Certificate of Achievement, Design Basics

This field of concentration is designed to provide introductory knowledge of design and drafting software in architecture and related fields. The certificate is design for completion in one semester, preparing students for an associate degree or work placement. 

• Develop foundational drafting and design skills for use in architecture or an allied field. 

Long Beach City College expects to award 25-30 Design Basics Certificates each year.

The Spatial Design program at Long Beach City College creates an educational environment where students can achieve their individual goals by providing the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully transfer to a bachelor program in Architecture or a related field. The program provides students with instruction in the latest technologies, industry standards, and significant industry trends.

In California, houses, schools, hospitals and other institutions are being designed largely by white designers and as a result, cities and buildings often don’t reflect the needs of its residents, particularly in diverse cities like Los Angeles. One way to rectify this is by diversifying the profession – and at Long Beach City College we are poised to do so with our diverse student body. The Spatial Design program upholds the LBCC Mission and ‘is committed to providing equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities.’ This is important work that must be done to serve historically underrepresented identities and the Long Beach community. 

Required Courses Units

ARCHT 61 – Architectural Design Studio I 4

ARCHT 20 - Visual Literacy and Civilization 3

ARCHT 230 – Revit 1 4

ARCHT 32 – SketchUp 1 1.5

ARCHT 34 – AutoCAD Basics 1.5

1st Year, Fall Total 14

Total Award Units: 14

The Spatial Design program is within the Trades department, which works collaboratively with its allied programs such as Metal Fabrication, Construction, and Electrical, not to mention other closely associated programs like Studio Art and Engineering.

Many schools offer ‘drafting’ programs, which we are moving away from. Three regional community colleges offer the thorough overview proposed here: Pasadena City College, El Camino and West LA Community College. By aligning our program away from drafting we will attract more students in the area away from some of the competing drafting programs.

100-200

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