Architectural Design and Communication 2(i)

Overview

A series of studio based design projects, which act as a laboratory for testing creative and critical ideas, and supporting students to develop fundamental architectural skills. The range of projects develops in scale and complexity from those encountered in the first year. Consideration is given to the design process, aspects of space and form, the relation of buildings to their urban context and built environment. The technical aspects of the work aim to further develop an understanding of building structure and construction in relation to the overall design concept. This module encompasses skills for analytical architectural drawing and means of representation. It aims to consolidate and expand upon the culture of manual and digital representation as conventional communication skills. It supports students to elaborate on their cognitive analytical skills with special focus on urban analysis and enquiry.
Students will also learn about the architectural context via a study trip.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

Architectural design

1. Demonstrate the ability to respond to site constrains within the urban condition through informed decisions about space and form throughout the design development.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of how materials & structural system can inform architectural space and form, with reference to technical resolution and structural performance.

3. Demonstrate an ability to critically discuss, analyse and respond to user's needs, theoretical context and fine arts through initial design proposals.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of how the building fabric, envelope and skin can be assembled and oriented to permit for effective building performance and efficient energy strategy.

Skills

1. Have the ability to develop a range of skills to critically analyse, discuss and communicate aspects of design in response to a context and users’ needs.

2. Having the skills to produce well‐coordinated set of drawings and representational material that communicate design ideas in a clear and professional manner.

On the completion of this module, students will have:

Developed a range of creative thinking and drawing skills in response to a series of situations and site contexts. These will develop in respect to design, construction and technology, and demonstrated though drawings, models and computer modelling.

Assessment

Teaching will be by lectures, workshops, tutorials, and by peer reviews and crits. A 75% threshold is operational for attendance of these compulsory elements.