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 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).

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.

You will learn about environmental factors which influence decision making with regard to Building Services in a building and systems installations. You will develop an understanding of thermal and environmental comfort systems which address ecological challenges. You will gain awareness of the impact of heat transfer, illumination and acoustics on buildings and their users. You will be able to demonstrate how building type and usage informs building systems and performance of buildings.

This module aims at providing a fundamental understanding of the design principles and behaviours of structural forms, elements and systems in buildings. You will be introduced to nature as a generator of structure. You'll explore the relationship between shape, material, structural performance, loads, assembly methods and construction technology through modelling, analysis, and case studies. You will be able to understand the mutual dependencies between architectural design, structural performance and manufacturing technologies in the past and present through the knowledge of historical and contemporary structural forms and materials. The module also enables you to investigate the implications of nature, people and technology in the design of architectural structures.

This module will further develop your understanding of, and ability to apply, the principles of architectural design, with specific reference to the re-use and redevelopment of existing buildings.

This module will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to explain building construction techniques and materials used. You will also develop an understanding of various contemporary and historic construction techniques related to both project delivery and environmental considerations.

You will gain the skills and ability to deploy digital technologies such BIM in the development of design alternatives for a client brief and justify design selection with the accurate adoption of the digital technologies.

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 project will provide you with an opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to enable them to perform in a role/discipline in the context of a team based project. It will promote reflection on individual and team working and the multi-disciplinary nature of built environment projects. You will practice and further develop both discipline based and generic key skills required by a built environment professional. It encourages self-reflection and enable you to further your personal development plan, that aligns the learning needs and career aspirations and the requirements of the business sector and the professional institutions. You will also further develop written/oral communication, team working and inter-personal skills.

You will develop, apply and test the student’s 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 their 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 explore the theme of regeneration and application of architecture practice in the regeneration of cities and urban environments.

You will apply and test your architectural design skills in the context of a complex design project. You will develop the skills, competencies and understanding of a selected range of theoretical, technical, cultural, historical and professional issues, and the ability to integrate them into their designs.

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 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.