Supplemental Curricula

The History of Human Building

To build well, one must first understand how and why humans have built at all. This stream explores the deep history of shelter — from early human dwellings to the great architectural traditions of civilizations across the world. Students examine how climate, materials, culture, and social organization have shaped buildings, and in turn, how buildings have shaped human life. From the home to the cathedral to the civic square, this is a study of architecture not just as structure, but as a reflection of who we are.

The Science of Building

Building is applied science. This stream grounds students in the fundamental principles that govern how structures stand, perform, and endure. Through physics, energy systems, and material science, students develop an understanding of forces, heat, flow, and form. Drawing on insights from complexity science, evolution, and scaling laws, the curriculum expands to consider how buildings fit within larger systems — neighbourhoods, cities, and economies. The aim is to produce builders who understand not only how to construct, but how to think about the built world as an interconnected, dynamic system.

Practical Business and Management for Builders

Great builders must also be capable operators. This stream equips students with the practical knowledge required to run projects and businesses in the real world. From contracts and permitting to estimating, scheduling, and financial management, students learn how to deliver work on time and on budget. The curriculum also introduces the fundamentals of real estate development, strategy, and leadership — ensuring graduates are not only skilled in craft, but capable of building and sustaining successful enterprises.