Architecture

You will be introduced to architectural design thinking through the understanding of the inter-relationships between people and their immediate environment in place making.

You will be introduced to the canon of western architectural history and its underlying ideological assumptions. It locates the major practices and sites of western architecture in a wide visual and cultural context and critically examines its relevance to the practicing architect today.

This module will introduce you to construction technology and building fabric design by focussing on principles of architectural structures using natural processes as exemplar. It explores what structures and systems mean in architecture and the environment, and introduces principles, including structural equilibrium, and the techniques of assessment of stress and deformation in simple elements. Common materials, assemblies and construction techniques used to achieve safe, environmentally sound tectonic strategies will be explained and exemplified with particular emphasis on the principles, elements and techniques of domestic architecture.

You will develop your architectural thinking and appreciate the implications of the inter-relationships between people, the environment and place making through the development of a building design of a low to medium level of complexity.

You will be introduced to the concept and techniques of drawing, modelling and alternative forms of representations of architectural design. The module will develop your ability to interpret and produce 2-D and 3-D architectural representations (e.g. plans, sections, elevations, axonometric and perspective projections) and models (e.g. analogue, physical and digital).

This module builds on your introduction to structure, materials and fabric by introducing you to the challenges for the built environment of the Climate Emergency, and by introducing principles of Environmental Design, Systems and Services. The module will discuss building physics and a building’s fabric, and how its environmental services and systems need to be combined to provide physiological, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort. It will also introduce the need to attend to the physical and psychological health, safety and wellbeing of the occupants and the welfare of those making and maintaining buildings when making design decisions. You will consider how principles of responsive design (both passive and interactive) can be utilised in relation to the principles, elements and techniques of sustainable design of domestic architecture.

This module comprises the further development and formation of an iterative architectural design methodology. It builds on the formation of spatial and formal vocabulary and the interpretation and communication of ideas developed in the Design Studio 1A and 1B modules. You will undertake projects for commercial uses and public spaces and design buildings of moderate complexity. In addition to these non-domestic architectures, you will also be introduced to modularisation and modern methods of construction and the challenges and opportunities these pose to architectural form, function and conceptualisations of space and programme, and of the problem of the particular, from the scale of the architectural detail to the specificities of a place or neighbourhood. You will explore the possibilities they afford for producing innovative architectural designs, which address functional, social, and environmental needs in the context of an historic urban fabric. The brief requires you to produce a medium scale building by introducing your own understanding of users’ technical and environmental needs and create your own specifications for the spaces and activities required. The module will further develop your and ability to apply the principles of architectural design, in relationship to the structural, technological and environmental requirements and deepen your understanding of an iterative and integrated building design process.

You will develop a comprehensive recognition and understanding of global and local principles of sustainability in the built environment. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of the relationship between sustainable design and construction processes and their social, environmental and economic impact. This module will also provide you with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in the design, procurement, and construction of sustainable built environment.

You will gain a broad understanding of the history and theory of architecture focused on the examination of the histories of modern architecture.

This module comprises the further development and formation of an iterative architectural design methodology. It builds on the integrated Design approach introduced in Design Studio 2A and further develops this via the notion of performative and performance-based design. Through the module you will undertake projects for public use and design buildings of moderate complexity and further your abilities to contribute to the creation of place in urban, peri-urban or rural contexts. In addition, you will also you will gain the skills and ability to deploy digital technologies such as BIM and Computational Design in the development of design alternatives in a further development of your and ability to apply the principles of architectural design, in relationship to the structural, technological and environmental requirements and deepen your understanding of an iterative and integrated building design process.

This module further develops your understanding of technological innovation in architecture integrating the parallel strands of Structure and Services introduced to you in year 1 through two core themes central to Building Fabric Design: Design for Climate and Sustainability and Design for Human and Life Safety. Through these themes you will develop competencies in more advanced construction techniques, systems and assemblies for non-domestic buildings, and through this you will extend and develop your technical vocabulary and grasp of building physics and building fabric design for more complex building forms in terms of scale, multiple storeys, and for medium as well as long clear spans.

The multidisciplinary module allows you to engage in a multidisciplinary practice-based environment and gain an insight into industrial practice. Utilising a real-world scenario you will work collectively to communicate a project solution to a panel of assessors through varying forms of media. This module is supported with a series of industrial guest speakers to offer real-life practices, procedures, technologies and communication techniques.

This module comprises the development of an inventive approach to architecture and the continued formation of an iterative design methodology. It builds on the formation of spatial and formal vocabulary and the interpretation and communication of ideas developed in previous design modules and asks that you both build upon and challenge accepted performance and evidence-based modes of integrated design. In this module you will investigate the power of design in all its complexity in instigating social, cultural, aesthetic, historical and technological change through proposals that are both inventive and interventionist, whilst evidencing care for the future.

You will explore the theme of regeneration and application of architecture practice in the regeneration of cities and urban environments.

This module aims to prepare you for your first year in industry by equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of the profession of architecture. You will develop an understanding of the role of the architect in society. You will learn about the management of the construction industry, the role of the architectural practice and responsibilities of each within the regulatory legal context within which architecture operates.

You will develop, apply and test your architectural design skills in the context of a complex design project. You will apply the necessary skills, competencies and understanding of a selected range of theoretical, technical, cultural, historical and professional issues, and the ability to integrate them into your designs. You will expand your design methods to include (fine) art practices, in particular those which focus on the development of spatial interventions.

You will learn to write and deliver an extended and coherent study on a design related topic. On completion, you will demonstrate competency in research skills in support of future learning development. This module will help you to develop the skills of reflective practice through engagement with contemporary architecture and urbanism.

You will develop an holistic understanding of tectonics for local and global environmental challenges. You will assess the impacts of building performance on the built environment. You'll apply the principles of technological engineering systems in sustainable design and construction processes to a design solution. You will also apply technical regulatory factors that impact build, sustainability and environmental performance within broad societal concerns.