Architectural and Building Technology - Diploma

Rapid advances in technology have increased public expectations of their communities and the buildings constructed in them. Buildings are expected to be designed and constructed to rigorous standards of workmanship and safety while at the same time incorporating all the features that contribute to speed of erection, financial efficiency and user satisfaction.

High public expectations and the dynamic nature of the industry present both a challenge and an opportunity, attractive criteria for any career.

The Program

Architectural and Building Technology (ABT) is a comprehensive, two-year diploma program with a focus on applied learning. It combines sound theoretical knowledge with practical skills and technical training to provide job-ready competencies for immediate application upon entering the workforce. Students learn from industry-based faculty, develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers, and graduate with an industry recognized credential in the design, development, construction, and building science sectors. Many employers seek out graduates from this program to join their companies.

Students follow a fixed curriculum of common courses that includes lectures and practical applications in construction drawing, materials and methods, estimating techniques, building systems, and computer applications. Organized field trips and ‘hands-on’ workshops form part of the curriculum and attendance is required. Students are often able to further their education through summer jobs with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors.

In the second year of the program, in addition to the common academic core, students take an Elective course (subject to departmental approval) in one of three areas of specialization. The Elective courses are:

Architectural:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in architectural offices, offer design services, pursue an architectural degree, or the Architectural Technologist Registration program through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).

Building Science:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in durable building construction, building problem diagnosis, testing of construction assemblies, new materials research and development, and environmental challenges in creating the built environment.

Economics / Construction Operations:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in construction, quantity surveying, estimating, property development, and project management.

The practicum course includes a brief industry-based work placement, which is required for diploma completion. Students may be required to participate in work experience activities at the industry sponsor’s regular place of business.

Note: At the end of the first year of study, students are given the opportunity to declare their first, second, and (by default) third choices for an Elective course based on their career interests. Every effort is made to assign students their preferred elective. However, in cases where demand is greater than available seats, priority will be given to full-time students who have no outstanding prerequisites at the end of year one, then full-time students that have made up missed courses over the summer, then part-time day students, and then returning students. Spaces will be awarded based on academic performance and Cumulative Grade Point Average. Final decisions are made by the department faculty.

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