners in any paper or in Architectural design and visual studies in the re-examination held at the end of his repeated year shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provision of General Regulation G 12.

Ar 6

(a)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than two papers in the Second Examination may be permitted to proceed to the third year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in the paper or papers in May or June of the following academic year.

(b)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in Architectural design and visual studies or in more than two papers in the Second Examination may be permitted to repeat all or part of the second year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in May or June of the following academic year.

(c)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in any paper or in Architectural design and visual studies in the Second Examination held at the end of his repeated year shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

Ar 7

(a)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than two papers in the Third Examination held in February/March and May/June may be permitted to present himself for re-examination in the paper or papers in the following September.

(b)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in more than two papers at a first attempt or in any paper at a second attempt may be permitted to repeat the courses of failure and to present himself for re-examination in the paper or papers in February/March and May/June of the following academic year.

(c)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in Architectural design in the Third Examination may be permitted to present himself for re-examination in the following September. If he is not so permitted or if he has failed to satisfy the examiners at a second attempt he shall be required to repeat all or part of the third year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in February/March and May/June of the following academic year.

(d)

A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in any paper or in Architectural design in February/March and May/June of his repeated year shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

Ar 8 At the conclusion of the Third Examination a pass list will be published in five divisions as follows: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours (Division I), Second Class Honours (Division II), Third Class Honours and Pass.


SYLLABUSES FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES

Note: For the purpose of these syllabuses, one unit = 24 hours of teaching time.


First Year

65151. Architectural design and visual studies (12 units)

Architectural design (9 units)

This year is devoted to developing an appreciation and understanding of the fundamentals of human activity and physical imperatives through field-work and projects at a level of critical response where students can draw upon their own experience.

Exercises in environmental studies and CAAD in an appropriate context and with an emphasis on the ability to define space, together with group discussions on related issues of shelter, society, and design will form the basis of the year's work.

Visual studies (3 units)

The content of the course in visual studies serves as an introduction by dealing with the clarification of certain fundamental areas of visual enquiry and to develop an awareness, inquisitiveness and a sensitive appreciation of this field.

The course covers exercises in two- and three-dimensional spatial elements, i.e., dynamics of visual form; perspectives, projections and basic graphic techniques.


65152. History and theory of architecture (2 units)

A general survey course with reference to the factors influencing the development from basic shelter to architecture, covering the traditions and meaning of (i) eastern architecture (ii) western architecture (iii) Industrial Revolution to Modern Movement. The course emphasizes those aspects which form the basis of architectural thought.


65154. Principles of building (2 units)

The course provides an introduction to the practical design and construction process, with its emphasis upon the principles, basic elements, materials and form within traditional construction.


65155. Building structures (2 units)

(Note: The courses in building structures in each year of the curriculum are complementary and are intended to give students an appreciation of architectural structural systems with minimal involvement in calculation [analysis and design]. However, and as appropriate, each stage will include an outline of the principles of structural action as these may be determined by the common structural materials and the effects these may have on structural construction.)

Structures in architecture; loads and loading; basic structural requirements; the fundamentals of structural behavior; materials in structures; the structural section; deformations and stiffness; introduction to structural philosophy and morphology; linear structural elements; simple planar systems.


65156. Environmental science (2 units)

The course begins with an introduction to climate, human physiology and comfort criteria and continues by covering building energy and control systems within the built environment.


65157. CAAD I (2 units)

This course introduces fundamental concepts of computing and computer-aided design. The course includes basis definitions, organizing principles and practical skill building. Use of computers for both basic design and architectural applications are explored.


Second Year

65251. Architectural design and visual studies (12 units)

Architectural design (9 units)

The year aims at developing both an awareness of architecture within a community environment and an ability to apply architectural language in design. A study of a community will be made paying particular attention to its architectural character and context.

This study, which includes basic site survey will form the basis of ensuing design projects, sketch designs, field studies and CAAD throughout the year. These projects will emphasize environmental, spatial and symbolic requirements and stress the ability to structure space.

Visual studies (3 units)

The course of visual studies in an extension of the First Year's course dealing with fundamental areas of visual enquiry.


65252. History and theory of architecture (2 units)

A continuation of the first-year history course which places special emphasis on aspects of theory related to the integration of architecture, art and technology.


65253. Urbanism (2 units)

Siting (1 unit)

A general survey of the history, theory and practice of siting and an introduction to relevant problems.

Planning (1 unit)

A comparative study of the history of urban development with emphasis on forces and principles that determined the design and forms of cities.


65254. Building techniques and materials (2 units)

This course deals with more complex construction and the associated materials, products and techniques. Statutory controls and trade practices relating to medium size projects are also included.


65255. Building structures (2 units)

Structural philosophy and morphology (continued): more complex planar systems; deck systems; simple large span structures; an introduction to multi-storey structures.


65256. Environmental controls (2 units)

The course is a development of the first-year introduction to environmental science, with emphasis on specific building services including plumbing, mechanical and electrical engineering installations; envelope thermal controls and their psycho-physical effects.


65257. CAAD II (2 units)

Further study in using computers for architectural design and design communication. Techniques for visualizing, documenting and presenting designs are studied in depth along with underlying principles.


Third Year

65351. Architectural design (12 units)

This year places emphasis on the development of a design ability to organize building processes of medium complexity within a social and economic framework and in an environmental context.

The year culminates with a comprehensive design project in depth and is assessed by an oral examination. Site survey, measured drawings, field studies and sketch designs supplement the main coursework.

Field trips form an integral part of the course.


65352. History and theory of architecture (2 units)

A continuation and conclusion of the history course emphasizing aspects of theory and criticism related to architecture.

65353. Urbanism (2 units)

Landscape (1 unit)

This course introduces the theory and practice of landscape planning and design with emphasis on urban situations; site utilization, planting, case studies and field trips are included.

Planning (1 unit)

This course covers planning objectives, their nature and scope; social and economic implications; introduction to the general principles of land use allocation with emphasis on the urban context; principles and techniques of planning surveys.


65354. Building techniques and materials (2 units)

This course deals with industrialized building, component design and dimensional co-ordination, with an emphasis upon the development and integration of detailing and the selection of materials and systems.


65355. Building structures (2 units)

Structural philosophy and morphology (continued): multi-storey structures (continued); spatial, form -resisting structures. Sub-structures: the investigation and general behaviour of soils; shallow and deep foundations; retaining structures.


65356. Environmental controls (2 units)

The course deals with services in high rise and complex buildings and the application of Hong Kong's building regulations. The principles of sound and illumination are covered by lectures in theory and design of acoustics and lighting and optimum criteria for comfort conditions.