ARCH204: Architectural Humanities 2

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year
  • Michaelmas Term Only
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full year: 15 ECTS
  • Michaelmas Term Only: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Students will need to submit a portfolio (max 5 pages A3) in order to be considered for this module.

Course Description

Educational Aims: Subject-specific

This module focuses on Modern and Contemporary architectural theory, theories of planning and urban design and the planning of communities and on the influence of the design and development of future cities. Additional areas of consideration will include sustainability perspectives, innovation and policy.

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes: Subject-specific

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

* Demonstrate knowledge of the history and theory of urban design, communities and related disciplines and their futures.

* Explain how cultural, aesthetic, theoretical, social, economic and legislative factors may inform present and future planning policy.

* Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary and emerging planning control legislation, and the skills involved in the planning process.

* Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between people, communities, spaces, places and the environment.

* Demonstrate knowledge of the profession of architecture and the role of the architect in society.

* Demonstrate critical insight and analysis into a range of contemporary architectural practice, situating students own work in this broader context.

Outline Syllabus

Developing research skills from ARCH104 Architectural Humanities, students will explore a range of thinkers on contemporary architectural practice. Students will reflect on the contemporary aspect of architectural theory and the role of the architect at various scales exploring post-war urbanism, digitisation and Smart Cities amongst other topics. Teaching and learning will be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and visits.

The module will utilise critical themes and debates identified in ARCH202 Architectural Design Studio 2B. A programme of lectures, seminars and supporting material will explore a variety of theorists and practitioners that have informed the future of the built environment.

Assessment Proportions

Teaching and learning approaches inform the design studio modules, with an emphasis on critical analysis and architectural theory, utilising presentations, case studies and essays.

The coursework relating to this module is assessed on its ability to fulfil the module aims and outcomes appropriate to this level. Specific submission requirements will be detailed in module briefs. As a variation to the University's standard Manual of Academic Regulations and Procedures (MARP) students will be required to pass all elements of the module due to the professional nature of the module.

Architectural Humanities Research Report - Term 1: 2000 words (35%)

Architectural Humanities Presentation – Term 1: 1000 words (15%) - Students will be asked to analyse different urban cities, planning strategies and community's ways of living and understand the current planning policies, development and control legislation (5-10 minutes presentation).

Architectural Humanities Essay – Term 2: 3000 words (50%) - Students will be asked develop research and analytical skills about the modern/contemporary architectural theories.

There is no assessed groupwork on this module.

ARCH301: Architectural Design Studio 3A

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: 8 US Semester Credits 
• ECTS Credits: 15 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Students will need to submit a portfolio (max 5 pages A3) in order to be considered for this module. 

Course Description

Educational Aims: Subject-specific

This module is the first half of the final year Design Studio. During this module students will identify a sufficiently complex site and conduct a feasibility study (this may include client briefs, response to competitions or calls, and or consultation with residents/users). This module is intended to develop a portfolio demonstrating preparation for professional practice and postgraduate study.

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes: Subject-specific

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

* Ability to construct a detailed project brief responding to both client and user requirements based on advanced research investigations that develop and refine design ideas through critical analysis.

* Apply rigorous theoretical, contextual and historical analysis to brief formation and development. Demonstrate the effective application of ideas and concepts using appropriate media and representative techniques to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in design approach.

* Apply critical reflection, analysis, evaluation and articulation of personal design processes, practice and project outcomes in relation to professional interests.

* Demonstrate strategies for building construction, structure, and environmental services within relevant technical and regulatory constraints.

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Outline Syllabus

This module will provide a site and a global problem to solve; the problem can be from different nature, e.g. climate emergency, war/refugee crises, natural catastrophe. Students will be asked to create their own brief, present an architectural concept (RIBA Stage 2), and develop their problem solving skills and strategies to implement a responsive urban and architectural solution. Students will use a variety of media for digital, analogues as well as physical modelling in preparation for their fully developed scheme in ARCH302 Final Project.

The final year Architecture Design Studio (60 credits in total) is divided into two terms and modules: 301 is the first of these and run in the Michaelmas term. Students will identify a sufficiently complex site and conduct a research and site analysis. This activity can incorporate client briefs, response to competitions or calls, and or consultation with residents/users, supported through site visits where appropriate. To develop their concept design, students will undertake further activity utilising a range of design skills and contextual knowledge in a development process which consider a range of strategic, functional, legal and technological issues, followed by further detailed level and technical aspects of their design scheme. This project work will be presented using a variety of media and appropriate techniques. The presentational aspect covers critical reflection, analysis and evaluation of the design scheme in the context of a professional discipline. The module, where applicable, will feature, external visits, and opportunities for site visits and field trips.

Assessment Proportions

The coursework relating to this module is assessed on its ability to fulfil the module aims and outcomes appropriate to this level. Specific submission requirements will be detailed in module briefs. As a variation to the University's standard Manual of Academic Regulations and Procedures (MARP) students will be required to pass all elements of the module due to the professional nature of the module.

The assessment will be in several parts. One overall mark will be given for the work as a whole.

Architectural Design Portfolio Term 1 (100%) (equivalent to 10,000 words) - The portfolio will be assessed through the following design components:

Design - Develop a brief for a specific site and present a feasibility study (individual) (50%)

Communication - Ability to communicate the design proposal through a range of architectural drawings, visualizations, models and diagrams as defined in the project brief (individual) (10%)

Realisation - Demonstrate an appropriate level of design development, including a reflective and critical approach and meeting the building users (individual) (20%)

Resolution - A fully integrated technology design including the environmental strategy and impact of specification choices (individual) (20%)

There is no assessed groupwork on this module.

ARCH303: Integrated Technology and Practice

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year
  • Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: Full Year: 5 US Semester Credits Michaelmas Term only: 3 US Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: Full year: 10 ECTS Michaelmas Term Only: 5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Students will need to submit a portfolio (max 5 pages A3)  in order to be considered for this module.

Course Description

A student's ability to analyse, evaluate and demonstrate compliance of their design work with the following criteria are essential to their successful achievement of PSRB criteria for Part I:

- Health and Life Safety

- Ethical and Professional Practice, Costings.

- Structure, Services, Construction and Resources

This module represents a comprehensive analysis of the above compliance criteria, extricated from their concurrent design work in the form of two reports. Students will develop their knowledge through lectures and seminars, which aim to provide structured reading and discussion on contemporary legislation and regulation.

Educational Aims

Students who pass this module should be able to...

* Evaluate their work in relation to compliance with legislative and health and safety issues that respond to the regulatory and performance requirements of their design studio work, in particular: fire safety and the Construction Design and Management regulations.

* Consider their personal response to the issues of ethical practice in the development of their design work.

* Analyse the budget and financial factors in their design studio work, referring to relative costings for environmental and service strategies.

* Analyse the structural systems integrated in their design studio work, referring to alternate structural strategies, details and materials considered in development and resolution.

* Evaluate the integration of services in their design studio work, referring to acoustic, thermal and lighting strategies to provide optimum internal spaces for users.

* Evaluate the sustainable strategies in their design studio work in terms of construction, structure, servicing and material choices.

Outline Syllabus

Students will attend lectures and seminars in which they will evaluate the role of the architect concurrent to their design studio work. The module will require students to demonstrate their understanding of regulatory compliance, contractual risks and the ethical considerations that are involved in provision of Health and Life Safety in the context of their design work.

They will achieve this by preparing risk assessments for their own design development stages in their concurrent design studio. They will go on to produce an ‘Integrated Professional Studies Report’ report into the regulatory and professional compliance of their concurrent design that integrates the following: Health and Life Safety, Ethical and Professional Practice, Finance and Business Skills.

The second part of the module will focus on the structural, technological and sustainable integration and resolution of their concurrent design studio work. Students will produce an ‘Integrated Technology Report’, which will detail the strategies they have employed in the design and resolution of their concurrent design studio project, including sustainable strategies, construction methodologies and technical and material specifications.

Assessment Proportions

The coursework relating to this module is assessed on its ability to fulfil the module aims and outcomes appropriate to this level. Specific submission requirements will be detailed in module briefs. As a variation to the University's standard Manual of Academic Regulations and Procedures (MARP) students will be required to pass all elements of the module due to the professional nature of the module.

The assessment will be in two parts. One overall mark will be given for the work as a whole.

Integrated Professional Studies Report (50%) (Equivalent to 3,500 Words) - This will consist of an analysis and evaluation of the regulatory compliance of the student's concurrent design studio work. The report will also discuss ethical and financial considerations in relation to their design.

Integrated Technology Report (50%) (Equivalent to 3,500 Words) - This will consist of an analysis and evaluation of the structure, construction, services and material integration of the concurrent design studio, with particular reference to sustainable strategies.

ARCH305: Professional Practice

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year Course
  • Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: Full Year: 5 US Semester Credits Michaelmas Term Only: 3 US Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: Full Year: 10 ECTS Michaelmas Term Only: 5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Students will need to submit a portfolio (max 3 pages A3) in order to be considered for this module. 

Course Description

Educational Aims: Subject-specific

This module engages advanced understanding of professional practice. Students will further develop a contemporary understanding of professional studies through a variety of case studies, seminars and designs. This module also provides students with fundamental professional and legal obligations and provides an introduction to the regulatory framework of town and country planning, land law, contract administration and health and safety. Students will explore existing precedents through guest lectures, workshops, seminars and site visits as well as utilising the architectural materials library.

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes: Subject-specific

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

* Ability to identify the legal factors that impact the practice of architecture and the legal responsibilities of the design professional, including building control, planning and health and safety.

* Demonstrate an understanding of the profession of architecture, the role of the architect in practice, and the emerging trends in future practice.

* Demonstrate an understanding of how to set up a practice, the different types of business, and the legal and financial considerations involved including marketing, finding work, fees, and salaries.

* Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the architect within the design team and in the wider construction and regulatory framework. Demonstrate knowledge of procurement, contracts and costing for the economic evaluation of the design and specification of buildings.

Outline Syllabus

Building on professional development in previous Design Studio and Architectural Technology components, this module delivers a series of lectures and seminars designed to consolidate the students' understanding of professional practice, in the context of the range of possibilities for Architects. Students will study RIBA professional publications, planning applications, site appraisal, building control application and architectural practice management. Students will complete this aspect by undertaking, case studies, lectures and seminars.The module, where applicable, will feature, external visits, and opportunities for site visits and field trips.

Assessment Proportions

The coursework relating to this module is assessed on its ability to fulfil the module aims and outcomes appropriate to this level. Specific submission requirements will be detailed in module briefs. As a variation to the University's standard Manual of Academic Regulations and Procedures (MARP) students will be required to pass all elements of the module due to the professional nature of the module.

The assessment will be in two parts. One overall mark will be given for the work as a whole.

Professional Practice Portfolio Term 1 (50%) (Equivalent to 3500 Words) - This will consist of preparatory work for a planning application and building control application (individual) (20%) and the setting up of an Architectural Practice (type of practice, pitch new company, marketing strategy, salaries, ethos, individual strenghs) (groupwork) (30%).

Professional Practice Portfolio Term 2 (50%) (Equivalent to 3500 Words) - This will consist of a collection of seminar tasks developed during the module (individual) (40%) and a presentation of the proposed Architectural Practice from Michaelmas term (groupwork) (10%) (10-15 minutes presentation)

Co-operative work is assessed in terms of individual contribution and element produced. Where group work is undertaken, individual contribution is identified and assessed through a self-reflective statement as well as the required assessment criteria of the module brief.