Bachelor of Architecture (BARCH)
Architecture has often been cited as an emblem of civilization and as we progress through the new millennium, its importance is evident in the high quality of modern urban environments exemplified by international cities such as Dubai. The Bachelor of Architecture (BARCH) program at Al Ghurair University is offered to students as an opportunity to engage in an evolving academic journey as the UAE, through an emphasis on Higher Education, shapes its civilization through a strong awareness of its architectural past and the seemingly limitless possibilities for the future.
Consequently, this five-year program focuses on studio-based classes and various specialized electives, along with a number of general education and elective courses. The program helps students to establish direct links with professional design and planning firms by matching industry needs through internships and design project placements. Students have the opportunity to participate in live real-time projects handled by the College of Architecture and Design through its in-house project office. In this way, students acquire design and technical experience of projects that are targeted for construction. By the time of graduation, students are well versed in tackling a variety of architecture projects ranging in scale from a modest one-bedroom apartment to an extensive and highly complex urban development.
BARCH graduates have secured positions in multidisciplinary firms (architecture, interior design, engineering), architecture design and planning firms, municipalities and governmental authorities, As the nation continues to invest in and develop, many large-scale architecture projects such as the Dubai Metro Red Line extension, Dubai Harbor Creek project, Jubail Island, the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, in addition to many residential projects throughout the UAE, our architecture graduates have a high opportunity to secure employment not only within the seven Emirates but also throughout and beyond the MENA region.
Graduation Requirements
A student of the BARCH program must achieve a CGPA of not less than 2.0 out of 4.0 points, have earned at least 50% of program credits at AGU, and have passed 160 credits hours for the award of the BARCH degree.
Accreditation Status
The Bachelor of Architecture (BARCH) program was approved by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE, and students at AGU were first admitted during academic year 2015-16. The BARCH program is currently examining international recognition through accreditation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) .
Faculty and Staff Information
John Alexander Smith (College Dean)
Professor
PhD
Major in Architecture and Landscape Design
RIBA (1980)
j.smith@agu.ac.ae
Dalia Hafiz (Program Coordinator)
Assistant Professor
PhD
Major in Architecture
Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech), USA
d.hafiz@agu.ac.ae
Yasmeen Gul
Assistant Professor
PhD
Major in Urban Planning
University Technology Malaysia
yasmeen.gul@agu.ac.ae
Maruan Halabi
Associate Professor
PhD
Major in Architecture
Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
maruan.halabi@agu.ac.ae
Rashma RSV
Assistant Professor
PhD
Major in Civil Engineering
National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, India.
rashma.rsv@agu.ac.ae
Orwa Lakis
Teaching Assistant
Bachelor
Major in Interior Design
Al-Ghurair University, Dubai, UAE
orwa.lakis@agu.ac.ae
Program Goals
- Prepare students who are attracted to a program that encourages them, through quality faculty input, to think in a multidimensional and interactive way, while integrating design skills, and human and physical aspects in a professional manner.
- Prepare students, through a critical attitude of inquiry, able to make informed choices and decisions based on knowledge and understanding of the principles that underpin the history and theory of architecture, interior, and urban design.
- Prepare students who, through faculty guidance and ongoing research, critically examine the complex factors that contribute to an understanding of the human, socio-cultural, and economic dimensions of architectural design, particularly in the context of locally themed, community-based projects, environmental protection, and appropriate technologies selection.
- Prepare the students ethically and technically to embrace the profession of architecture while connecting with society.
- Prepare the students to communicate effectively, adequately, and ethically about the architecture profession within the university environment and outside when graduated
Program Learning Outcomes
- Produce design that acknowledges and integrates fundamental design skills
- Produce design or work that integrates knowledge of building technology, construction, systems and materials in a creative and original manner.
- Produce design or work that demonstrates knowledge of fundamentals in history and theory of architecture.
- Produce design or work that acknowledges and integrates the human, socio-cultural and economic aspects at the local, regional, and global levels.
- Produce design or work that demonstrates awareness, concern and understanding of the physical context as well as environmental and ecological issues.
- Produce design or work that demonstrates an understanding of the architectural practice in terms of administrative, financial, legal terms and observe ethical standards.
- Demonstrate the ability to produce and present architectural designs or documentation by communicating clearly and effectively in oral, writing, and graphical forms as well as advanced digital software and media.
For Enrollment and Graduation data, click here.