RISD Undergraduate Degrees - BFA: Architecture

Architecture at RISD emphasizes the architect's dual role as a communicator of culture and a builder of structures that respond to societal needs. With that in mind, the program prepares you to enter the profession by first addressing the knowledge required for making architecture and, second, by underscoring the complexities of the discipline and the responsibilities inherent in practicing architecture.

As a student in the department, you will learn to think critically; to produce architecture through both reflection and invention; to build using a variety of materials; to understand the technical aspects of architecture; to communicate ideas through drawing, model making, writing and speaking; and to be socially and ethically engaged in society.

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• Design Principles (fall)
• Materials and Methods of Construction (fall)
• Manual Representation (fall)
• Elective or Architectural History Seminar (fall)
• Digital Representation (spring)
• Architectural Design (spring)
• Modern Architecture (spring)
• Statistics and Strength of Materials (spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Sophomores
In your first year in the program, which is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, you will be exposed to the fundamentals of the field — design, material performance, digital and manual representation, and architectural history.

• Urban Design Principles (fall)
• Environmental Design I (fall)
• Elective or Architectural History Seminar (fall)
• Environmental Design II (spring)
• Advanced Studio (spring)
• Major or non-major electives (spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)
• Professional Internship (summer)

Juniors
As a junior, you will solidify your work by focusing on architectural, urban design and environmental issues, and engaging in advanced topics in architectural history.

• Integrated Building Systems I (fall)
• Wood and Steel
• Concrete and Masonry
• Major electives (fall/spring)
• Liberal Arts courses (fall/spring)
• Non-major elective (fall)
• Wintersession course

Seniors
During the final year of the BFA program, you will take an integrated approach to materials and building systems as they respond to complex architectural design problems.

• Advanced Studio (fall)
• Degree Project Seminar (fall)
• Integrated Building Systems II (fall)
• Principles of Professional Practice (spring)
• Degree Project (spring)
• Major or non-major electives (spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Fifth-years
As a Bachelor of Architecture candidate, you will focus on intensive investigation and analysis of building systems, professional practice and design as part of your final, self-determined de-gree project.