The transition to college is an exciting time in your life, full of many changes. The School of Architecture at Northeastern University would like to help make this transition as smooth as possible, and we would like to tell you a bit more about some of the requirements that are specific to the architecture program.
The freshman year is the introductory studio to the architecture program. This course introduces students to many techniques, processes, and skills that will further enhance their understanding of architecture, as well as their ability to represent and communicate their own ideas. It familiarizes students with basic concepts of architecture through a series of design problems, while challenging preconceptions about architecture. Emphasis will be placed on the formation of ideas, and the abilities of the student to carry these ideas throughout their designs in a clear and precise manner, using basic drawing and modeling skills.
Due to the 'newness' of the content and skill level being developed, the workload in the freshman studio class may seem daunting at first. The course is typically longer than all other University courses, meeting for a total of six hours a week. The workload in relation to those contact hours is more than those in a typical six credit course that meets for only three or four hours a week. As skill levels increase in the first month of the studio class, the workload generally becomes more manageable.
As part of the course, typical in all architecture departments, each student is required to purchase certain supplies and tools necessary for the completion of design projects. The cost of these supplies is approximately $180.00. There are also supplies that are more temporary in nature like wood, chipboard, or cardboard, that are used in design models. These are purchased over the course of the entire semester. The initial kit can be found at the Commercial Art Supply website), and should be purchased prior to the beginning of the semester. The kits will be delivered to the school in time for the first class. Any questions regarding this kit should be directed to Paul Petrino at ppetrino@commercialartsupply.com.
We wish you good luck in your transition to college and our architecture program. Congratulations and welcome. If you have any further questions or concerns about the freshman curriculum please do not hesitate to contact Chris Grimley (Foundation Studio Coordinator) via email at c.grimley@neu.edu or our College of Arts and Sciences academic advisor Katie Cameron at 617-373-8980 or by email at k.cameron@neu.edu .