Heading 1

Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet oat cake tootsie roll bear claw. Pastry donut caramels jelly powder gummi bears chocolate bar apple pie.

Heading 2

Cotton candy lollipop candy canes biscuit wafer carrot cake sweet roll jujubes. Cotton candy ice cream candy carrot cake pudding marzipan gingerbread sugar plum lemon drops.

Heading 3

Topping jujubes liquorice ice cream croissant chocolate bar cookie pastry wafer. Cake cake cake.

  • Maps
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • X
  • Y
  • Z

Department Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the Architectural Engineering Program

 

What is Architectural Engineering?

How is it different from Civil Engineering or Architecture?

What makes Cal Poly ARCE special?

Our former Department Head Al Estes has all the answers for you.

Let us know if you have any more questions! arce@calpoly.edu 

 

 

What is the difference between Architecture and Architectural Engineering?

Architects generally design the layout and floor plans of a building, such as amount of space, flow of people, wall placement, fire escapes, etc. Whereas the role of Architectural Engineers are to appreciate the vision of the Architect as well as design a stable building structure, in normal or extreme conditions, such as natural disasters. 

"Both people design, they just design different things." - Al Estes

 

What is the difference Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering?

For the most part, Architectural Engineering is a structures program. CalPoly's Architectural Engineering program is the most intense undergraduate structural engineering program in the country since we cover a great amount of structural engineering content.

On the other hand, Civil Engineering teaches a little about a variety of topics including environmental engineering, transportation, hydraulics, hydrology, soils, construction, and structures. 

In general, Civil Engineering covers a broad range of topics, while Architectural Engineering goes in greater depth, specifically of structures.

 

What makes the CalPoly ARCE program unique?

First, our program is located in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design rather than the College of Engineering, meaning we have a closer connection with the architects. Each ARCE student will take 3 Architecture studios along with Architecture students and faculty.

Second, Architectural Engineering consists of structures, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and construction. An accredited Architectural Engineering program can choose to focus on all or one of the topics. At CalPoly, we choose to focus on structural engineering systems. The includes a minimal amount of electrical and mechanical systems, significant coverage of construction, and a high focus in structures, unlike any other program in the country. 

Additionally, there are practitioners on the faculty -- with decades worth of experience and their structural engineering license -- who teach the design classes. Our program also has a strong connection with the structural design industry, with many opportunities to meet with industry professionals or attend conferences.

Lastly, we also value small classes. Depending on the type of class, there would be a cap of around 16-35 students per class. This allows for significantly more student-faculty interaction. CalPoly's motto is "Learn By Doing," so we prioritize students getting hands on experience through designing, building in the experimental labs, and producing construction documents in the design labs.

 

Related Content