The module will focus on contemporary construction technologies and provide an understanding of architectural technology and all the components associated with this. Active systems, energy efficiency systems and eco-technology will be some of the topics covered. The module will also provide an overview of the regulatory framework, including construction law, building regulation, contracts and administration. In addition to these professional contexts, you will learn about physical and material aspects of building elements through detailed models, which may include lighting and environment.

Competency in digital skills is essential for any practicing architect. In this module we will be aiming to develop your skills in CAD, 3D modelling and rendering towards a professional level. You will learn about site and survey capture techniques, modelling, rendering and digital fabrication using industry standard software packages while also completing a design brief. This module includes a live project experience, where you will gain awareness of the participation process through design approach and explore communication skills in relation to fine arts.

Every architect needs a sound knowledge of the building regulations for the country in which they are operating. Focusing on UK building regulations, in this module we introduce urban design principles and planning frameworks. Your project will be to create an urban masterplan, which should include consideration of social and cultural impacts. You will then take this further and focus on an urban building and specific building scheme. You will design a public building, part of which will be in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) for your building, design and construction process.

Continuing from your first year module, we will explore a range of perspectives on contemporary architectural practice. You will be asked to think about the role of the architect, for example in relation to post-war urbanism, digitisation and smart cities. This will be brought to life through visits to sites of particular interest.

We will challenge you in this module! You will be asked to consider a site and a global problem and to come up with a solution. The problem is likely to be topical such as climate emergency, work force automation, data security or the ageing population.

You will need to create a brief, present a feasibility study, and use your problem solving skills and strategies to implement a responsive urban and architectural solution. You will be using digital and analogue media, as well as physical modelling. The activity could include responding to a competition or call for tender, consultation with residents/users, as well as site visits where appropriate. You will need to assess feasibility, using your design skills and contextual knowledge, and consider a range of strategic, functional, legal and technological issues, as well as getting into detailed technical aspects in your design. You will then present your project using a variety of media and appropriate techniques.

In the second half of the final year Architecture Design Studio module, you will complete a major project. This forms part of the graduate portfolio that demonstrates your readiness for practice and further postgraduate study on an MArch (Part II) qualification. This major project will present a comprehensive, fully detailed design project for a building with interior space up to 1500 sqm in size, and will cover aspects of communication, realisation and resolution with a fully integrated technology design report.

The final Architectural Humanities module will develop and explore a specialist topic in design cultures and futures. You will explore cases from historical and contemporary points in the built environment, concerning your graduate portfolio and developing interests. This will be informed through lectures in research skills and research methods, alongside 1:1 dissertation tutoring.

The module will require you to demonstrate your 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.

You will be asked to prepare risk assessments for your own design development stages. Your will produce an ‘Integrated Professional Studies Report’ report into the regulatory and professional compliance of your 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 your concurrent design studio work. You 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.

Building on professional development in previous Design Studio and Architectural Technology components, this module delivers a series of lectures and seminars designed to consolidate your understanding of professional practice, in the context of the range of possibilities for Architects. You will study RIBA professional publications, aspects of building regulations, planning applications, site appraisal, building control application and architectural practice management.