The College of Architecture and Planning Website comes out at a time coinciding with the Inauguration of the University's Main Website by the University Council and with the introduction of a common preliminary year for all new students of the colleges of Architecture and Planning, Engineering and College of Computer Science and Information Sciences. This preparatory year provides intensive courses on English, Mathematics and Computer Skills, and focuses on the development of learning, research and communication skills. The Bulletin also coincides with the college moving into its own premises, a spacious new building providing over 28 thousand meters square of space. This is more than triple the area presently occupied by the college within the building of the College of Engineering.

The College of Architecture and Planning was merely a department in the College of Engineering, and, in the academic year 1404/05H (1984/5G), it was transformed into an independent College. At that time, the total number of students was 280; this number is now over 1050. In parallel, the number of faculty members has risen from 38 to 80. Throughout this time the college has been graduating qualified and talented architects and planners to cater for the requirements of Saudi community and market demands, and contribute to the development of the Kingdom within the contemporary world of science and technology.

In view of the rapid developments in the methods of urban planning and architectural design and construction, the college has continued to upgrade its bachelor and post-graduate study programs regularly. In fact the most recent curriculum reform was implemented just three years ago, in the academic year 1424/25H (2004/04G). The new study plan focuses on the design/planning studio courses – the backbone of education at the college – so as to keep abreast of the rapid developments in science and technology and computer support. Attention has also been given to practical field training, whereby the college has implemented two joint co-operation programs with institutions in Italy and Turkey. These offer summer field training to our students for the coming five years. All this will enable the college achieve worldwide accreditation, a primary concern of the college at present.

Once the college has settled in its new premises, three new departments will be established. These are: Dept. of Interior Architecture, Dept. of Landscape and Dept. Architectural Engineering. This expansion of specialization within the college will give new students more choice to meet their interest. Enrolment is currently 150 students each semester, which represents 25% of applicants. With such expansion in space and academic programs, enrolment is expected to become 250 – an expansion of 70%.

Being a student in the College of Architecture and Planning will offer you the opportunity to explore yourself and develop strong links and relationships with people from different backgrounds, culture and education who will challenge you, motivate and enrich your future. It provides you with two essential factors in this respect: (1) a friendly environment within the college premises and among its faculty members, and (2) exposure to the industry and professional practice to enable the student to develop his communication skills and establish fruitful links to pave the way for his future career.

Finally the college administration welcomes your queries or suggestions which can be posted on the college website or handed in to the denary in person or via any of the address shown on this bulletin.