Final Project Documentation & Specifications

This section focuses on the preparation of comprehensive final project documentation, including detailed contract drawings and specifications, ensuring they accurately reflect the design intent and are suitable for construction and contractual purposes.  You will learn the general and specific functions of working drawings, which communicate building design information in a graphic format, illustrating the extent, location, and quantity of various building elements.  Key components of construction documents covered include bidding requirements, contract forms, contract conditions, specifications (Div 00-49), drawings (title blocks, plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules), addenda, and contract modifications.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles of specification writing, including clarity, directness, and consistency, and evaluating the components of these documents.

Materials & Engineering Systems

This theme equips you with knowledge about construction materials and their properties, and the principles of various engineering systems. You will learn to choose appropriate materials and construction methods, and evaluate material assemblies.  Topics include identifying properties of load-bearing materials (metal, wood, concrete, masonry), insulating materials, air/vapor/water barriers, finishing materials, and fire resistance materials.  The course also covers Structural, Electrical, and Mechanical (SEM) systems, fire suppression, and civil engineering aspects.  You will evaluate building envelopes in relation to thermal resistance, moisture control, weathertightness, durability, and life cycle, as well as acoustical and firestop assemblies.  Considerations for specifying and designing HVAC systems and methods to improve soil consistency and bearing capacity are also included. 

Sustainable Design Literacy

This section also includes an understanding of sustainable design principles. You will learn to critically analyze key concepts, principles, and approaches of sustainable architecture and urban design, and communicate them effectively.  Topics include understanding the environmental impact of buildings, implications of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and achieving environmental adaptation through building location, form, and metabolism.  It covers passive and active design approaches, building envelopes, and materials in sustainable design.  Knowledge of Canadian green building certification programs like LEED Canada, Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard, Living Building Challenge (LBC), and Passive House Standard is also part of this theme.

• Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects (CHOP): Latest edition from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). 

• The Internship in Architecture Program: 2012, 3rd edition, by Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities.
• ExAC Website: Always refer to the official ExAC website for their comprehensive list of references and resources.

•  Building Construction Illustrated: Latest edition by Ching, F. and Adams C., John Wiley & Sons.

• Mastering the Business of Architecture: 2004, by Stone, D., Ontario Association of Architects.

• LEED Canada Reference Guides (Canada Green Building Council - CaGBC): These guides are essential for understanding the leading green building certification system in Canada.    

•  Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standards (Canada Green Building Council - CaGBC): A made-in-Canada framework for highly energy-efficient buildings that minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

• Passive House standards/guides (Passive House Canada): These resources detail the international standard for energy-efficient buildings.

• Living Building Challenge (LBC) guides (International Living Future Institute): These provide a framework for advanced, regenerative sustainable design.

• RS Means: Includes Assemblies Cost Data, Commercial Renovation Cost Data, Hanscomb Yardsticks for Costing, and Metric Construction Cost Data (current versions) 

• Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services: Document Six, 2017, and Document 9, from the RAIC.