12 Weeks • Self-Paced • Beginner Friendly
Build a comprehensive understanding of architectural principles, design thinking, and spatial composition through structured learning modules.
This comprehensive course introduces the fundamental concepts and methodologies that form the basis of architectural thinking and design practice.
Architectural Foundations is designed for individuals who are beginning their exploration of architecture or seeking to strengthen their understanding of core principles. The course balances theoretical concepts with practical applications, providing a solid foundation for further study.
Through a combination of lectures, readings, visual analysis exercises, and design projects, you will develop an understanding of how architects think about space, form, function, and context. The course emphasizes critical thinking and encourages you to develop your own perspective while learning from historical and contemporary examples.
This is a self-paced course, allowing you to engage with materials on a schedule that suits your commitments. While the recommended timeline is 12 weeks, you have lifetime access to all course materials and can progress at your own pace.
12 weeks (self-paced)
5-7 hours per week
Beginner to Intermediate
Video lectures, readings, exercises
Lifetime access to materials
Upon completion
Understand the fundamental principles that govern architectural composition: proportion, scale, rhythm, balance, and hierarchy.
Develop the ability to conceptualize, analyze, and manipulate three-dimensional space through various representational methods.
Explore how architectural ideas have evolved through history and how past precedents inform contemporary practice.
Learn how materials behave, how they influence design decisions, and their expressive possibilities in architecture.
Develop systematic approaches to design problems, from initial concept development through iterative refinement.
Learn to communicate design ideas effectively through sketching, diagramming, and architectural representation.
Begin with foundational concepts: What is architecture? How do architects think? Understanding the relationship between form, function, and meaning.
Explore the basic building blocks: point, line, plane, and volume. Understanding how these elements combine to create architectural form.
Understand architecture as experiential space. How do people perceive and move through buildings? The role of light, materiality, and atmosphere.
Every building exists in a context. Learn to analyze sites and understand how architecture responds to climate, topography, and cultural setting.
Develop your design thinking skills. Learn structured approaches to problem-solving, from initial concepts to detailed development.
Engage with current architectural discourse: sustainability, social responsibility, and future challenges. Complete a comprehensive design project.
Professionally produced video content covering key concepts, supplemented with visual examples and case studies from architectural history and contemporary practice.
Curated texts, articles, and excerpts from significant architectural writings provide deeper context and theoretical frameworks for understanding design.
Hands-on projects allow you to apply concepts practically. Exercises range from analytical studies to creative design proposals.
This course is designed as an educational resource to help you develop foundational knowledge in architectural design. While we provide comprehensive instruction and structured learning materials, your progress depends significantly on your engagement, practice, and dedication to the material.
The course does not constitute professional architectural training or licensure preparation. It is intended for educational enrichment and personal development. Success in the course depends on your willingness to engage critically with concepts, complete exercises thoughtfully, and practice the skills introduced.
We encourage you to view this course as one component of ongoing learning in architecture. The field is vast and continually evolving, and we recommend supplementing this course with additional reading, observation of built works, and continued study beyond our platform.
Contact us to learn more about enrollment, payment options, and getting started with Architectural Foundations.
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