B.Arch Syllabus and Subjects
B Arch subjects are entirely dedicated to building, construction processes, and design involvement. The Bachelor of Architecture syllabus is divided into 10 semesters with a focus on foundational and specialized subjects.
B Arch course helps students develop their thinking, logical skills, and creative skills, which help them evolve into good architects and designers. B.Arch job scope is extensive in terms of potential career opportunities and appropriate career paths.
Table of Contents
- Semester-Wise B Arch Syllabus & Subjects
- B Arch Subjects
- Specialisation-Wise B Arch Subjects and Syllabus
- B Arch Course Structure
Semester-Wise B Arch Syllabus and Subjects
The B Arch course syllabus slightly differs according to the universities/colleges, but the main focus of the syllabus is standard-planning and design. B.Arch syllabus remains common for the first and second year across all specializations. Starting from the third year, a few subjects in every semester will vary based on the specialization chosen by the student.
The semester-wise syllabus is as follows:
First-Year Syllabus
Below is a table showing the First-Year B Arch Syllabus:
| SEMESTER I | SEMESTER II |
| Architectural Design I | Architectural Design II |
| Visual Arts and Basic Design I | Visual Arts and Basic Design II |
| Computer Applications I | Computer Applications II |
| Building Construction I | Building Construction II |
| Theory of Structures I | Theory of Structures II |
| Environmental Studies | Climate-responsive Design |
| Model making and Workshop | Surveying and Leveling |
| Human Settl. & Vernacular Arch. | History of Architecture I |
| Professional Communications I | Sociology and Culture |
| - | Professional Communications II |
Second-Year Syllabus
Below listed is the second-year B Arch Syllabus:
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Architectural Design III | Architectural Design IV |
| Visual Arts and Basic Design III | Visual Arts and Basic Design IV |
| Computer Applications III | Computer Applications IV |
| Building and Construction III | Building and Construction IV |
| Theory of Structures III | Theory of Structures IV |
| Water, Waste, and Sanitation | Electrification, Lighting & Acoustics |
| Site Planning and Landscape Studies | Solar Active and Passive Systems |
| History of Architecture II | History of Architecture III |
| Art and Architectural Appreciation I | Art and Architectural Appreciation II |
Third Year Syllabus
Here is a table of the third-year B Arch Syllabus:
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Architectural Design V | Architectural Design VI |
| Theory of Structures V | Theory of Structure & Design II |
| HVAC. Mech. Mobility & Fire Safety | Green Systems Integration |
| Energy System & Renewables | Sustainable Urban Habitats |
| History of Architecture IV | Specifications & Contracts |
| Design Methodology II | Contemporary Architecture |
| Art and Architectural Appreciation III | Architectural Theories |
| Arch. Research- Elective III | Art & Architectural Appreciation IV |
| Arch. Research- Elective IV | - |
Fourth Year Syllabus
Below is a table for the fourth-year B Arch syllabus:
| Semester VII | Semester VIII |
|
Architectural Design Studio: Housing |
Practical Training |
| Working Drawings | - |
| Project Management | - |
| Architectural Appreciation IV | - |
| Arch. Research Seminar | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective V | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective VI | - |
Fith Year Syllabus
Below is the fifth-year B.Arch Syllabus:
| Semester IX | Semester X |
| Building Economics | General Proficiency |
| Professional Practice | Architecture Training |
| Urban Design Studies | - |
| Arch. Research Dissertation/ Art Thesis | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective VII | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective VIII | - |
B Arch Subjects
The subjects taught in the B.Arch course are mostly similar for all the colleges, but they may vary depending on the institution's course module. Below are the B Arch course subjects:
- History of Architecture
- Types of Structures
- Design Applications
- Building Construction
- Building Science & Services
- Architectural Design Studio
- Computer & Software Lab
- Interior Architecture & Space Programming
- Workshop Practice
B Arch Core Subjects
Common branch subjects include architectural drafting, art and design, building construction, and structural theory. These are covered throughout the course to provide a solid foundation for further study in various aspects of architectural research.
Below are B Arch core subjects that help students understand foundational topics in the course:
- Visual Arts and Design
- Building Construction
- Theory of Structures
- Theory of Structures
- Building Science & Services
- Architectural Design
- Design Applications
- History of Architecture
B.Arch Elective Subjects
The B Arch syllabus is primarily based entirely on a choice-based totally system in which students select from a set range of optionally available topics primarily based entirely on their interests. Below given are B Arch elective subjects:
- Facade Engineering
- Tall Buildings
- Modular Coordination
- Earthquake-Resistant buildings
- Construction Mechanism
- Campus Planning
- Interior Design
- Industrial Design
- Exhibition Design
- Information Systems
- Design Outreach as Social Responsibility
B Arch Laboratory Subjects
The Bachelor of Architecture laboratory subjects aim to provide students with practical experience designing and constructing architectural structures. Below are B.Arch laboratory subjects:
- Surveying LabComputer Application – I (2D & 3D)
- Architectural Design Studio
- Building Construction
- Working Drawing
B.Arch Syllabus in Detail
The B Arch curriculum at various universities varies according to the semester schedule and other factors. The following are some of the most common subjects taught in most universities, divided into semesters:
| Semester | Core/Elective | Subject Title | Subject Details |
| 1 | Core | Mathematics-I | One of the simple and complex mathematical concepts presented in this subject are Derivatives, Harmonic Analysis, Fourier Transforms, and Gamma And Beta Functions. |
| Architectural Graphics | This topic covers fundamental concepts such as geometry, orthographic projections, planes, and solids in various positions. | ||
| 2 | Core | Building Materials | This course introduces the concepts of building material properties, classification, durability, and structural aspects through the testing of cement, stone, concrete, paint, and glass. |
| History of Architecture | The subject deals with the history and evolution of architecture. | ||
| Theory of Structures | The subject focuses on the introduction of forms of structure and their application in the process. | ||
| 3 | Core | Theory of Design | In the subject, a historical narrative has drawn toward architectural theories in regard to concepts of structure, spatial systems, etc. |
| Structural Design | In the subject, the focus is on the concepts of methods of mixed designs, fundamentals and principles of simple pre-tensioned and post-tensioned beams, etc. | ||
| 4 | Core | Building Construction II | A more hands-on approach with an introduction to concepts of finishing, flooring, detailing, and escalating fabrication and erection techniques. |
| Elective | Water Supply and Sanitation | As the name suggests the primary goal of the subject is to make students familiar with water supply techniques, plumbing systems, drainage facilities, and wastewater management. | |
| 5 | Elective | Architectural Acoustics | The focus of the subject is mainly on basic concepts of architectural acoustics, construction details, and sound behavior in closed spaces. |
| Core | Environmental Studies for Architecture | Architecture also focuses on the environmental aspect, the impact of raw materials, deforestation, and many other topics concerning the environment. | |
| 6 | Core | Estimation, Costing, and Valuation | In the subject, the concepts of quantity surveying and abstract are focused on equal importance to detailed estimates of building work, and valuation and cost analysis principles. |
| Interior Design | In this part, students are taught the aesthetics of the interior, spaces, and sound of the environment | ||
| 7 | Core | Landscape Architecture | The course also focuses on the landscape of the area and the garden aesthetics of an area. It touches on the element of landscaping, the design process, and patterns. |
| Housing | The prime matter of the subject is to deal with housing problems in India and the policies derived to combat the problem. | ||
| 8 | Core | Computer Application in Architecture | The main topic of discussion is the use of computer-aided architecture applications and their rationale. |
| Architectural Design and Field Tour | Urban-scale design development is considered from socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral perspectives in the field of study. |
Specialization-Wise B Arch Syllabus and Subjects
B Arch course's primary is to provide students with knowledge of identifying, analyzing, and solving problems, as well as architectural presentation skills. Students can choose specialization subjects as per their area of interest and expertise from the third year. Below are B Arch subjects list along with popular specializations:
B Arch Architectural Design Subjects and Syllabus
The B Arch Architectural Design subjects focus on simple and complex topics that include design principles, spatial clarity, and drawing visualization of basic structures. The B Arch Architectural Design subjects are as follows:
- Architectural Designing
- Visual Arts
- Basic Design
- Theory of Structure
B Arch Landscape Architecture Subjects and Syllabus
The B Arch Landscape Architecture subjects focus on developing an understanding of architecture planning from urban to green infrastructure planning. The B Arch Landscape Architecture subjects are as follows:
- Environmental Science
- Building and Energy
- Modern and Contemporary Indian Architecture
- Principles of Human Settlement
B Arch Interior Design Subjects and Syllabus
The B Arch Interior Design subjects focus on developing an understanding of the interior design industry through basic to advanced subjects. The B Arch Interior Design subjects are as follows:
- Building Sciences
- Construction, Services & Materials
- Building Management
- Interior Materials and Products
Read More: B Arch Interior Design Subjects and Syllabus
Other Important B.Arch Subjects & Syllabus:
- B Arch in Building Construction Technology Subjects and Syllabus
- B Arch Computer-Aided Design Subjects and Syllabus
- B Arch Environment & Sustainability Subjects and Syllabus
B Arch Course Structure
The B.Arch course is designed to enable learning space management for maximum utility and architectural planning and design. The B Arch course structure is as follows:
- X Semesters
- Training
- Core Subjects
- Elective Subjects
Bachelor of Architecture Teaching Methodology and Techniques
Teaching and learning strategies have different implications for courses, which enhances the learning aspect of the course. Below mentioned are teaching methods and techniques for B Arch course:
- Workshops and Seminars
- Research Projects
- Traditional Lectures
- Group Discussions
- Exhibitions
B Arch Projects
The B Arch projects are of two types. One is the prolonged project taken for the entire semester. The other one is a time problem that has to be completed in a specific duration of time.
Below mentioned are a few common B Arch projects:
- Mount Lico for a life that adapts to extreme conditions in Aknar, Tamanrasset by Touahri Meriem
- The Idea Market - Creative Trading Hub in Port Fuad, Egypt by Ahmed Samy
- A Villa in a Cave Designed by Alessandro Pagliuca
B Arch Books
In order to get a deep or in-depth knowledge, there are certain books published by the architect-authors, who have opened up about their thought process, and thus help in being more creative and involve more aspects of design and logical thinking.
Below mentioned are a few B Arch course books:
| Name | Author |
| 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School | Matthew Frederick |
| Architecture: Form, Space, & Order | Francis D.K. Ching |
| A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction | Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa |
| Yes is More. An Archicomic on Architectural Evolution | Bjarke Ingels |
Top B.Arch [Bachelor of Architecture] Colleges
Top Architecture Entrance Exams
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B.Arch Fee Structure
FAQs on B.Arch Syllabus and Subjects
Q: What are the subjects in the B Arch course?
A: The B Arch course offers a wide range of architectural-related topics, including architectural design, building construction, structural analysis and design, architectural history, landscape architecture, urban design, and professional practice.
Q: What are the elective subjects in the B Arch course?
A: The elective subjects in the B Arch course are Modular Coordination Earthquake-Resistant buildings, Construction Mechanisms, Campus Planning, Industrial Design, Exhibition Design, etc.
Q: Which books to refer to in B.Arch's first year?
A: For B Arch 1st year, students can refer to books such as Architectural Graphics by Francis D.K. Ching, A Global History of Architecture by Francis D.K. Ching and Mark Jarzombek, Thinking Architecture by Peter Zumthor, etc.
Q: What are the trending B Arch research project topics?
A: The trending B Arch project topics are Managing the risk of high-end infrastructures, Cons of inexpensive and powerful structures, Improving the accessibility of the landscape for those with impairments, etc.
Q: Is maths required for B Arch?
A: Yes, maths is a mandatory eligibility to join Bachelor of Architecture.
Q: Which stream is best for architecture?
A: Candidates must have opted for the science stream with English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects.
