Duration

Five Years

Medium of instruction

English

Degree awarding body

SCD

Program Mission

The mission of the Architecture Program is to provide students with progressive experiential learning and process-based design through substantial inquiry and hands-on experiences in the built environment so that they can pursue a professional career.

Accreditation

Institutionally Accredited by OAAAQA & Overseen by the MOHERI in the Sultanate of Oman.
Substantial Equivalency of the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Quality Assurance Certificate from the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions (AQACHEI - Jordan).

The Bachelor of Architecture qualification awarded by the Scientific College of Design is listed at Level 8 on the Oman National Qualifications Framework (OQF) by the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA) as the first Architecture program in Oman to be listed in the OQF, (October 10, 2024).

Program Description

The Bachelor of Architecture is a five-year program emphasizing the art and science of building design and construction. It also includes more comprehensive urban planning, landscape architecture, and environmental design issues. The program considers building function, local quality standards, and construction techniques. Additionally, social, cultural, and economic considerations make the program unique. The program also explores aesthetics, spatial design, structure systems, and finishing materials.

Program Objectives

Practice the architectural design process to create unique design solutions as professional architects.
Use the latest technology and techniques in architectural design.
Prepare students to execute engineering services in adherence to national and international standards.
Execute responsible environmental design approaches contextualized to Oman.
Demonstrate skillful urban design studies and landscape architecture for designing urban projects.
Practice teamwork within a multi-disciplinary environment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Practise general educational knowledge, such as languages, research skills, and business and psychological principles, and apply them in their respective professions.
Develop English proficiency to communicate effectively using art and design terminology.
Apply art and design elements and principles to create artwork.
Develop historical and theoretical knowledge to understand the philosophical background within the field.
Design integrated architecture solutions to develop sustainable and efficient building systems and present them following national and international standards.
Apply theories of city planning to design urban projects and landscape architecture.
Use the latest techniques to execute well-organized architectural projects.

Career Opportunities

Architecture Firms, Construction Companies, Interior Design Firms, Ministry of Housing, Muscat Municipality, Ministry of Tourism, Civil Defense, Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Environment (Engineering Departments), Royal Court Affairs.

first
Year

Semester 1

ART510

Drawing I

DES511

Design Studio I A/B*

DES512

Technical Graphics I

DES513

Introduction to Design

ENG500

English for Art & Design I

LRT600

Learning Research Techniques

Semester 2

DES613

Perspective Drawing

DES614

Design Studio II A/B*

DES615

Technical Graphics II

ENG600

English for Art & Design II

GRA510

Introduction to Computer Graphics

second
Year

Semester 1

ARC650

Design Studio III*

DES616

Computer Graphics I

ENG800

English Academic Writing

MTH510

Calculus

PHY610

Mechanics

Semester 2

ARA510

Arabic Creative Writing

ENGR610

Statics

ARC651

Design Studio IV*

ARC652

History of Architecture I

PHO510

Photography I

ARC850

Technical Graphics III

third
Year

Semester 1

ARC751

Aesthetic Theories

ENGR711

Mechanics of Materials

ARC752

Design Studio V*

ARC653

Design Technology I

ARC753

History of Architecture II

Semester 2

ENGR812

Geo-Technical Engineering

ARC754

Design Technology II

ARC755

Design Studio VI*

ARC760

Advanced Computer Graphics

ENG700

Fundamentals of Oral Communication

fourth
Year

Semester 1

ARC756

Building Technology III

ARC759

Environmental Systems I

ARC852

Design Studio VII*

ARC757

Urban Planning I

CST510

History of Oman Civilization

ARC758

Introduction to Islamic Architecture

Semester 2

ELE500

Elective

ARC853

Building Technology IV

ARC854

Theories of Architecture

ARC855

Design Studio VIII*

ENGR813

Reinforced Concrete

fifth
Year

Semester 1

ARC856

Design Studio IX: Project Research*

ARC859

Architecture Internship

ELE700

Elective

ARC857

Specifications, Building Regulations & Quantities

ENT600

Entrepreneurship

PSY500

Introduction to Psychology

Semester 2

ARC858

Landscape Design

ARC861

Design Studio X: Graduation Project*

ARC862

Professional Practice & Contracts

ARC860

Environmental Control

Semester 1

ART510

Drawing I

DES511

Design Studio I A/B*

DES512

Technical Graphics I

DES513

Introduction to Design

ENG500

English for Art & Design I

LRT600

Learning Research Techniques

Semester 2

DES613

Perspective Drawing

DES614

Design Studio II A/B*

DES615

Technical Graphics II

ENG600

English for Art & Design II

GRA510

Introduction to Computer Graphics

Semester 1

ARC650

Design Studio III*

DES616

Computer Graphics I

ENG800

English Academic Writing

MTH510

Calculus

PHY610

Mechanics

Semester 2

ARA510

Arabic Creative Writing

ENGR610

Statics

ARC651

Design Studio IV*

ARC652

History of Architecture I

PHO510

Photography I

ARC850

Technical Graphics III

Semester 1

ARC751

Aesthetic Theories

ENGR711

Mechanics of Materials

ARC752

Design Studio V*

ARC653

Design Technology I

ARC753

History of Architecture II

Semester 2

ENGR812

Geo-Technical Engineering

ARC754

Design Technology II

ARC755

Design Studio VI*

ARC760

Advanced Computer Graphics

ENG700

Fundamentals of Oral Communication

Semester 1

ARC756

Building Technology III

ARC759

Environmental Systems I

ARC852

Design Studio VII*

ARC757

Urban Planning I

CST510

History of Oman Civilization

ARC758

Introduction to Islamic Architecture

Semester 2

ELE500

Elective

ARC853

Building Technology IV

ARC854

Theories of Architecture

ARC855

Design Studio VIII*

ENGR813

Reinforced Concrete

Semester 1

ARC856

Design Studio IX: Project Research*

ARC859

Architecture Internship

ELE700

Elective

ARC857

Specifications, Building Regulations & Quantities

ENT600

Entrepreneurship

PSY500

Introduction to Psychology

Semester 2

ARC858

Landscape Design

ARC861

Design Studio X: Graduation Project*

ARC862

Professional Practice & Contracts

ARC860

Environmental Control

Course Details

ART510 Drawing I

Drawing I is a design foundation course focusing on the basics of drawing and its terminology. Students will learn how to draw objects from direct observation using different mediums and techniques to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects. They will also learn to use lines, shapes, tones, textures, light and shadow, perspective, and color to draw a balanced still-life composition.

DES511 Design Studio I A/B*

Design Studio I A/B integrates two-dimensional and three-dimensional design and introduces fundamental concepts, materials, processes, and vocabulary related to design. It provides students with an opportunity to explore essential aspects of design. Design Studio I A introduces the basics of two-dimensional composition, focusing on elements and principles of design identification and use. Furthermore, Design Studio I B covers three-dimensional structures and focuses on mass, volume, space, proportion, and other elements. In addition, it covers the transformation of two-dimensional to three-dimensional structures.

DES512 Technical Graphics I

The course will introduce the basics of engineering technical drawing terminology and skills utilizing mechanical drawing and free-hand drafting. We will start with orthographic projections (two-dimensional presentation), then move on to isometric drawing (three-dimensional presentation), along with sectional views and dimensioning topics.

DES513 Introduction to Design

Introduction to Design is an introductory course on design, the visual arts, and their cultural manifestations in the 20th century and beyond. It is a theory course complementary to the practical design studio courses. Students investigate design elements, principles, and concepts separately and collectively as essential components of the design process.

ENG500 English for Art & Design I

This course is designed to develop students’ academic English in an art and design context. Students are exposed to relevant and authentic materials to increase their specialized vocabulary repertoire. It also enhances students’ writing and oral presentation skills, further building their academic knowledge of art and design.

LRT600 Learning Research Techniques

Learning Research Techniques acquaints students with methods, tools, and techniques applicable to a research proposal preparation in general, emphasizing theoretical and historical precedent in Art and Design. The course guides students through the research process, data collection methods, analysis, and evaluation to produce an art and design research proposal that follows the scientific research process and adheres to American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.

DES613 Perspective Drawing

This course is based on practical classes to apply the rules of perspective drawing methods to represent three-dimensional objects and develop three-dimensional drawings by showing details and rendering skills.

DES614 Design Studio II A/B*

Design Studio II A/B is a continuation of Design Studio I A/B. The course, (Design Studio II A) incorporates two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, focusing on the two-dimensional interpretation of concepts using various tools, materials, processes, techniques, and visual representations with a focus on composition to express unique design solutions of the two-dimensional surfaces. (Design Studio II B) focuses on the transformation of two-dimensional design to three-dimensional form. Students will follow a process of critical thinking and investigation to explore advanced design solutions concerning the three-dimensional narrative aspects of mass, volume, construction, movement, and space in a creative representation, focusing on conceptual development and artistic expression.

DES615 Technical Graphics II

Technical Graphics II introduces the basics of architectural graphics terminology and skills by applying the drafting techniques of architectural and interior design elements and details. Students will manually draft plans, sections, elevations, and furniture projections to communicate all architectural and interior design elements and relate them to the human modular.

ENG600 English for Art & Design II

This course is intended to enhance students’ English language proficiency in art and design. Students are exposed to authentic materials to develop their art and design vocabulary repertoire. It helps students to reinforce their writing and presentation skills that further builds the academic knowledge that students need to succeed in their major programs.

GRA510 Introduction to Computer Graphics

Introduction to computer graphics involves generating and manipulating images using digital media, covering monochrome patterns, controlling and mixing colors, raster images, scanning, pixel, and vector graphics. In addition, this course includes essential exposure to computer platforms, such as the basic pixel and vector software used for computer graphics.

ARC650 Design Studio III*

Design Studio III introduces students to communicate essential architectural solutions using manual drawings to develop small-scale residential projects. Students create concepts and primary forms to complete the functional requirements by investigating a site and user needs.

DES616 Computer Graphics I

Computer Graphics I is an introductory course in digital drawing. Students learn to use Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD) software to develop skills in fundamental drafting, modification, plotting tools, etc., for generating digital two-dimensional drawings.

ENG800 English Academic Writing

This course enhances students’ academic writing skills in art and design. It aims to expose students to high-level academic texts related to art and design to strengthen their ability to describe, analyze, evaluate, and interpret artistic works using specialized concepts and terminology.

MTH510 Calculus

The course provides students with an understanding of the principles of calculus, integration, analytical geometry, and techniques applicable to architectural design and analysis. Students will develop the ability to apply derivatives of trigonometric functions, derivatives as a rate of change, and differentiation rules to solve problems commonly encountered in architecture practice. It gives crucial mathematical skills and analytical thinking abilities to explore limits and derivation facilitating and their relevance to Architecture.

PHY610 Mechanics

The course deals with essential theories of physics to equip students with a fundamental understanding of mechanics and its applications in Architecture. It will emphasize these concepts' theoretical and practical application through problem-solving exercises and real-world examples. Students will develop critical thinking skills and apply principles of mechanics relevant to Architecture.

ARA510 Arabic Creative Writing

يهدف هذا المقررإلى تعريف الطالب بالبيان واللغة وكيفية وصول الثقافة والكتابة إلينا، وصفات الكتابة الجيدة من خلال الوحدة والتجانس والمقصد والتنظيم الكتابي، والتدريب على أسس الكتابة العربية، وبيان ذلك من خلال تطبيقات نصوص مختلفة تعزز هذا الاتجاه، والتعرف على بعض الاصطلاحات الكتابية من خلال الفِقَر والجمل، والتعرف على أنواع الجمل الخبرية والإنشائية وأنواع كل منها، والتعرف على أوضاع الجمل من حيث شكلها واكتمالها وتنوع أبنيتها وطولها، والتعرف على الضوابط الإملائية للكتابة، وطريقة كتابة المراسلات والتدريب على التحليل الأدبي والتلخيص وتخير الألفاظ والدلالة المركزية والهامشية، والتدريب على ورقة البحث والتعامل مع الكتابة بأسس علمية منظمة وفق مناهج وأساليب المخططات الكتابية باستخدام التوثيق والملاحظات والحواشي من خلال المخطط التنظيمي للكتابة، ومراجعة المكتوب لكل أنواع الكتابة وطبيعتها ومواصفاتها وعصرها، والتعامل مع النص والكتابة بأسلوب يخدم التلاحم اللغوي ما بين الألفاظ والمعاني تحقيقاً للسلامة اللغوية والتعبير الكتابي.

ENGR610 Statics

This course introduces the fundamental laws of equilibrium, which cover forces acting on particles and structures, free body diagram analysis, and simple algebraic applications of the equilibrium equations. Students visualize physical configurations regarding the stability of various structural systems, including beams and trusses, and the multiple methods for supporting gravity and lateral loads. In addition, students learn internal forces in beams, shear, and moment diagram models, along with a hands-on exploration of beam bending.

ARC651 Design Studio IV*

Design Studio IV deals with medium-sized public projects that serve residential neighborhoods. The emphasis is on studying existing site conditions to generate concepts that respond to the user’s behavioral and functional requirements and create design alternatives. Students will develop a complete set of architectural drawings manually and present the design solution.

ARC652 History of Architecture I

History of Architecture I will cover the developments of the ancient civilizations (Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greek, and Roman). In addition, the course covers the Medieval ages: Byzantine, Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Baroque up to Neo-Classical architecture.

PHO510 Photography I

The course covers photography fundamentals, including camera operation, processing, eye-vision ideas, and lighting. Additionally, it increases students' understanding of new approaches to creating digital photographic images.

ARC850 Technical Graphics III

Technical Graphics III allows students to develop critical skills in constructing physical models, emphasizing model-making techniques used in cutting, shaping, and material assembly. Students will create architectural models using different materials and scales to translate projects into physical models. The course will develop students' advanced abilities in representing finishing materials, considering material characteristics and details.

ARC751 Aesthetic Theories

The course addresses the concept of aesthetics and outlines the different approaches to studying aesthetic theory in design. It will address approaches to aesthetic theory from Plato to Vitruvius, reaching a recent understanding of beauty as a human experience and appreciation of the built environment through the integration of all human senses.

ENGR711 Mechanics of Materials

The course deals with advanced mechanics principles to develop skills in analyzing the behavior of construction materials under complex loading conditions to identify the structural stability in buildings.

ARC752 Design Studio V*

Design Studio V focuses on medium-scale, multi-purpose design projects that meet district requirements. Students develop design concepts considering site conditions, project function, and user needs. Furthermore, they integrate structural systems and building technology to develop the design solution. The project is executed digitally using Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) software.

ARC653 Design Technology I

Design Technology I introduces the students to the main structural elements and systems. in addition to basic construction materials, types of insulation, and wall types. Moreover, the students will prepare the basic architectural working drawings using Computer Aided Drawing CAD software.

ARC753 History of Architecture II

History of Architecture II will cover the development of Western architecture from the Nineteenth Century to the present by examining buildings, landmarks, and monuments that represent the main characteristics of Modern Architecture, Postmodernism, Hi-Tech, Contemporary Vernacular, and Deconstructionism.

ENGR812 Geo-Technical Engineering

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics. Through a comprehensive analysis of soil properties, behavior, and interaction with structures, students will develop a deep understanding of soils' mechanical properties and their implications for engineering design.

ARC754 Design Technology II

Design Technology II covers advanced structural systems in addition to a theoretical overview of various finishing materials. Furthermore, the course covers the preparation of a variety of architectural working details incorporating appropriate finishing materials.

ARC755 Design Studio VI*

Design Studio VI focuses on designing large multi-use public buildings that serve the city at the district level. The design will consider the user/built environment relationship and the building spatial requirements to focus on a central architectural issue as a form-making discipline that conveys cultural and symbolic meanings. In addition, the course will incorporate advanced structural systems, building services, and technology in the design solution by using computer graphic software to develop a project footprint with precision and aesthetical sense.

ARC760 Advanced Computer Graphics

Advanced Computer Graphics uses standardized architectural designing software to cover the tools and techniques of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Architecture. Students will use advanced architecture BIM and rendering software to model architectural buildings and interior spaces and generate related two-dimensional drawings, in addition to rendering techniques.

ENG700 Fundamentals of Oral Communication

The Fundamentals of Oral Communication course enhances students’ ability to write, practice, and deliver speeches in art and design. This course helps students use verbal and nonverbal communication skills to provide a variety of speeches. It aims to improve students’ ability to communicate confidently and effectively during art/design juries and classroom and workplace presentations beyond college.

ARC756 Building Technology III

Building Technology III covers the advanced technical skills required to prepare working drawings for constructing a multi-story architectural project. Students learn to enhance their skills in applying architectural graphics standards in preparing technical plans, sections, elevations, and detailed drawings and developing a proposal for the layout of the structural system.

ARC759 Environmental Systems I

The course provides students with an understanding of integrating construction and environment systems by exploring the principles and concepts of energy efficiency, building materials, ventilation, acoustics, lighting, water management, acoustic systems, and fire systems design. The course also covers the impact of changing conditions on the internal systems built environment and explores various strategies for mitigating these effects.

ARC852 Design Studio VII*

Design Studio VII is an advanced course where learners investigate complex building types to develop multi-function projects that serve the city. Students learn to incorporate the appropriate use of structural systems, environmental design parameters, and other technical considerations by designing a city-level multi-function project. Students investigate emerging ecological systems used in the project development and develop the skill to use computer graphics in the design process, from the analysis to the final design.

ARC757 Urban Planning I

Urban Planning introduces the students to place-making at the urban level. The course covers the historical background of planning, planning theories, planning levels, street network design, and building typologies through theoretical knowledge and practical applications. In addition, students will conduct a complete survey study on a selected plot in Oman and develop plans that include land use, infrastructure development, and environmental considerations for a residential neighborhood with mixed housing types.

CST510 History of Oman Civilization

في هذا المقرر يتعرف الطالب على سلطنة عمان من حيث الموقع والتضاريس والمناخ، والثروات الاقتصادية والزراعية والحيوانية والسمكية والمعدنية والصناعية والتجارية، ودور العمانيين في التجارة العالمية قديماً وحديثاً، ومصادر تاريخ عمان القديم وكيفية إسلام أهل عمان وفضائلهم في التاريخ. ويتعريف أيضاً على فن العمارة العمانية: القلاع والحصون ودخولها في سجل التراث العالمي. يقوم الطالب بالتعرف على أهمية الأفلاج العمانية، ويحدد الطالب ما تتميز به الصناعات الحرفية من غزل ونسيج وصناعة الخنجر العماني والحلي الفضية وصناعة السفن بأنواعها المختلفة، و صناعة الفخار واستخراج النحاس وتصنيعه قديماً وحديثاً، ويتعرف الطالب على مجالات النهضة الحديثة في شتى مرافق الحياة وأثرها في تطور حياة المجتمع.

ARC758 Introduction to Islamic Architecture

The Introduction to Islamic Architecture course covers architecture development in the Islamic world. It will include building types and architectural elements from the early beginning of Islam in the seventh century until the Ottoman period. The course provides the student with a general view of the factors that influenced the evolution of the Islamic style and the specific characteristics of each period due to geographical, social, political, and historical situations. The course chronologically surveys the great monuments and masterpieces and investigates their dynamic formation.

ELE500 Elective

Selected electives stated below the table and descriptions indicated in the respective programs course descriptions table.

ARC853 Building Technology IV

Building Technology IV is an advanced architectural working drawings course that covers the preparation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) drawings, fire system drawings, and the working details required to construct architectural projects.

ARC854 Theories of Architecture

This Theories of Architecture course is designed to study the theories in the field from the twentieth century to the contemporary era. Students learn the philosophical, ideological, and architectural concerns of modern movement, postmodern, post-functionalism, and post-structuralism architecture. The course explores the dynamic formation of debates on theoretical themes and concepts and their role in developing the architectural discourse.

ARC855 Design Studio VIII*

Design Studio VIII will use a participatory approach to urban design through projects that handle contemporary design challenges at the city level. Students work in groups to investigate urban design challenges within an existing city zone and propose upgrades to the master plan that defines land use and facilities. In addition to designing one of the public buildings individually within the upgraded masterplan,

ENGR813 Reinforced Concrete

This course delves into the advanced principles governing reinforced concrete structures' design, analysis, and construction. Students will explore reinforced concrete's behavior under various loading conditions, including flexure, shear, and axial forces. Through theoretical lectures and practical examples, students will gain proficiency in applying relevant design codes and standards to real-world structural engineering challenges.

ARC856 Design Studio IX: Project Research*

Design Studio IX is the first part of the graduation project. In this part, students study comprehensive project information from urban planning, project definition, building typology, and site analysis to develop conceptual proposals and schematic plans. Students investigate design problems using theoretical concepts and practical approaches at a city or regional level and create an architectural programming report and conceptual designs.

ARC859 Architecture Internship

Architecture Internships allow students to practice external on-site training. They include introductory portfolio and CV design lectures and practical training in a national or international firm. Students get hands-on architecture experience in a professional setting.

ELE700 Elective

Selected electives stated below the table and descriptions indicated in the BArch course descriptions table.

ARC857 Specifications, Building Regulations & Quantities

This course introduces the national building regulations followed by various municipalities in the Sultanate of Oman. Students learn the specifications of construction and finishing materials. They deal with the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) calculations of various construction elements used in different building types.

ENT600 Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship course familiarizes students with business terminology and helps them gain the necessary business skills to initiate a small or medium-scale business. Students will also learn about business decision-making skills and the value of self-employment. An introduction to national legal procedures, economic perspective, and business sustainable practices is also covered.

PSY500 Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology familiarizes students with the fundamental principles of psychology. This helps them understand themselves and see how psychology addresses issues about everyday life to improve well-being and academic performance. It also helps them explore specific mental strategies to enhance their aesthetic and creative thinking relevant to their art and design projects.

ARC858 Landscape Design

Landscape Design introduces students to landscape design elements and principles, with specific tasks to address problems in existing sites or open spaces nationwide. The course helps learners develop landscape concepts and design solutions by studying the site condition and users’ needs.

ARC861 Design Studio X: Graduation Project*

This course is the Graduation Project. Students must continue with the exact location and project selected in Design Studio IX to develop the project theme and contextualize it to Oman. This allows students to design and develop a complete architectural project at the national level by going through design processes and analyses in building design and understanding context requirements, structure systems, and building functions.

ARC862 Professional Practice & Contracts

This course covers professional practice topics and phases to execute architectural projects with appropriate managerial skills to develop the responsibilities and duties of the architect in professional architectural practices.

ARC860 Environmental Control

The course includes the concepts and elements of environmental design in traditional Omani architecture and contemporary applications in environmental control. Students also learn how to integrate ecological control techniques into urban, architecture, and interior design to achieve thermal comfort and eco-friendly design.

Head of the Department of Architecture and Interior Design

It is my pleasure to welcome you in our Department which is dedicated to cultivate your creative thinking, problem- solving capability, technology information and skills. High qualified and Long experienced faculty members are devoted and ready to support you during your under-graduate and post- graduate educational path. They will assist you to acquire a high level of competence and confidence to be ready for a promising career and work opportunities.

Dr. Mohammed Khalil ,
Head of the Department of Architecture and Interior Design
Scientific College of Design