Architectural Design and Communication 3(ii)

Overview

The module is composed of two parts. These are:

(i) Architectural Design
(ii) Architectural Skills (Professional Practice) including architectural conservation.

(I) Architectural Design: Comprising; lectures, seminars, design tutorials, site visit(s), group work, private study and design reviews. Architectural Design is assessed through coursework submission (design portfolio) upon completion.

Students develop a detailed design proposal for a medium scale building within a given context. The project requires thorough investigation and development, culminating in a detailed design that includes the successful integration of structure, material and technology. Designs must respond successfully to both urban and environmental conditions.

(ii) Architectural Skills: Comprising lectures and seminars focusing on selected elements of Professional Practice, including architectural conservation. This component is assessed through assignment(s).

The lecture programme is designed to consider a range of skills benefitting architectural practice beyond that of the design studio. It will include investigation into aspects of conservation practice and legislative frameworks. Lectures will include input from different professions.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:

A) Architectural Design:

- An ability to develop sound design methodologies and investigations that are informed by analysis and research, supported by a coherent theoretical framework.

- An ability to design a building with technical, environmental and spatial complexity in a given context and within the constraints of a given or designed brief.

- A critical design process, supported by a sustained conceptual framework that integrates environmental and social performance.

- An ability to select appropriate means to test and communicate design intent and architectural quality to a range of audiences, including users.

B) Architectural Skills (Professional Practice):

- An ability to engage with professional practice through coherent outcome and have an understanding of professional procedures and responsibilities.

- An awareness of regulatory and legal aspects of architecture as profession and practice and how these are defined through contractual and business relationships.

Skills

On successful completion of this module, each student should be able to:

A) Architectural Design:

- Accurately communicate coherent design proposals by a variety of appropriate means.

- Think judiciously and time-manage efficiently when dealing with multiple design challenges.

- Be reflective and self-critical when considering place-making within design.

B) Architectural Skills (Professional Practice):

- Clearly articulate and communicate well-informed responses to conservation challenges.

- Better appraise the role of the wider architectural profession

- Be reflective and self-critical when considering architectural conservation within design.

Assessment

A 75% threshold is operational for attendance of all components.