B.Arch Syllabus and Subjects

B Arch subjects are entirely dedicated to building, construction processes, and design involvement. The Bachelor of Architecture syllabus is divided into 10 semesters with a focus on foundational and specialized subjects.

B Arch course helps students develop their thinking, logical skills, and creative skills, which help them evolve into good architects and designers. B.Arch job scope is extensive in terms of potential career opportunities and appropriate career paths.  

Table of Contents

• Semester-Wise B Arch Syllabus & Subjects
• B Arch Subjects
• B Arch Core Subjects
• B Arch Elective Subjects
• Specialisation-Wise B Arch Subjects and Syllabus
• B Arch Course Structure

Semester-Wise B Arch Syllabus and Subjects

The B Arch course syllabus slightly differs according to the universities/colleges, but the main focus of the syllabus is standard-planning and design. B.Arch syllabus remains common for the first and second year across all specializations. Starting from the third year, a few subjects in every semester will vary based on the specialization chosen by the student.  

The semester-wise syllabus is as follows:

First-Year Syllabus

Below is a table showing the First-Year B Arch Syllabus:

SEMESTER I	SEMESTER II
Architectural Design I	Architectural Design II
Visual Arts and Basic Design I	Visual Arts and Basic Design II
Computer Applications I	Computer Applications II
Building Construction I	Building Construction II
Theory of Structures I	Theory of Structures II
Environmental Studies	Climate-responsive Design
Model making and Workshop	Surveying and Leveling
Human Settl. & Vernacular Arch.	History of Architecture I
Professional Communications I	Sociology and Culture
-	Professional Communications II

Second-Year Syllabus

Below listed is the second-year B Arch Syllabus:

Semester III	Semester IV
Architectural Design III	Architectural Design IV
Visual Arts and Basic Design III	Visual Arts and Basic Design IV
Computer Applications III	Computer Applications IV
Building and Construction III	Building and Construction IV
Theory of Structures III	Theory of Structures IV
Water, Waste, and Sanitation	Electrification, Lighting & Acoustics
Site Planning and Landscape Studies	Solar Active and Passive Systems
History of Architecture II	History of Architecture III
Art and Architectural Appreciation I	Art and Architectural Appreciation II

Third Year Syllabus

Here is a table of the third-year B Arch Syllabus:

Semester V	Semester VI
Architectural Design V	Architectural Design VI
Theory of Structures V	Theory of Structure & Design II
HVAC. Mech. Mobility & Fire Safety	Green Systems Integration
Energy System & Renewables	Sustainable Urban Habitats
History of Architecture IV	Specifications & Contracts
Design Methodology II	Contemporary Architecture
Art and Architectural Appreciation III	Architectural Theories
Arch. Research- Elective III	Art & Architectural Appreciation IV
Arch. Research- Elective IV	-

Fourth Year Syllabus

Below is a table for the fourth-year B Arch syllabus:

Semester VII	Semester VIII
Architectural Design Studio: Housing	Practical Training
Working Drawings	-
Project Management	-
Architectural Appreciation IV	-
Arch. Research Seminar	-
Arch. Research- Elective V	-
Arch. Research- Elective VI	-

Fith Year Syllabus

Below is the fifth-year B.Arch Syllabus:

Semester IX	Semester X
Building Economics	General Proficiency
Professional Practice	Architecture Training
Urban Design Studies	-
Arch. Research Dissertation/ Art Thesis	-
Arch. Research- Elective VII	-
Arch. Research- Elective VIII	-

B Arch Subjects

The subjects taught in the B.Arch course are mostly similar for all the colleges, but they may vary depending on the institution's course module. Below are the B Arch course subjects:

• History of Architecture
• Types of Structures
• Design Applications
• Building Construction
• Building Science & Services
• Architectural Design Studio
• Computer & Software Lab
• Interior Architecture & Space Programming
• Workshop Practice

B Arch Core Subjects

Common branch subjects include architectural drafting, art and design, building construction, and structural theory. These are covered throughout the course to provide a solid foundation for further study in various aspects of architectural research.

Below are B Arch core subjects that help students understand foundational topics in the course:

• Visual Arts and Design
• Building Construction
• Theory of Structures
• Theory of Structures
• Building Science & Services
• Architectural Design
• Design Applications
• History of Architecture

B.Arch Elective Subjects

The B Arch syllabus is primarily based entirely on a choice-based totally system in which students select from a set range of optionally available topics primarily based entirely on their interests. Below given are   B Arch elective subjects:

• Facade Engineering
• Tall Buildings
• Modular Coordination
• Earthquake-Resistant buildings
• Construction Mechanism
• Campus Planning 
• Interior Design 
• Industrial Design
• Exhibition Design 
• Information Systems 
• Design Outreach as Social Responsibility

B Arch Laboratory Subjects

The Bachelor of Architecture laboratory subjects aim to provide students with practical experience designing and constructing architectural structures. Below are B.Arch laboratory subjects:

• Surveying LabComputer Application – I (2D & 3D)
• Architectural Design Studio
• Building Construction
• Working Drawing

B.Arch Syllabus in Detail

The B Arch curriculum at various universities varies according to the semester schedule and other factors. The following are some of the most common subjects taught in most universities, divided into semesters:

Semester	Core/Elective	Subject Title	Subject Details
1	Core	Mathematics-I	One of the simple and complex mathematical concepts presented in this subject are Derivatives, Harmonic Analysis, Fourier Transforms, and Gamma And Beta Functions.
		Architectural Graphics	This topic covers fundamental concepts such as geometry, orthographic projections, planes, and solids in various positions.
2	Core	Building Materials	This course introduces the concepts of building material properties, classification, durability, and structural aspects through the testing of cement, stone, concrete, paint, and glass.
		History of Architecture	The subject deals with the history and evolution of architecture.
		Theory of Structures	The subject focuses on the introduction of forms of structure and their application in the process.
3	Core	Theory of Design	In the subject, a historical narrative has drawn toward architectural theories in regard to concepts of structure, spatial systems, etc.
		Structural Design	In the subject, the focus is on the concepts of methods of mixed designs, fundamentals and principles of simple pre-tensioned and post-tensioned beams, etc.
4	Core	Building Construction II	A more hands-on approach with an introduction to concepts of finishing, flooring, detailing, and escalating fabrication and erection techniques.
	Elective	Water Supply and Sanitation	As the name suggests the primary goal of the subject is to make students familiar with water supply techniques, plumbing systems, drainage facilities, and wastewater management.
5	Elective	Architectural Acoustics	The focus of the subject is mainly on basic concepts of architectural acoustics, construction details, and sound behavior in closed spaces.
	Core	Environmental Studies for Architecture	Architecture also focuses on the environmental aspect, the impact of raw materials, deforestation, and many other topics concerning the environment.
6	Core	Estimation, Costing, and Valuation	In the subject, the concepts of quantity surveying and abstract are focused on equal importance to detailed estimates of building work, and valuation and cost analysis principles.
		Interior Design	In this part, students are taught the aesthetics of the interior, spaces, and sound of the environment
7	Core	Landscape Architecture	The course also focuses on the landscape of the area and the garden aesthetics of an area. It touches on the element of landscaping, the design process, and patterns.
		Housing	The prime matter of the subject is to deal with housing problems in India and the policies derived to combat the problem.
8	Core	Computer Application in Architecture	The main topic of discussion is the use of computer-aided architecture applications and their rationale.
		Architectural Design and Field Tour	Urban-scale design development is considered from socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral perspectives in the field of study.

Specialization-Wise B Arch Syllabus and Subjects

B Arch course's primary is to provide students with knowledge of identifying, analyzing, and solving problems, as well as architectural presentation skills. Students can choose specialization subjects as per their area of interest and expertise from the third year. Below are B Arch subjects list along with popular specializations:

B Arch Architectural Design Subjects and Syllabus

The B Arch Architectural Design subjects focus on simple and complex topics that include design principles, spatial clarity, and drawing visualization of basic structures. The B Arch Architectural Design subjects are as follows:

• Architectural Designing
• Visual Arts
• Basic Design
• Theory of Structure

B Arch Landscape Architecture Subjects and Syllabus

The B Arch Landscape Architecture subjects focus on developing an understanding of architecture planning from urban to green infrastructure planning. The B Arch Landscape Architecture subjects are as follows:

• Environmental Science
• Building and Energy
• Modern and Contemporary Indian Architecture
• Principles of Human Settlement

B Arch Interior Design Subjects and Syllabus

The B Arch Interior Design subjects focus on developing an understanding of the interior design industry through basic to advanced subjects. The B Arch Interior Design subjects are as follows:

• Building Sciences
• Construction, Services & Materials
• Building Management
• Interior Materials and Products

Read More: B Arch Interior Design Subjects and Syllabus

Other Important B.Arch Subjects & Syllabus:

• B Arch in Building Construction Technology Subjects and Syllabus
• B Arch Computer-Aided Design Subjects and Syllabus
• B Arch Environment & Sustainability Subjects and Syllabus

B Arch Course Structure

The B.Arch course is designed to enable learning space management for maximum utility and architectural planning and design. The B Arch course structure is as follows:

• X Semesters
• Training
• Core Subjects
• Elective Subjects

Bachelor of Architecture Teaching Methodology and Techniques

Teaching and learning strategies have different implications for courses, which enhances the learning aspect of the course. Below mentioned are teaching methods and techniques for B Arch course:

• Workshops and Seminars
• Research Projects
• Traditional Lectures
• Group Discussions
• Exhibitions

B Arch Projects

The B Arch projects are of two types. One is the prolonged project taken for the entire semester. The other one is a time problem that has to be completed in a specific duration of time. 

 Below mentioned are a few common B Arch projects:

• Mount Lico for a life that adapts to extreme conditions in Aknar, Tamanrasset by Touahri Meriem
• The Idea Market - Creative Trading Hub in Port Fuad, Egypt by Ahmed Samy
• A Villa in a Cave Designed by Alessandro Pagliuca

B Arch Books

In order to get a   deep or in-depth knowledge, there are certain books published by the architect-authors, who have opened up about their thought process, and thus help in being more creative and involve more aspects of design and logical thinking.

Below mentioned are a few B Arch course books:

Name	Author
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School	Matthew Frederick
Architecture: Form, Space, & Order	Francis D.K. Ching
A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction	Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa
Yes is More. An Archicomic on Architectural Evolution	Bjarke Ingels

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B.Arch Fee Structure

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