Introduction

The B.Arch. program of Ziauddin University balances the intensity of a professional education with opportunities to utilize the resources of a top-notch university. The faculty of the Department of Architecture has developed a highly structured and intensive curriculum, one that highlights design, as well as theory, history, technology, and structures. Elementary conceptual skills are accentuated early on, along with introducing the essential skills of architecture. Students will learn to present their ideas through models and drawings, working effortlessly between all methods of both analog and digital representation. All students devote their first three years following a basic curriculum designed to lay a strong foundation for architectural education and beyond. During the last four semesters, students are encouraged to work across disciplines focusing on an intelligently laborious and theoretical course of study.

Currently, the Department runs a 5-year (Ten Semesters) program of studies leading to a professional Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (B.Arch.). Graduates of this program will achieve all licensing necessities of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), and will be capable of practicing Architecture anywhere in Pakistan.

The program of study is very challenging and only those students are recommended to apply who are eager to work long hours. Besides, substantial component of studies involve fieldwork where students are required to visit construction sites, conduct field surveys, and join out of city study tours. B.Arch. degree requirements also include 16 weeks of internship in a professional environment, which would typically take place during summer vacations.

Curriculum

The program of Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.) at Ziauddin University Faculty of Engineering, Science, Technology and Management (ZUFESTM), comprising of Five Years (Ten Semesters), is the program of intensive studies and practical work leading to a professional degree in Architecture.

The curriculum and arrangement of the program is comparable to any similar international degree with regard to Pakistan’s HEC and PCATP specified guidelines. Furthermore, preparation of the curriculum, selection of faculty members, planning of infrastructure amenities such as devoted building floor, lecture rooms, design studios and other resources are designed to fulfill the PCATP (Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners)’s requirements. The program of study is very challenging and only those students are recommended to apply who are eager to work long hours. Besides, substantial component of studies involve fieldwork where students are required to visit construction sites, conduct field surveys, and join out of city study tours.

The curriculum of B. Arch. degree program provides a sufficient introduction to study architecture as a discipline and to produce graduates who can play a leading part in shaping up a healthy society. It trains students to join other design fields or related disciplines, and it prepares students for the Master of Architecture degree. The course content includes Basic Design, Architectural Design, History of Architecture, Building Materials and Construction, Environmental Control Systems, Structural Concepts in Architecture, Theory of Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Research Methods etc. The first year starts by introducing the fundamentals before studies of the major courses in which students are required to design projects of different types. The students can have a better sense of life and ability to produce well-adjusted whole by blending different aspects: function, form, structure, techniques, context and culture.

Program Educational Objectives
The objective of the program is to prepare professionals in the planning, design, and construction of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and other facilities. The curriculum of Architecture has been developed to impart the following objectives in the graduates.
• Ability to work professionally in creative norms and standards for trends in building industry catering small to large projects.
• Ability to get along and associated in several areas of Architectural design and Sciences inclusive of Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental and Construction Management.
• To produce graduates with well-informed knowledge of current developments specifically for construction technology with the commitment of respective discipline and esteem of professional ethics.
• To promote architecture as blend of reflective and conceptual approach that help to reach student to perceive and widen imaginative thoughts, to explore the window of imagination, and to achieve intellectuality that leads to long life learning.

Expected Outcomes

Students of B. Arch program at Ziauddin University Faculty of Engineering, Science, Technology and Management (ZUFESTM) are aimed to graduate with the following skills:

• Fundamental and advanced concepts of Architecture design with particular importance on the application of these concepts to further advance the state of the art technology and to meet the requirements of expanding Construction industry.
• Practical experience on Drafting, Drawing and Design tools, and measurement equipment.
• Effective leadership and policymaking skills.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary team
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Willingness for lifelong learning

The undergraduate program in architecture is spread over ten semesters (five years). Each semester comprises of 16– 18 weeks, which includes one week of examinations. Each student, admitted on merit, is expected to take the full load of courses prearranged for the semester. The scheme of studies for B. Arch. Program is as follows:

Total Credit Hours in B. Arch. Program: 16 + 18 + 19 + 17 + 16 + 17 + 16 + 16 + 15 + 14= 165 hrs.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

1. HSSC or equivalent (12 years) qualification with combination of any three (03) of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Statistics, Fine Arts, Economics, Psychology and Sociology.
2. Minimum 50% marks in SSC and HSSC.
3. DAE in Architecture.

Ziauddin University admits students whose educational background is comprehensive and who can achieve success in higher education. Applications received for admission in B. Arch.  program are reviewed by the concerned department. The applicants are required to appear in admission test and interview. The final merit is determined on the basis of past academic performance and performance in the interview.

Materials and Construction Laboratory

The Materials and Construction Laboratory is equipped with samples of different building components and materials. The lectures are followed by a visit to the laboratory to create a relationship between theory and practical. Some of the most essential equipment present in the laboratory are Concrete Mixer, Vibrator, Hydraulic Jack and Slump Cone Apparatus.

Surveying Laboratory

The Surveying Laboratory contains measuring instruments for distance, vertical and horizontal angles, and elevation. It is also used for performing leveling surveys and transverse surveys, and for applying corrections to geodetic observations. The major equipment in the laboratory includes Theodolite, Automatic Level, and Rotation Laser Level etc.

Environmental Laboratory

The objective of the Environmental Laboratory is to produce climate responsive, sustainable and energy efficient Building Design. The Laboratory is equipped with latest experimental equipment as TDS Meter, pH meter, Portable Turbidity Meter, Spectrophotometer etc.

Computer Laboratory

The department has a well-equipped Computer Laboratory comprising of 45 latest computers and printing accessories. The lecture theaters are also equipped with modern teaching tools including audio visual aids such as multimedia projectors, screens etc.

Model – Making Workshop and Drawing Studio

The Department consists of state-of-the-art drawing studio and allied facilities to develop the visual skills and imagination of students and faculty. The department has also dedicated Model making workshop where students can explore and experiment with various materials and media.