Architecture
22 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ARCH 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Architecture 96abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Architecture field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
ARCH 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Architecture 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Architecture not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with instructor are coordinated with assigned Architecture projects (54 hours per unit).
ARCH 100 An Orientation to Architecture
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an orientation to architecture and the broader building industry for the beginning student. The student will be taught how architecture is created, how to understand architecture, and how it shapes the social, ecological, and urban context. Education, career opportunities and options will also be discussed.
ARCH 104 History of Western Architecture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students are introduced to the architecture of both ancient and recent western cultures. Buildings from antiquity to the present day will be studied, analyzed and interpreted in terms of their religious, social and political context. Particular emphasis will be placed on the process and sources of design; and the purpose and types of buildings.
ARCH 107 World Architecture: Pre-History to 1500
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students are introduced to world architecture from pre-history through year 1500. Buildings from pre-history to 1500 will be studied, analyzed, and interpreted in terms of their architectural characteristics and their cultural, religious, social and political context.
ARCH 108 World Architecture: 1500 - Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students are introduced to world architecture from year 1500 to the present. Buildings from the early 16th century on will be studied, analyzed and interpreted in terms of their architectural characteristics and their cultural, religious, social, economic and political context.
ARCH 119 CAD Drawing and Modeling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Formerly
- Architecture 120abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a beginning course in the study of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and related programs with regard to Architecture. Students learn the application and drawing conventions necessary to produce construction documents and modeling for a building using the latest version of various CAD software.
ARCH 121 Building Information Modeling (BIM) I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Architecture 119 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- Architecture 251
- Formerly
- Architecture 121abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) using parametric modeling software to create intelligent, Three-Dimensional (3D) computer models of buildings and their components. Students will learn application fundamentals, file management, and BIM interface navigation. In applying their knowledge of the BIM methodology, students will create a schematic set of construction documents complete with plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules and 3D views.
ARCH 125 Building Information Modeling (BIM) II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Architecture 121 and Architecture 251 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Advisory
- Architecture 185
- Formerly
- Architecture 125abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course allows students to advance their knowledge in BIM by learning about more multifaceted methodologies to demonstrate complex drawing generation, building analysis, software interoperability, and inter-disciplinary collaboration. Topics include parametric family creation and modification, model and material analysis, developing BIM macros, and integration with certification programs. Documentation will include detailed and integrated floor plans, building sections, elevations, details and schedules from the BIM model.
ARCH 149 Studio 1 - Design Fundamentals and Principles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 170 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this beginning design course, students will learn how building expression is derived and can be understood through the analysis of primary shapes and geometry. The focus will be on the design process demonstrating the iterative means in developing architectural design solutions using models, drawings, and graphics to communicate the design solution.
ARCH 170 Graphic Communications I - Orthographic Drawings
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to the fundamental tools and techniques used in professional practice to create architectural drawings. Lectures will present contemporary methods of illustrating form and space through the use of orthographic drawings such as plan, section, and elevation. Students will survey the development of drawing throughout history as artists and designers found ways to express ideas, present design solutions and create visual narratives.
ARCH 171 Graphic Communications II: 3D Drawings
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 170 with a minimum grade C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course teaches drawing with an emphasis on communicating design ideas supported by illustration techniques. Students will learn how to communicate graphically via diagramming and three-dimensional pictorial drawings that will include paraline projections, one-, two- and three-point perspective illustrations. Drawing techniques and conventions will be demonstrated to convey effective graphic communications. Special attention will be given to identifying and differentiating the rationale for deploying one type of drawing over another.
ARCH 172 Architectural Color Rendering Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Architecture 170
- Advisory
- Architecture 171 or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will learn rendering techniques used by professionals to create architectural presentation drawings. Lectures introduce color theory and application, the history of color and contemporary trends in color design. Studio projects feature pencil, marker, and watercolor applications as well as rendered orthographic and projection drawings using monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triad color schemes.
ARCH 173 Live Urban Sketch
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture/3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Architecture 170, Architecture 171, Architecture 172
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This sketch course will teach students the process of "drawing what you see" in the natural and built environments. Centered around live sketching in a urban centers as well as local neighborhood settings, students will learn to translate a live scene into a sketch that draws in the viewer. The course accommodates varying drawing abilities and encourages individualized stylistic approaches. Students will demonstrate how to observe, compose, and simplify a complex scene while creating a visual focus and defining the mood for a particular setting.
ARCH 174 Portfolio Design & Visual Narration
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARCH 119, ARCH 170, ARCH 171, and ARCH 199
- Transfers to
- CSU
The portfolio & presentation course will teach students the process of developing a visual narrative that demonstrates their design thinking as it relates to problem solving within the built environment. Utilizing previously completed architecture design studio projects along with work from advanced graphic communications, each student will learn organization and formatting techniques to create a narrative that will express a project's design intent. The course will focus on formats that exhibit work both within paper and digital portfolios.
ARCH 185 3D Architectural Design Modeling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Architecture 119 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces 3D design modeling specifically tailored for architecture. Students will be taught 3D computer graphics using a freeform surface modeler and rendering software for simulation of the proposed built-form to create a 3D user experience. The course explores the principles of 3D design, visualization techniques, and the integration of sustainable design principles into architectural modeling. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of 3D modeling in architectural projects, design studio, design development, and the development of a professional portfolio.
ARCH 199 Studio 2 - Concept Development & Application
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 149 and ARCH 170 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite.
- Formerly
- Architecture 199abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
As the second course in a four architectural design studio series, this course introduces site and context analysis, design theories, typologies and concepts, and uses a series of design assignments and projects through Two-Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional (3D) diagrams and drawings, as well as physical models to explore the opportunities and relationships that exist between site and building.
ARCH 251 Construction Documentation I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 170 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- ARCH 171 or ARCH 119
- Formerly
- ARCH 150A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to construction document development. Building codes and zoning codes will be introduced along with the functions of framing members in wood and steel frame construction (Type V). Manual hand drafting techniques, sketching, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) skills will be utilized in developing construction documents.
ARCH 252 Construction Documentation II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 251 or Architecture 150A with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- ARCH 119 or equivalent architectural AutoCAD skills
- Formerly
- ARCH 150B
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an advanced-level construction document development class. Students will explore current planning and building codes to understand the design impact on project design including Green Building Codes and Net Zero. Sketching and drawing techniques, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills will be developed to learn to create construction documents.
ARCH 253 Drawing Construction Details
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture/3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Architecture 170 and Architecture 251 with a minimum grade of C.
- Advisory
- Architecture 171, Architecture 252
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Drawing Construction Details course will teach students the process of developing descriptive drawings that illustrate how individual building parts and materials are connected. This aspect of construction documentation is a critical component to providing accuracy and precision when communicating a particular construction method. Detail Drawings highlight the sequence and fastening process that result in building assemblies. Through these drawings, students will demonstrate knowledge on how buildings are constructed with coordination and specificity.
ARCH 258 Structures Analysis - Timber
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) and proficiency in pre-algebra skills
- Formerly
- ARCH 158
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, students are introduced to the analysis of structural components in residential buildings. Topics covered include vertical and horizontal loadings, shear and moment diagrams, beams, wood and steel columns, foundation and lateral bracing systems.
ARCH 299 Studio 4 - Design/Build & Technology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 251 and ET 249 (now SUST 249) with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Formerly
- Architecture 179
- Transfers to
- CSU
As the fourth course in the architectural design studio series, this course explores the relationship between design and build (construction and fabrication), and between design and alternative materials.