Building Performance and Environmental Design
19 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BPED 300 Studio I: Residential/Multifamily and Intergenerational Living
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will center on the new construction of a residential or multifamily housing development designed specifically for a desert environment. Emphasis will be placed on desert climate design strategies, including passive cooling techniques, water-wise landscaping, thermal massing, and solar orientation. Students will utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM). The project will also integrate sustainable design principles and Universal Design standards, ensuring accessibility for all users while minimizing environmental impact. In addition, the concept of intergenerational living will be a core focus, promoting adaptable spaces that support multiple generations under one roof and foster community connections.
BPED 320 Building Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course delves into the principles and practices of building performance with an emphasis on sustainable design strategies and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Students will explore the impact of various design choices on building performance, including energy efficiency strategies, indoor environmental quality, and the overall environmental footprint of a building throughout its lifecycle. The course will guide students in analyzing key performance indicators such as R-value (thermal resistance), acoustic performance, carbon emissions, and other environmental benchmarks to assess the sustainability of buildings. Students will also learn to evaluate how different materials, systems, and building strategies contribute to energy savings, occupant comfort, and long-term environmental responsibility.
BPED 340 Construction Methodology I: Construction & Practical Structural Applications
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This comprehensive course explores sustainable practices in residential construction with a strong emphasis on innovative building methodologies, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, and Passive House standards. As the need for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient housing grows, this course equips students with practical knowledge to implement cutting-edge solutions. In addition to sustainable design, the course integrates the practical applications of structural systems, introducing students to the fundamental principles of residential structural design. Topics include load paths, material selection, framing techniques, and code compliance. Real-world examples and case studies will demonstrate how structural integrity and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
BPED 350 Studio II: Urban Infill & Retrofit Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BPED 300 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores an adaptive reuse and urban infill project located along a transit-oriented corridor in a coastal environment. Students will utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM). The focus will be on reimagining existing structures with an emphasis on interior architecture and a sustainable, environmentally responsive design approach. Coursework will cover the selection and impact of interior materials, including their environmental performance and lifecycle. Projects will be developed using Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools to promote integrated and efficient design solutions.
BPED 360 Professional Practice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the professional practices and responsibilities of project managers, architects and interior designers. Focusing on the key aspects of ethics, contract negotiation, and the bidding process, this course will equip students with the practical knowledge required to navigate the complexities of professional practice in project management, architecture and interior design. The course will explore the legal and ethical standards that govern the profession, the essential elements of contracts, and the procedures involved in the bidding process for construction projects. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the ethical challenges they may encounter, negotiate and prepare contracts, and manage the bidding process effectively.
BPED 370 Environmental Policy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, environmental issues, and the policies that shape the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Through an exploration of international, national, state, and local environmental policies, students will gain insight into how these regulations influence the construction and design industries. The course will also emphasize the interconnectedness of political and economic factors at the local level, and how these realities shape the way we build and interact with the environment. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge to analyze and navigate the evolving landscape of environmental policy and its effects on the building industry.
BPED 380 Building Systems I: Lighting and Solar Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on the integration of lighting and solar design systems within buildings, with an emphasis on energy-efficient solutions. Students will learn how to use energy modeling tools and techniques to optimize building performance, focusing on daylighting analysis, solar panel integration, and the impact of building orientation and shading on energy use. The course will guide students through the process of preparing realistic, client-ready design drawings and reports that demonstrate how lighting and solar design can reduce energy consumption and contribute to achieving zero-energy building status.
BPED 390 Site and Urban Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the fundamentals and contemporary practices of sustainable site and urban design. Students will examine how thoughtful design decisions impact the character, function, and resilience of neighborhoods and communities. Through case studies and real-world examples, the course analyzes successful and unsuccessful urban projects to uncover the key elements that contribute to lasting, human-centered environments. Emphasis is placed on integrating sustainability, equity, and contextual responsiveness into site planning and urban form. Students will learn to evaluate a project’s influence on community identity and develop strategies for creating spaces that are adaptable, inclusive, and enduring. The course encourages a forward-thinking design approach that considers environmental, social, and cultural longevity.
BPED 400 Studio III: Commercial Construction and Disassembly Principles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BPED 350 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, students will utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to create multidisciplinary, data-driven, and functional designs that respond to specific climate zones, with a special focus on cold weather construction methods. Designs will integrate climate-responsive strategies, cultural and contextual sensitivity, and promote equity in the built environment. The course emphasizes sustainable methodologies, including designing for disassembly, allowing for buildings to be deconstructed and materials to be reused to support long-term environmental resilience and resource efficiency. Projects will address real-world climate challenges, encouraging students to explore innovative solutions that merge technology, sustainability, and social responsibility in architectural design.
BPED 420 Global Case Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an in-depth exploration of global sustainable practices and innovative construction methodologies in the built environment. Students will examine real-world case studies of projects from around the world that highlight best practices in sustainable design, construction, and urban development. Through the analysis of these international projects, students will gain a broader understanding of how various regions adapt to local environmental, economic, and cultural contexts while addressing global sustainability challenges.
BPED 430 Building Systems II: Ventilation, Water, and Waste
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- BPED 380 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course offers an in-depth examination of the mechanical, plumbing, and ventilation systems that support building performance, with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant health. Students will explore the integration of water supply, waste management, gas distribution, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems within the architectural design process. Through technical analysis and software-based modeling, students will gain hands-on experience in designing, comparing, and evaluating system alternatives using Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools.
BPED 440 Construction Methodology II: Advanced Construction & Practical Structural Applications
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BPED 340 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an in-depth introduction to commercial construction methods, materials, and systems. Students will explore applicable building codes, structural systems, wall sections, and detailed construction assemblies. Emphasis is placed on current innovations in commercial construction, including cool roof technologies, dual plumbing systems, green insulation solutions, and biodegradable building materials. The course also integrates practical applications of structural design, focusing on how commercial structures are engineered for safety, durability, and efficiency. Topics include load distribution, structural framing systems (steel, concrete, and hybrid), seismic considerations, and coordination with architectural detailing.
BPED 450 Thesis Studio IV: Self Directed Climate-Responsive Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BPED 400 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This advanced capstone course challenges students to synthesize their education through the development of a self-selected thesis project focused on climate-responsive and sustainable design solutions. Emphasizing discretion in design decision-making, students will explore how stakeholders navigate material choices, energy strategies, and ecological integration to enhance long-term performance and resilience of the built environment. Through the lens of sustainability and environmental stewardship, students will critically analyze how design decisions shape project outcomes to balance innovation, context, and constructability. Each student will be responsible for producing a complete and professional set of construction documents using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of structure, systems integration, detailing, and compliance with applicable codes. The course culminates in an oral defense of the project, where students will present and justify their design strategies and technical documentation to a panel of faculty and industry professionals. This rigorous process fosters clear communication, critical thinking, and prepares students for professional practice or graduate-level study.
BPED 460 Thesis Construction Methodology III: Self Directed Construction Documentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BPED 440 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This advanced capstone course centers on the technical development of a comprehensive construction documentation set for a self-selected architectural project. Students will focus on demonstrating construction knowledge through precise detailing, wall sections, specifications, cut sheets, and material callouts, with an emphasis on climate-responsive building systems and sustainable construction practices. The course prioritizes the execution of accurate and code-compliant drawings using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, showcasing an in-depth understanding of structural integration, envelope assemblies, and sustainable building technologies. The term concludes with an oral defense, where students present their documentation package and justify their construction methodologies to a panel of faculty and industry professionals. The course prepares students for professional practice by simulating real-world expectations for documentation quality, coordination, and technical accuracy.
BPED 470 Thesis Analytics: Self Directed Building Analytics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- BPED 430 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This advanced capstone course emphasizes the student's responsibility for creating a comprehensive set of construction documents for a self-selected architectural project. Students will be tasked with conducting the necessary calculations and providing supporting research to ensure the technical accuracy and viability of their work. Throughout the course, students will be expected to execute precise, code-compliant drawings using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. They will independently perform calculations related to structural integration, envelope assemblies, and the performance of sustainable building systems. Students must demonstrate their ability to justify their design and construction decisions through research, including material choices and energy strategies, ensuring that these align with sustainable and climate-adaptive goals.
BPED 481 Professional Pathways I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to guide students in exploring the wide range of career opportunities within the built environment, helping them identify and refine their professional goals and portfolios as they approach graduation. Through a combination of self-assessment and industry research, students will gain a clearer understanding of the diverse disciplines available, including architecture, interior design, construction management, urban planning, sustainability consulting, landscape architecture, building performance analysis, and more.
BPED 482 Professional Pathways II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- BPED 481 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to guide students in exploring the wide range of career opportunities within the built environment, helping them identify and refine their professional goals and portfolios as they approach graduation. Through a combination of industry research, guest lectures, and field trips, students will gain a clearer understanding of the diverse disciplines available, including architecture, interior design, construction management, urban planning, sustainability consulting, landscape architecture, building performance analysis, and more.
BPED 483 Professional Pathways III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- BPED 482 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to guide students in exploring the wide range of career opportunities within the built environment, helping them identify and refine their professional goals and portfolios as they approach graduation. Students will exit the class with a portfolio of their work, ready to enter the workforce.
BPED 490 Professional Mentorship & Industry Readiness
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): BPED 483 Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California Community College
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with hands-on industry experience in the fields of architecture, construction management, interior design, and/or building performance. Students will work with professional firms, government agencies, or industry organizations to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. In addition to gaining practical experience, students will prepare for and complete an industry-recognized certification to enhance their credentials and career readiness. Through mentorship, professional networking, and structured coursework, students will develop the skills necessary to transition into the workforce successfully.