Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture is a Basic First Stage pre-professional qualification in the pathway leading to qualification as an Architect in Malaysia. The Council of Architectural Accreditation and Education Malaysia (CAAEM) or Majlis Akreditasi dan Pendidikan Senibina (MAPS) Malaysia is the body empowered by the Board of Architects Malaysia or Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) to regulate and monitor architectural education and accreditation of Architecture programmes in Malaysia. The programme aims to provide exemption from LAM Part I Examination and is the Basic First Stage pre-professional architectural qualification as well as meeting the professional criteria. The programme develops transferable skills that support careers in other related fields and disciplines.

The APU Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture is approved by Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) and provisionally accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

    Pass an Interview OR submission of Portfolio as required.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes of Architectural Design Studios

The objectives of the Architectural Design Studios are to:

• Engage inquiry-based learning within the design studio through the process of research, analysis and synthesis;
• Develop students’ conceptual thinking of architectural design as a response to the design brief
• Develop analytical and problem-solving skills through increasing complexities of a design work which synthesise issues relating to the site context, human needs, societies/communities, environment, technology and practice;
• Provide a studio context for teamwork, leadership, time management and communication skills;
• Provide a context for application and integration of different issues relating to environment, technology, cultural context and practice.

Upon completion of the Architectural Design Studio modules, students should be able to demonstrate coherent architectural designs that integrate knowledge of:

• The ways that analysis, research, context, budget, preparation and development of a brief inform a design proposal;
• The regulatory frameworks, and health and safety considerations that guide design and building construction;
• Architectural histories and theories, of physical, artistic and cultural contexts, and their use in informing the design process.

Students should also acquire transferrable or generic skills as follows:

• Communicate effectively using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise;
• Work in ways which draw on critical reflection of one’s own and others’ roles and responsibilities;
• Work as a member of a group;
• Manage time and work to meet deadlines;
• Produce and compile own output for scheduled presentations during all stages of design;
• Organise, synthesise and present information effectively.

Programme Philosophy

APU’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture is a practice-based course engaged with the material world, wherein students produce objects or spaces of experience. In doing so, the programme challenges the idea that students’ work at an architecture school can only be a representation of architecture. The programme is a spatial practice that generates works that are independent final products and could be called a work of architecture even though they are not buildings. The student work can take on various material and immaterial forms.

Spatial design learning is based around a sequence of design projects which increase in complexity as the programme progresses. As students move through the programme, the outcomes of design project assignments become less defined, thereby engendering a more collaborative learning space. Design project assignments are supported by design conversations formally structured around the design tutorial. Typically, these are provided each week within the ‘studio day’, which is typically a full day of learning and teaching involving tutorials in small groups or 1:1 sessions, seminar discussions, workshops and learning tasks. The use of different learning-teaching formats during studio days varies from week to week depending upon the requirements of an assignment at that time.

The architectural design studios are given a theme so the students can immerse into the teaching and learning. Themes enrich the educational experience by providing structure, relevance, and inspiration to the architectural design process. The studio within each semester are given the following themes:

Thematic Design Studio

Attaching a theme to an architectural design studio programme provides focus and direction, guiding participants in their creative process and encouraging an in-depth exploration of specific ideas. It ensures cohesion and unity among projects, resulting in a more meaningful and coherent body of work. Themes inspire creativity by offering a starting point for ideas and challenging participants to explore innovative solutions. They also facilitate contextual learning by relating to current architectural trends, social issues, or historical contexts, allowing participants to engage with real-world problems. Additionally, themes help develop specific skills and knowledge relevant to the given context, provide a basis for assessment and evaluation, and make the design process more engaging and motivating.

Our architecture programme is designed to provide a balanced and comprehensive education by categorising modules into different streams. This structure ensures that students receive in-depth knowledge and skills across all essential areas of architectural practice.
 

“As an Architect, you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.” - Norman Foster

“Yes is more.” - Bjarke Ingels

Programmes and Module Features

Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Design, Communication & Management Practice and Law

Good design is a combination of architectural knowledge and the execution of the work. Besides strengthening the graduates with basic knowledge of manual sketching and drawing, we embed the programme with BIM, a revolutionary approach that integrates design, construction, and management processes. Students will look at architecture not only in three dimensions, but to see it beyond completion (4D) and through building maintenance and management (5D) with BIM technology, enabling them to create detailed and accurate digital representations of buildings and asset management. This proficiency not only enhances design efficiency but also fosters collaborative workflows and improves project outcomes for future practice and contract management. By mastering BIM, our graduates will be prepared to lead in an increasingly digital and interconnected landscape that covers architectural practice.

Architectural Identity (AI) for Cultural Context

We believe that architecture is a powerful expression of cultural, historical, and social identities. Our programme encourages students to explore and celebrate architectural identity through a deep understanding of context, heritage, and innovation. By engaging with diverse architectural traditions and contemporary practices, students will learn to create designs that are both contextually relevant and forward-thinking. This holistic approach ensures that our graduates can contribute meaningfully to the built environment, preserving and enriching the cultural fabric of communities.

Sustainable Design (SD) for Technology and Environment

Sustainability is a fundamental principle that underpins our architectural education. We are committed to fostering a design philosophy that prioritise environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Through coursework and hands-on projects, students will explore sustainable design strategies and technologies that minimise environmental impact and promote resilience. Our graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create buildings that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow, contributing to a sustainable and equitable future.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture programme is a comprehensive and forward-thinking course of study that integrates BIM, architectural identity, and sustainable design. Our graduates will emerge as innovative and responsible architects, capable of shaping the future of the built environment with creativity, integrity, and a profound respect for both people and planet.

Design, Communication, Management Practice & Law

The programme attributes for the next generation of Graduate Architect

Programme Approach

APU’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture is a practice-based programme deeply engaged with the material world, where students create objects or spaces of experience. This approach challenges the notion that students’ work in architecture school is merely a representation of architecture. Instead, the programme establishes a spatial practice that produces works considered independent final products—true works of architecture, even if they are not buildings. Student work can take on various material and immaterial forms, showcasing the diverse nature of architectural practice.
 

“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” - Frank Gehry

Programme Content: Descriptions and Features of Module Streams

The curriculum has five areas of study known as Module Streams, each with their distinctive features:

Module Stream 1: Design

Description: Students will study Design and Design skills, areas that are most important in the practice and life of an architect. The ability to design is a skill that will benefit the individual and the society and nation. Design endeavours to devise solutions to problems and ease humankind’s efforts that hinder progress and quest for a better life for current and future generations.

Features:

i. Students integrate knowledge and skills gained from the other module streams into their design work.
ii. Interim reviews are conducted as “butter paper” days to encourage use of hand sketches in the design process.
iii. Students produce working drawings to demonstrate their construction competency with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software.
iv Students learn current practices and trends through exposure to professional practitioners during class and review sessions.
v. Students compile design portfolios to demonstrate their thought process.

Module Stream 2: Technology and Environmental Studies

Description: Students will undertake Technical Studies, setting their sights on the wondrous achievements of humankind in our ability to produce the wonders of the world, monuments and landmarks that speak of a country’s aspirations and achievements, to find solutions to imposing construction constraints while always stretching the limits of material capabilities and discover new materials that will allow new construction systems and technologies to emerge. Students will undertake Environmental Studies, pertinent in the current age of environmental protection and conservation, to design buildings that respond to nature and the natural surroundings to complement existing conditions without altering or destroying our natural resources.

Features:

i. Students learn construction, technology and sustainable design through site visits, sketching, model-making, workshop, practitioner’s talks, etc.
ii. The knowledge gained provides opportunities for students to experiment and understand the relationship between design and construction, technology and structure.
iii. Students undertake hands-on and experimental projects such as lab work, research and competitions to allow them to experiment and understand the relationship between design and climate, sustainability and the environment.

Module Stream 3: Cultural Context / Humanities

Description: Students will undertake Cultural, Artistic and Social Studies, in the areas of art, architectural theories and historical studies. The basis of design stems from an appreciation and understanding of culture and history. Lessons from the past are still applicable today and reminders of the greatness that humankind can achieve.

Features:

i. Students use precedent studies as part of the design process.
ii. Students participate in projects that contribute to the well-being of society.
iii. Students learn current scenarios in architectural practices, through studies and investigation of places and architectural forms.
iv Students build understanding in architectural identity to foster design that is responsive not only in site context, but culturally too.
v. Students are involved in coordination and management of public events, i.e., seminars, symposia and study excursions.


Module Stream 4: Communication

Description: Students will gain Communication and Documentation skills, essential practical skills for studio and practice in the areas of drawing, visualisation, computing and video graphics.

Features:

i. Students learn to compose orthographic architectural drawings.
ii. Students develop observation skills, sketching and rendering techniques.
iii. Students learn innovative presentation techniques, both manual and digital especially in BIM and AI.
iv Students are aware of the differences between the quantity of drawings produced and the quality of communication of drawings.
v. Students are taught the fundamentals of photography, video making and video editing.
vi. Students learn multimedia techniques of incorporating still drawings into digital media and incorporating music to enhance presentations.


Module Stream 5: Management Practice and Law

Description: Students will learn Professional Studies, to equip them with the skills, attitude and knowledge required to practice in the industry.

Features:

i. Students learn industry -standard documentation methods - drawings and written reports.
ii. Students experience teamwork and collaborative learning.
iii. Students learn about other professions in the construction industry that complement architecture.
iv Students visit architectural firms to understand and immerse themselves in practice.
v. Students study the commercial viability of their designs via integration of studio learning and project management.
 

“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” - Frank Gehry

"Architecture is the stage on which we live our lives." - Mariam Kamara

Our architecture programme encourages a spirit of enquiry to advance knowledge through rigorous, exploratory and playful processes. Throughout the curriculum, projects and modules have been designed to foreground ‘design enquiry’ and ‘explorative process’ leading to a resolved and synthesised architectural language. The objective is to assist students to develop their own visual language, one that is formed of both spatial and material sophistication. As this will be a new way of thinking for many students who may not necessarily have a design or arts background, all design briefs will be written to scaffold students’ learning through design-led stepping stones. The objective is for students to avoid producing a building as an object that is believed to be ‘the’ answer that solves ‘the’ problem. Instead, we aim for students to leave APU with an enquiry-led approach to architectural design with the skills to tackle complex problems and synthesise complex ideas to produce critical work that is relevant to current global conditions and needs.

School of Architecture & Built Environment at APU

The Art and Science of Designing and Making Buildings

Next Generation of Graduate Architects

The School of Architecture and Built Environment is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of graduate architects who are proficient in designing not only through hand sketch but to master Building Information Modelling (BIM), deeply rooted in architectural identity, and committed to sustainable design. 

Our curriculum is designed to align with government and industry blueprints especially on Hala Tuju Pendidikan Senibina Negara 2030 (National Architectural Education Roadmap 2030 - HTPSN 2030) that is as the core inspiration while supported by other blueprints such as National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy, CIDB’s Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan, and National Industry ESG Framework to equip students with the creative vision, technical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to address contemporary architectural challenges and opportunities. This is to make sure students cover all aspects of architectural knowledge and skills in Design, Technology and Environment, Cultural Context, Communication, & Management Practice and Law.

The National Architectural Education Roadmap 2030 inspires to create curriculum that is relevant today and the future as well as integrates cutting-edge digital technologies into the curriculum that are aligned with Industry 4.0, fostering collaboration with industry partners to enhance learning and teaching. It also promotes a value-driven approach, incorporating local wisdom and sustainability principles, ensuring graduates are proficient in digital tools, culturally aware, and committed to sustainable practices. This then emphasises into our programme with three main attributes crucial for the advancement of the graduates: Building Information Modelling (BIM), Architectural Identity, and Sustainable Development.