ARCH560 Advanced Architectural Structures
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Oct 10, 2025
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Architecture
Nerma Omićević
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
To develop the students' capability to recognize, find and apply the proper architectural structure and material for complex buildings, solving the demanding spans and site codition.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Chudley, R. & Greeno, R., Advanced Building Technology, 2006.; Subramanian, N. Principles of Space Structures, Wheeler and Co Allahabad, 1983.
Additional Literature
Teaching Methods
Class discussions with examples
Active tutorial sessions for engaged learning and continuous feedback on progress
Class debates on relevant case studies
Presentations
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the course. Explanation of tasks and expectations. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 2 | Architectural structures. Systematization. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 3 | Construction and form | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 4 | Structural elements: Beams and slabs Arches and catenaries, vaults, domes and curved membranes, Trusses, Portal frames and space frames | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 5 | Aesthetic theories of the expression of structural function in architectural form | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 6 | Structural Systems: single and double layer grids, braced domes, ribbed domes, plate type domes Network domes, Lamella domes, Geodesic domes, Grid domes | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 7 | Midterm exam | |
| 8 | Space frames, folded plates, shells, cyclonical shells, Hyperbolic paraboloids, free forms | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 9 | Cable structures, Simply curved suspended roofs, combination of cables and struts | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 10 | Curtain walls, Types of curtain walls and their components structural problems | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 11 | Analysis of referent examples | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 12 | Advanced materials. Presentations. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 13 | Advanced materials. Presentations. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. |
| 14 | Project design assignments. | |
| 15 | Preparation for final exam |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Active tutorials
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
In-term exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 5
Presentation
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 3 5
Project Assignment
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 4 ECTS credit course corresponds to 100 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
15 hours ⏳ (15 week × 1 h)
Presentations
10 hours ⏳ (5 week × 2 h)
Active tutorials
15 hours ⏳ (15 week × 1 h)
Home study
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Project Assignment
6 hours ⏳ (3 week × 2 h)
In-term exam study
6 hours ⏳ (6 week × 1 h)
Final Exam study
3 hours ⏳ (3 week × 1 h)
100 Total Workload Hours
4 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [ARCH560] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Oct 10, 2025 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| ARCH560 | Advanced Architectural Structures | 3 | 0 | 4 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | None | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | Nerma Omićević | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Wednesday: 9:30-12:00 Thursday: 9:30-12:00 |
|||||||
| nomicevic@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | To develop the students' capability to recognize, find and apply the proper architectural structure and material for complex buildings, solving the demanding spans and site codition. | |||||||||
| Textbook | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R., Advanced Building Technology, 2006.; Subramanian, N. Principles of Space Structures, Wheeler and Co Allahabad, 1983. | |||||||||
| Additional Literature | ||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Class discussions with examples. Active tutorial sessions for engaged learning and continuous feedback on progress. Class debates on relevant case studies. Presentations. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | |||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Introduction to the course. Explanation of tasks and expectations. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Architectural structures. Systematization. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Construction and form | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Structural elements: Beams and slabs Arches and catenaries, vaults, domes and curved membranes, Trusses, Portal frames and space frames | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Aesthetic theories of the expression of structural function in architectural form | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Structural Systems: single and double layer grids, braced domes, ribbed domes, plate type domes Network domes, Lamella domes, Geodesic domes, Grid domes | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Midterm exam | |||||||||
| Week 8 | Space frames, folded plates, shells, cyclonical shells, Hyperbolic paraboloids, free forms | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 9 | Cable structures, Simply curved suspended roofs, combination of cables and struts | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Curtain walls, Types of curtain walls and their components structural problems | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Analysis of referent examples | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Advanced materials. Presentations. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Advanced materials. Presentations. | Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Project design assignments. | |||||||||
| Week 15 | Preparation for final exam | |||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Active tutorials | 15 | 10 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Not Allowed | |
| In-term exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Presentation | 1 | 20 | 1,3,5 | Not Allowed | |
| Project Assignment | 1 | 10 | Not Allowed | ||
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 1 | 15 | 15 | Presentations | 2 | 5 | 10 | |||
| Active tutorials | 1 | 15 | 15 | Home study | 3 | 15 | 45 | |||
| Project Assignment | 2 | 3 | 6 | In-term exam study | 1 | 6 | 6 | |||
| Final Exam study | 1 | 3 | 3 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 100 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 4 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 20/10/2025 | |||||||||