Diploma in Architecture

About the Course

Create sustainable, meaningful and forward-thinking architecture through robust exploration, methodologies and advanced technologies.

This interdisciplinary course, offered jointly with the School of Engineering, gives you holistic training in sustainable architectural design and technology. You will apply computational design, immersive visualisation and artificial intelligence within historical and social architectural contexts.

The Diploma in Architecture is for you if you want to be part of a new generation of future-ready architectural designers and technologists.

Benefits

Develop a broad range of skills such as sustainable building strategies as well as building construction and optimisation.
Get familiar with the industry’s statutory requirements and regulations.
Look forward to exciting careers with top award-winning architectural firms such as DP Architects, WOHA, CPG Consultants, RSP and Surbana Jurong.

This diploma lets you...

Make a positive impact on the built environment through sustainable architectural design.
Design smart and green buildings and execute ecological, architectural, and urban solutions using advanced technologies and integrated digital delivery.
Gain experience in working on real-life industry projects.
Seize rewarding career or further education opportunities locally or overseas.

NYP Professional Competency Model (NYP-PCM) - its unique features

This diploma will be taught using the NYP-PCM starting AY2023.

Industry Relevance

Endorsed by industry leaders like DP Architects, CPG Consultants and Surbana Jurong, it is informed by real industry intelligence and needs.

Professional Accreditation

You gain additional industry certifications while you complete your diploma, putting you ahead of the pack.

Agile Response

The curriculum reacts dynamically and quickly to industry changes. You'll be equipped with the latest skills & knowledge.

Integrated Learning

Concurrently learn multiple disciplines. Be taught by guest lecturers from DP Architects and members firms from Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and relevant industry partners.

Read More about NYP-PCM

Course Structure

The NYP Professional Competency Model for the Diploma in Architecture consists of:

23 Competency Units – Within each interdisciplinary Competency Unit, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically. This enables the students to fulfil specific work-tasks upon completion. Completing the Competency Units will also equip our students with five Course Competencies.

Five Competency Canvases – where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You have to complete all five to graduate.
One Final Year Project (FYP).
One Internship Programme (ITP).

11 General Studies Modules (GSMs) – these modules give you exposure to other areas of interest and allow you to go beyond your chosen area of specialisation.

Students enrolled in Diploma in Architecture under the Professional Competency Model will have to complete 23 Competency Units (CmUs). Within each interdisciplinary CmU, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically, enabling students to fulfil specific worktasks upon completion.

Completing the CmUs will also equip our students with Five Course Competencies (CCs) below.

Architectural Research & Design
Sustainable Building Strategies & Technologies
Architectural Practice & Project Management

Building Construction & Optimisation
Integrated Digital Delivery

Students will also need to complete Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which can be in the form of an internship or project that mirror work situations where students can demonstrate their skills and competencies.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 1

Architectural Visualisation [60 hours]

Architectural visualisation are the best form of client communication and negotiations, commonly used in both the architectural studio and boardrooms in the industry. Learners will acquire competencies and skills in essential architectural visualisations in drawings (print/digital).

Building Structures [30 hours]

Building structures design is the pillar and backbone for the success of an architecture, both aesthetically and functionally. Learners will understand the structural concepts for buildings concerning building materials and systems and appreciate how a piece of architecture can be put together from the most basic traditional way to the most advanced in technology and innovation.

Ideas & Approaches in Design [60 hours]

Learners will cultivate the importance of intentionality as an integral part of architectural design. Learners will also explore the origin of various architectural principles and elements by developing a spatial environment in a contextual relationship to human civilisation.

Circular Design [30 Hours]

In this current context of the climate crisis, learners will understand the importance of minimising waste and emissions and aspire to change their mindset and behaviours of the environment positively.

Effective Storytelling [30 Hours]

Learners will apply Storytelling in Architectural Design and utilise the fundamental tools required to create effective stories for their design process. They will harness essential narrative tools such as story structure, visual aesthetics, and dramatic techniques to incite user/stakeholder engagement and interest.

Architectural Phenomenology [30 hours]

Learners will conduct anthropological studies of the human body and its perception of the external experience to develop the content and context of the primal basis of why we design, and therefore, we design.

Building Information Modeling & Management [60 hours]

Learners will understand BIM concepts, essential features, processes, and functions. The CmU will focus on applying BIM technologies using Autodesk Revit for 3D modelling, visualisations and practical fundamental design analysis, while complying with local standards and guidelines, and associated processes.

Architectonics & Construction & Optimisation [60 hours]

Tectonics of architecture are the poetics of construction and coming together of architectural elements, which are pivotal to architectural design. Learners will explore unique characteristics – location and climate, context, size, program, construction methods – and the range of interpretations of architecture tectonics and how form, space, order, material, and construction contribute to the architecture design intent.

Building Systems Design [60 hours]

Learners will gain essential knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems associated with buildings, including water, sanitary, drainage, lighting, electrical, fire protection, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV).

Universal Design [30 hours]

The users of the built environment have diverse profiles, and hence design will need to be universal and inclusive, especially in public places. Learners will appreciate the seven (7) essential universal design principles in the built environment. The prevailing BCA Code on Accessibility and Universal Design Guide will form the main framework for discussion, studies, and exploration.

Architectural Behaviourology [30 hours]

Through the exploration and study of the interdependent relationship of human (habitus), form (typology) and environment (nature), learners will then be able to create architecture that is more delightful, organic and humanistic.

Body Interface Design Studio (WIU) [60 hours]

Learners will synthesise the experiences, design processes, knowledge, and skills from earlier CmUs to design and propose a space wearable on the body that interacts with our exterior environment. This will extend into a shelter or equivalent outcome that responds to the immediate environment, the body, and its corresponding posture and activity.

Dwelling Design Studio (WIU) [60 hours]

This studio expands from the rudimental exploration of architecture as a spatial extension of the human body with daily operations in connection to the environment. It builds on the architectural behaviourology studies and exploration and seeks to synthesise, experiment, speculate new systems of formal operations that suggest a new way of life.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 2

Green Strategies in Built Environment [60 hours]

Learners will get the broader contextual understanding of pertinent environmental design issues by studying prevailing green building rating systems, resources, costs and economic analysis of green buildings, circular design (cradle-to-cradle), and various renewable energy design/systems technologies.

Smart Building & Facilities Management [30 hours]

Learners will acquire knowledge to employ building analytics, efficient building management systems (energy, water, air), channels of information in building (voice, data, images) and management of people and security in the building.

Computational & Parametric Design [60 hours]

Learners will understand the theoretical concepts and methods and practical computation techniques in architectural design. Topics include foundations in computational geometry, principles of algorithmic design, and associative/parametric design. Learners will execute geometric modelling, visual programming, and reading and writing simple generative computer program scripts through active learning sessions and design exercises.

Immersive Visualisation [30 hours]

Learners will gain the knowledge and skills to use advanced 3D rendering, visualisation, and geographical information system (GIS) tools for architectural and urban design. Digital tools include virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), dynamic changes with real-time rendering, workflow from BIM to VR. Learners will explore AI machine learning and its use in architectural design and the built environment.

Nature & Systems Analysis [60 hours]

Learners will research and investigate identified "genius" in nature - flora, fauna, for a context to uncover and identify the geniuses of the systems and details that enabled it to thrive. Learners will then discuss and explore that those systems could be applied in our built environment and influence how we live sustainably.

Environmental System & Analysis [60 hours]

Learners will use computational technology for environmental simulation and analysis to perform an iterative design to achieve a successful green building design.

Digital Construction & Fabrication [30 hours]

Learners will first investigate how we can translate architecture design to standardised components for automating off-site production suitable for just-in-time delivery and installation to maximise productivity and reduce labour and abortive works.

Regulatory Compliance & Submission [60 hours]

Learners will gain a basic understanding of building policies and the range of agencies with their respective codes and regulations. Learners will gain the knowledge and appreciation of the interrelated systems of policies of the different regulatory bodies and the impact on the architectural form and functions of the built environment.

Project Management [30 hours]

Learners will understand essential project management concepts and identify critical knowledge and skills required for successful practice within the built environment. It instils and develops the discipline of information gathering, developing a project brief, planning, implementation, and closing.

Systems & Approaches in Urban Studies [60 hours]

Learners will examine the essential components of urban systems with close reference to the context of Singapore, using various urban analysis and appreciation tools and focusing on psychogeography–a methodology to experience and uncover the hidden layers and systems of the city. Learners will also apply the geographical information system (GIS) tools for an architectural and urban design where objective data can be extracted, analysed and mapped with the other uncovered layers through the earlier methodology.

Design with Nature Studio (WIU) [60 hours]

This "Genius of Nature" studio is a design process using the wisdom found in nature to inform and reveal a new spatial order in architecture. It is devised to create works beyond the limits of one's humanity and ego (thus, ergo) and preconception towards a more eco-centric approach instead. In this process, learners will explore the possibilities of creating spaces, structures, and functions/programs informed by plants and animals' natural order and dynamics in their living context.

Design in Context Studio (WIU) [60 hours]

This studio aims to help learners design according to the rapidly shifting context and perspectives so that they can stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments and trends. Learners will further open their senses and mind and be surprised by what the city offers. Methods in psychogeography are employed to discover the conditions of a place where learners become 'investigators of the ordinary' and see 'our surroundings as a living being that could be observed' and break the familiar acceptance of our reality.

CmUs / WIUs in Year 3

Architectural Practice & Entrepreneurship [60 hour]

Architectural practice and entrepreneurship will acquaint learners with the regulatory laws, guides and requirements that govern architectural practices in Singapore. This will enable learners to understand their roles and career pathways in practice or beyond. Learners will also understand the various forms of contracts involved in the procurement of services.

Architecture & Urbanism [30 hour]

Learners will build on the prior knowledge and competency in urban systems to further examine and interrogate the complexity of the city that will complement the Design Futures Studio and final year projects. Learners will further explore Psychogeography and Lynch's reading of the city. More profound studies and discussions on the built heritage and postmodern urbanism in Singapore will allow learners to develop a more analytical and critical mind.

Portfolio & Development (WIU) [60 hours]

This WIU guides learners to work independently to produce a professional portfolio to consolidate their best works that meet and exceed industry expectations. It also prepares them to present their achievement and portfolio to any potential employers.

Design Futures Studio (WIU) [180 hours]

This WIU provides learners with an opportunity to work on a self-initiated and industry project that adds value to their portfolio in the architecture domain. Through this WIU, learners will synthesise both knowledge and skills learnt throughout the course and deploy different learning approaches for acquiring new knowledge and skills required by the project. They will also communicate their project ideas, progress, and final product delivery through pitches, progress updates, and milestone presentations. Learners will also build their branding for future job applications.

Final Year Project (WIU) [480 / 960 hours]

This 12-week/24-week WIU requires learners to integrate and consolidate principles and applicable skills learnt during their first and second year. Learners will be tasked with completing different projects, which may involve collaborating with industry partners. Learners are expected to present their work at various points throughout the development cycle and will be given feedback on their performance.

Internship Programme (WIU) [480 / 960 hours]

Through this Internship Programme, learners will be assigned to real-life workplace in the build environment industry to receive On-the-Job Training (OJT), where they can apply the competencies and skills acquired in the course. The supervisors and/or mentors will guide the learners to develop the relevant competencies at the workplace.

Five Competency Canvases – where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You are required to complete all five Competency Canvases to graduate.

The following list reflects the Competency Units and Work-Integration Units mapped under each Competency Canvas.

Conceptualisation & Narrative

Effective Storytelling
Ideas & Approaches In Design
Architectural Visualisation
Body Interface Design Studio (WIU)

Architectural Digital Delivery

Architectural Visualisation
Building Structures
Building Information Modelling & Management
Universal Design
Dwelling Design Studio (WIU)

Sustainable Building Strategies & Management

Building Information Modelling & Management
Building Systems Design
Green Strategies in Built Environment
Nature & Systems Analysis
Design with Nature Studio (WIU)

Smart Project & Facilities Management

Building Systems Design
Statutory Compliance & Submission
Project Management
Smart Building & Facilities Management
Design in Context Studio (WIU)

Computational Design

Architectural Visualisation
Architectonics & Construction Optimisation
Digital Construction & Fabrication
Computational & Parametric Design
Design Future Studio (WIU)

Collaboration with Industry Partners

Why Our Partners are On Board

Tai Lee SiangHead of Pillar, Architecture & Sustainable Design
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)"It is a good programme that closely matches the industry transformation map set out by the Building Construction Authority of Singapore. It is the right move to focus on the sustainability of all the course competencies.

This new curriculum structure gives learners a great head start on picking up the profound transformation required in the areas of Building Construction & Optimisation and Integrated Digital Delivery upon graduation. The School of Design & Media has made a sound decision to move towards the Professional Competency Model (PCM), equipping its learners to meet the increased demand for graduates armed with expertise in these two areas."

Yvonne SohExecutive Director, Singapore Green Building Council"We are excited to see the emphasis placed on sustainability in the curriculum, with Sustainable Building Strategies & Technologies being one of the five Course Competencies in the diploma programme.

As Singapore continues to champion sustainability in building and construction, graduates with expertise in this area will be at the forefront of developing innovative green building solutions. We look forward to future graduates joining us to push the envelope within an exciting industry that is constantly striving for progress."

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