Architecture
12 courses · Chabot College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
ARCH 2A Design and Visual Communication I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to freehand and mechanically constructed drawings employing orthographic, axonometric and linear perspective drawing systems to represent three-dimensional forms and environments on two-dimensional surfaces. Emphasis on the understanding of basic drawing conventions, their implications and applications.
ARCH 2B Design and Visual Communication II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 2A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continuation of the content and issues introduced in Architecture 2A plus the theories and methods for applying shadows, reflections, materials, and entourage in a variety of drawing types. Layout and integration of composite drawings in support of the process and presentation of architectural designs.
ARCH 3 Digital Tools for Design and Visual Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to digital tools with computer-aided design drafting. Ability to effectively use basic design principles in two dimensions. Topics include command basics including drawing entity creation and modification, industry layering standards, text and dimensioning systems appropriate to architecture, creating symbol libraries, external reference techniques, model and paper space commands, and plotting techniques.
ARCH 4A Architectural Drafting Principles I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 3, ARCH 68, ID 49
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to principles and practice of architectural drafting with emphasis on working drawings for wood frame construction; introduction to drafting concepts and conventions for architectural working drawings, basic building systems, and architectural applications of computer-aided drafting technology.
ARCH 4B Architectural Drafting Principles II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 4A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continuation of Architecture 4A with emphasis on architectural working drawings for non-residential buildings with wood, masonry, steel and concrete structures. Application of advanced computer-aided drafting techniques for architectural construction documents will be reviewed, as will the use of electronic/web-based information sources, including Architectural Graphic Standards, Sweets Catalogs, and the Uniform Building Code.
ARCH 8A Fundamentals of Architectural Design I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 2B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the theories, principles, and methods of architectural design using traditional and digital media. Studio projects emphasize composing two- and three-dimensional organizations to convey intended concepts and meanings. Aesthetic, environmental, social, and technological factors which inform architectural design are investigated. Course work is supplemented with lectures, discussions, and readings.
ARCH 8B Fundamentals of Architectural Design II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 8A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continuation of the content and issues introduced in Architecture 8A. Emphasis on generating and developing design concepts, incorporating structure, materials, and energy considerations as determination of form. Emphasis on applied traditional and digital graphic communications tools, including scale models to convey intended concepts and meanings.
ARCH 12 Construction Materials and Methods
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the methods and materials used in contemporary and historical building construction. Wood, steel, masonry, and concrete structural systems will be explored, as will major interior and exterior finish systems. The relationships between occupancy and construction types will be reviewed as will the influence of building codes, climate, labor supply, and economic factors.
ARCH 14 California Architecture and Urban Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
California architecture and urban design from indigenous beginnings to the contemporary avant garde. Historic, cultural, and environmental influences on the shaping California’s distinctive buildings and cities. Work reviewed ranges from anonymous adobes to historic masterpieces by Maybeck and Morgan to new works by Gehry, Moss, and others.
ARCH 16 People and Environmental Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Principles of landscape architecture emphasizing design concepts as they relate to site, building, and client requirements. Includes site analysis, land use patterns, circulation, layout, planting materials, irrigation. The general design process and outcome are examined in context of relationships between people and the environments, both natural and man-made, with focus on sustainable design principles applied to passive environmental control, landscaping, functional adaptation, social and economic impacts, integrating their influences in community development and urban planning.
ARCH 33 Digital Communication in Modeling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to 3-dimensional digital modeling using 3-dimensional software called Revit. It is a digital modeling with building information system,
ARCH 80 Architectural Education and Practice
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- ARCH 4A, ARCH 33
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Architectural education and practice in Architecture department setting approved by Architecture faculty as related to student’s architecture major or classes at Chabot. Cooperative effort between student and instructor or architecture firm supervisor to accomplish agreed upon work objectives, complete projects and broaden experiences. Student provides verification of service experience or work on projects during the term. Students will get an architecture firm approved by architecture faculty or work on projects closely with instructor. Students will meet with architecture instructor for input and hands-on experience lectures and discussion focused on architecture firm structures, project procedures, design developments, specification book and construction documents.