Program Educational Objectives
The mission of the Architecture Program, Department of Architecture and Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, is pursued in the highest academic tradition of the University through: 1) excellence in teaching and delivery of instruction, 2) exploration and dissemination of Knowledge through scholarly research and exemplary artistic production, and 3) the advancement and application of professional knowledge and expertise through service to the industry, the local community, and society at large.
The classification of the objectives of the Bachelor Program in Architecture at Qatar University stems from the widely acknowledged taxonomy of educational objectives developed by educational theorists under the headings of Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor. Therefore, the objectives of the program are to integrate knowledge-based and skill-based pedagogies in a balanced manner to graduate responsive architects:
- Cognitive: Provide high quality education that prepares students to assume professional roles in architecture by offering sound knowledge in design theories and applications, building technology, social, cultural and environmental factors, and the application of information technology.
- Affective: Prepare students to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within the building industry by providing knowledge in built environment related disciplines relevant to ethical responsibilities and professional obligations in architecture.
- Psychomotor: Prepare students to acquire and develop creative problem solving and lifelong learning skills including critical thinking and assessment of existing environments, active and experiential learning for developing design concepts and solutions, and communication and presentation of those ideas to peers, clients, decision makers, and the public.
Student Outcomes
The objectives of the Bachelor of Architecture program are translated into a number of learning outcomes. These outcomes are directly related to the profession of architecture, the way in which it is practiced, and the knowledge components necessary for such a practice. The following list of outcomes represents the minimum learning outputs expected and therefore they are not exclusive. Specific exercises and individual and group projects may achieve additional outcomes:
- Ability to conceptualize and coordinate designs, addressing social, cultural, environmental and technological aspects of architecture.
- Ability to recognize the dialectic relationship between people and the built environment in the GCC/Arab region. Ability to recognize diversity of needs, values, behavioral norms, social patterns as they relate to the creation of the built environment. Ability to recognize diversity of needs, values, behavioral norms, social patterns as they relate to the creation of the built environment.
- Ability to utilize cutting edge building technology in design.
- Ability to apply visual and verbal communication skills at various stages of architectural design and project delivery processes. Ability to apply and integrate computer technology in design processes and products.
- Ability to critically analyze building designs and conduct post-occupancy evaluation studies.
- Ability to employ architectural research methods including data collection and analysis to assess and propose improvements in existing built environments.
- Ability to work collaboratively with teams of architects and various interdisciplinary design teams involved in the building industry.
