(See also General Regulations)

Any publication based on work approved for a higher degree should contain a reference to the effect that the work was submitted to the University of Hong Kong for the award of the degree.

Ar67   To be eligible for admission to the degree of Master of Architecture a candidate shall

(a)	comply with the General Regulations;
(b)	be a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies of this University; or possess a degree, diploma or other qualification of equivalent standard and content from another university or comparable institution; and
(c)	complete the curriculum and satisfy the examiners in the First and Final Examinations in accordance with the regulations set out below.

Ar68   The curriculum shall extend over two academic years of full-time study and shall include the First Examination and the Final Examination.

Ar69   To complete the curriculum a candidate shall

(a)	follow instruction in the courses prescribed and complete satisfactorily all coursework set either as tests or as parts of any examination; and practical work1 to be undertaken as an integral part of the MArch course; and
(b)	satisfy the examiners at the First and Final Examinations in the manner specified below.

Ar70

(a)	The First Examination shall comprise an examination of the candidate's completed projects and coursework in Architecture and urban design I and II and may include an oral examination; and in Professional practice I and three courses chosen from the following three specializations2, 3:
Specialization I: Architectural History and Theory Specialization II: Architectural Management Specialization III: Architectural Technology/CAAD
(b)	The Final Examination shall comprise an examination of the candidate's completed projects and coursework in Architecture and urban design III and IV and shall include an oral examination; and in Professional practice II and three courses chosen from any of the two specializations 2, 3 in regulation Ar70(a) above.

Ar71

(a)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than one course in the First Examination may be permitted to present himself for re-examination in that course in the following September. If he again fails to satisfy the examiners he may be permitted to proceed to the final year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in the course only once more at a third attempt in May/June of the following academic year.
(b)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than two courses in the First Examination at a first attempt 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 first year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in May/June of the following academic year in the courses repeated.
(c)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in more than two courses in the First Examination at a first attempt may be permitted to repeat the courses of failure and to present himself for re-examination in the courses in May/June of the following year. If he fails again to satisfy the examiners he may be permitted to be re-examined in the courses of failure in the following September at a third attempt. He shall not be permitted to proceed to the final year of the curriculum until he has satisfied the examiners in all courses in the First Examination.
(d)	(i)	A candidate, who is permitted to repeat all or part of the First Year's curriculum may also be permitted to register for relevant courses of the Final Year and to present himself for examination at the same time in May/June of the following academic year.
	(ii)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in Architecture and urban design I and II in the First Examination shall be required to repeat all or part of the first year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in May/June of the following academic year in the courses repeated.
(e)	No candidate shall be permitted more than three attempts at any course or two attempts at Architecture and urban design I and II in the First Examination except in exceptional circumstances with the specific permission of the Senate.

Ar72

(a)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than two courses in the Final Examination held in February/March or May/June may be permitted to present himself for re-examination in the course or courses in the following September.
(b)	If the candidate fails again to satisfy the examiners at the re-examination in September, he shall be permitted to present himself for re-examination only once more in the following February/March or May/June at a third attempt.
(c)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in Architecture and urban design III and IV in the Final Examination may be permitted to present himself for re-examination in the following September. If he again fails to satisfy the examiners he may present himself only once more in the following May/June. If he is not so permitted, he shall be required to repeat all or part of the final year of the curriculum and to present himself for re-examination in May/June of the following academic year, and if he fails to satisfy the examiners only once more in the following September.
(d)	A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in any course or courses or in Architecture and urban design III and IV in the Final Examination at his third attempt shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

Ar73   The degree of Master of Architecture may be awarded with Distinction, except that a candidate who presents himself more than once for Final Examination in any of the core courses shall not be eligible for distinction unless the Senate directs that he shall be so eligible because of exceptional circumstances.

Note: For the purpose of these syllabuses, the teaching of each course will be conducted within one semester.

FIRST YEAR: CORE COURSES

ARCH 7001 & ARCH 7003

Architecture and urban design I and II

The course aims to use the case-method to give students experience in problem-solving and decision-making. Projects will call for design integration of the many factors which shape our environment including legal-financial determinants and social conditions. Emphasis will be on complex buildings, and group work in urban design in Hong Kong and in the region. Sketch designs are required with emphasis on imagination, ideas and graphic communication.

Field trips will be required for the course.

ARCH 7002

Professional practice I

The course covers the area of building, planning and contract law. Land ownership; lease conditions; landlord and tenant covenants; easements; rights of way; torts; Hong Kong town planning ordinances and procedures. Building ordinance, regulations and other related laws; codes of practice; submission of plans to various authorities. Buildings Ordinance Office's practice notes for Authorized Persons. Formation and discharge of contracts; enforcement; breach and remedies, arbitration; types of contract; standard private and public building contract forms; subcontracts; nominated subcontractors and suppliers; relevant statute and case law and other professional practice issues of HKIA and ARB.

ARCH 8001 & ARCH 8003

Architecture and urban design III and IV

The final year concludes the course by means of a design thesis where a report and a special study are also required. Candidates choosing to do a design thesis are required to demonstrate a mature understanding of their chosen topics during an oral examination. The requirements for dissertation are those normally required in a Master's programme; an oral examination is also required. The course is supplemented by sketch designs the purpose of which is the same as those in the previous year.

Field trips will be required for the course.

ARCH 8002

Professional practice II

Code of ethics and professional conduct; architects registration ordinance; architect/client/consultant/contractor relationship; project management; tendering procedures; bills of quantities (specifications); scheduling techniques; measurement conventions; organization and management and other professional practice issues of HKIA and ARB. Analysis of relevant cases in architectural practice with special reference to Hong Kong and Asia.

There are three specializations within each of which there are a number of courses available for selection by students in the Master's programme. These courses may be taken in either the First or Second Year:

	I:	Architectural History and Theory;
	II:	Architectural Management;
	III:	Architectural Technology/CAAD.
	1.	Candidates may select their major from one of the three specializations subject to the approval of the Head of Department.
	2.	Candidates shall be guided in selecting these courses. It should be noted that not all courses in Specializations I, II & III would be offered every year.
	3.	For a major in a specialization, two courses are required from Specializations I, II or III. In addition, one course can be chosen from any of the remaining specializations.
	4.	The Examination of the course may take the form of a written, practical or oral test, or by continuous assessment or by any combination of these. If a candidate is required to repeat a course because of failure but that particular course is not offered in the following year, his choice of an alternative course must have the approval of the Head of Department and the relevant course teachers.
	5.	For the purpose of examination, one course shall constitute a paper.

ARCH 6001

Public housing in urban development

The course investigates the production of housing within the social, political and spatial conditions in urban development.

Topics include social and economic determinants of housing location, standards and quality of design; impact on urban development; analysis of housing production including site and infrastructure, provisions; constraints and innovations in the housing industry; case studies.

ARCH 6002

Chinese landscapes (course from MLA curriculum)

Beginning with a background survey of the varied landscapes of China - physical, functional, pictorial, cultural - the course proceeds to focus on an unique landscape type: the Chinese garden. Its tangible elements, both natural and man-made, together with its intentions, poetics and symbolisms will be analysed, leading to an appreciation of integrated compositions as exemplified by well-known gardens from that historical tradition. Theories on their aesthetics and design as well as their relationship with Chinese architecture, philosophy, literature and painting will also be explored and discussed.

ARCH 6003

Vernacular architecture of Asia

Vernacular built-form is the most obvious and direct means of expression of a people and its culture. Through the examination of different indigenous building types in different parts of Asia, viz. China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, students are able to develop a broader sense of understanding of the relationship between architecture, climate and culture.

ARCH 6004

The modern movement and beyond

The course is concerned with theoretical aspects of design activities in architecture. It attempts to trace the evolution of spatial concepts significant to the modern movement and beyond. The course consists of two parts: analytical and synthetic. The analytical part is to develop the students' skill for deeper understanding of the complexity of the built form. The synthetic part attempts to follow the vicissitudes of architectural design through the examination of the works of certain architects.

ARCH 6005

The design of Chinese cities

The course looks into the basic physical organization and development of traditional Chinese cities. It aims to introduce the comparative method in understanding how built forms, particularly public built forms, express certain aspirations of a culture, and how culture itself conditions their usage.

Field trips form an integral part of the course.

ARCH 6006

Comparative building appraisal and case studies

The course aims at equipping students with the ability to appraise buildings in a methodical manner and to carry out case studies in architecture analytically so that a useful resource of reference material can be built up towards their design work.

ARCH 6007

Critical readings in Western architecture

A history and theory course in architecture which examines the literary tradition in architectural writings from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis on the elucidation of the primary struggles for definition, meaning and form in architecture and the cultural context out of which these have arisen.

ARCH 6008

Architecture of the Tang and Song period

This course examines the architectural treaties, in particular, Ying Zao Fa Shi (Àç³yªk¦¡) in depth and explores the principles of building and spatial concepts of the formal architecture of this period, its effects and development on the later eras.

ARCH 6009

Art in architecture

The course attempts to build a bridge between students' professional architectural training and a broader education in the relevant liberal arts areas: in the psychology and philosophies of art and the history of art as it relates to architecture. Topics include an overview of aesthetic theories, on how ideas gain physical shape: the historical background, recent systematic theories, interpretation, criticism and the issue of art and linguistics versus architecture: from Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Tolstoy, to Dewey, Langer, Goodman, Hirsch, Foucault, Arnheim, Moore, Lynch. The course will also address the issues of the social and environmental responsibilities of architecture, as well as the sentiments towards architectural conservation as societies seek to preserve their artistic and cultural identities.

ARCH 6010

Tall buildings

The course takes an inter-disciplinary approach towards the study of the design of tall buildings and consists of two parts. The first is a study of the history and theory of tall buildings from the Gothic period to the present. It will investigate the structural and technical development, together with the contemporary financial marketing techniques of highrise office space in the past decades. In short, it deals with all the forces that shape a highrise tower. The second part are in-depth case studies by individual students on exemplary buildings of the genre.

ARCH 6011

Changes in architectural depiction

This course studies past, present and future ways of representing architectural space. Artifacts such as maps, drawings and paintings will be studied to understand how modes of description affect perception. The geometric basis of drawing systems such as orthogonal, oblique, axonometric and perspective projections, will be examined. Examples by Lorenzetti, Durer, Alberti, Canaletto, Sant'Elia, Meier, and naive artists will be analysed to reveal how these constructions can be used expressively. Computer tools will be used to reconstruct the geometry of historical precedents and generate alternate images.

The establishment of perspective drawing and photographic conventions will be examined in order to understand the development of norms in currently emerging media such as digital video, animation, hypermedia and virtual reality. Specifications for new visualization tools will be discussed.

ARCH 6049

Design of cites (course from MUD curriculum)

This course reviews historical trends in design of cities in different countries and explores their underlying cultural, spatial, social and economic contexts. Special emphasis will be given to the evolution and future form of cities in the Asia-Pacific region with reference to their physical functional, political social and economical developments in recent decades.

ARCH 6012

Building economics and management

The course deals with economic and cost factors relevant to the architectural design and construction processes. The course will also provide instruction in the theory and practice of appropriate techniques to achieve economy and efficiency. Topics include: feasibility analyses for projects, economic analysis for design, project cost analysis, financial monitoring and evaluation, case studies. A term paper on a relevant topic will be required.

ARCH 6013

Aspects of property development

The course deals in an integrated manner with the principles and practice relevant to the property sector in the areas of pre-design planning, including land use, infrastructure and service provisions, transport links, design economics; and also deals with advanced topics related to organization, financing, management and marketing of development projects. A term paper on a relevant topic will be required.

ARCH 6014

Business management in architectural practice

The course covers fundamental principles for architects for their role as effective business managers in the building environment. Four areas will be examined: these include business management principles, accounting practice and financial management, personnel management and the marketing of professional services. Case studies and course work will form an integral part of the course.

ARCH 6015

Computer-aided architectural design system management

An in-depth study of managerial and technical issues of CAD system management in architectural practices. It includes CAD system customization, factors affecting productivity, measurement of system performance, staff training, ergonomics and other human factors.

ARCH 6016

Aspects of contract management

Detail analysis and studies of standard contracts and sub-contracts for public and private works in Hong Kong. Typical problems in contract administration and project management, the role of the architect, project manager and the contractor will be examined. Claims, counter-claims, mediation and arbitration will be considered.

ARCH 6017

Case studies in China project

The study of practice and management for projects in China. Cases will be used to illustrate relevant joint venture business and architectural practices. Local conditions and laws that are relevant for real estate and building development will be analysed for problems and solutions.

ARCH 6018

Integrated project management for architects

Management theory and technique; the role of project manager in co-ordinating all aspects of design and construction, organizing and planning the development process; working with developers, contractors, design team, bankers, building authority and the users; optimal land planning and development phasing, site selection, lease modification, approvals, marketing and sales; time and budget control; project case studies.

ARCH 6019

Case studies in building development

The study of various types of building development in Hong Kong will be examined in a case study approach. Projects of vast scale and complexity will be used to illustrate the process of development and the co-ordination of the development team with the architect. Seminars will be conducted for students to analyse different cases and to learn the techniques in problem solving in building development.

ARCH 6020

Building structures - case studies

The course is designed to close the gap between structural theory and design. The subject is divided into two parts. The first part highlights the more important aspects of the structural planning process from the architects' point of view. The second, analytical part, develops the students' skills through case studies of actual projects leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of the structural problem.

Topics such as building failures, structural alteration and additions, building regulations, geotechnics, foundations on difficult grounds and computer-aided structural design/analysis will be discussed.

Field trips to construction sites and design offices form an integral part of the course.

ARCH 6021

Building systems I

The course provides an understanding of the realities of designing and manufacturing components of buildings within aesthetic, economic and time frameworks.

Design construction communication is studied through production and technical drawings, manufacturer's shop drawings with special emphasis on the use of materials and manufacturing technology.

Direct studies of manufacturing techniques both traditional and new are undertaken by field trips to factories and construction sites. Construction systems including the systems approach, standardized buildings, contractual strategies and their impact on the evolution of building production are investigated.

ARCH 6022

Architectural acoustics

The course provides an in-depth study of (i) prevailing noise problems in a densely-built environment and (ii) current approaches to auditorium design; case studies will be incorporated into this course.

Field trips form an integral part of the course.

ARCH 6023

The computer in architecture

An introduction to computer-related tools and techniques useful to architects in professional practice. It includes the use of computers for office automation and management as well as various design and analysis applications in architecture and related fields.

ARCH 6024

Computer-aided architectural design methods (CAAD Methods)

A study of current computer techniques and technologies which can be used by architects to develop design methods that fully exploit contemporary computers as design aids.

ARCH 6025

Computer graphics for architects

An in-depth study of computer graphics as an architectural design and presentation medium. Overview of computer graphic hardware, software and algorithm. Computer graphics standards. Internal structures of modellers and renderers.

ARCH 6026

Building systems II

Advanced studies in innovative technologies are undertaken. Energy efficient and intelligent buildings are analyzed and advances in parallel industries such as aerospace, shipbuilding and the transportation industries are studied for applicability in the building industry. Computer modelling is used extensively in this option. Total energy systems are investigated as are low environmental impact techniques.
Prerequisite: ARCH 6021 Building systems I

ARCH 6027

Architectural fire safety study

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the rationale and the trend of architectural fire safety legislation, and the engineering alternatives for fire safety design for building complexes; case studies will be incorporated into this course.

ARCH 6028

Seminars in building technology

This option will cover a variety of topics related to the design, fabrication and construction of building elements and their subsequent integration into the building structure. Visits to factories and site production facilities will form an integral part of the course.