Architectural Design Studio
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE4032 | Architecture and Built Environment | 4 | 30 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ABEE4032
- School
- Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This design studio aims to develop the student’s core design, critical thinking and application skills as prescribed by the ARB/RIBA for Part 2 students through the production of a complex design proposal.
The studio’s main project is structured by a rigorous design process that leads progressively from analytical investigations into site, programme and context, through to synthesis of a concept, which is applied to a complex building programme. With an emphasis on an integrated design approach, students are encouraged to test emerging proposals during each work stage, and to draw on specialist knowledge and resources from the co-requisite modules. Teaching support is provided to enable development of the knowledge and skills for the students to complete a complex design proposal.
Students participate in one of the studio units on offer which will set a design project brief around a distinct theme, building type or specialism and which meets both specific project-based aims and the module’s general aims and learning outcomes (outlined below).
All coursework for this module is project-based. Please note that students will be expected to work at times in groups, but to remain accountable for authorship of their own individual work for the purposes of assessment.
Target Students
MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) K10I and K10X; U7PATTAR and U7PATTAR3.
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 12 weeks
- One 6-hour tutorial each week for 12 weeks
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester. The teaching and learning in this module will involve attendance at tutorials/seminars and reviews in the studio during every teaching week of the semester. Students are expected to work in their allocated studio space and to make use of the specialist facilities made available by the Department and the Faculty.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Portfolio Submission: full studio project.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to develop a comprehensive range of architectural design skills with an emphasis on integrative design, which will be applied to and inform the development of a studio project. That output is intended to fulfil the criteria for a ‘Comprehensive Design Project’ (as defined by the ARB/ RIBA prescription criteria for Part 2 candidates).Each unit’s design project will have particular aims and objectives, and more detail will be provided via their project briefs issued at the start of Semester. All participants are expected to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, demonstrate originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.Learning Outcomes
Students will be expected to:
1. demonstrate through a well-resolved architectural scheme, a knowledge of and response to the socio-economic, political, environmental and professional contexts that guide the development of design proposals for a complex building;
2. have an understanding of how to critically appraise a project brief, and to ensure the design proposals are appropriate to the site, needs of the users, and work with the context;
3. critically appraise and form considered judgements about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of a design at a range of scales;
4. demonstrate an awareness of the role of the architect and of current regulatory requirements, including Building Regulations, Health and Safety, and planning policies that guide the design and construction of buildings in the UK;
5. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technical integration with the co-requisite modules, including appropriate structure, construction and environmental design proposals;
6. devise construction strategies for a complex building or group of buildings, employing an integrative knowledge of structural theories, construction techniques and the provision of building services within a framework of knowledge of the physical properties of building materials and components and the environmental and safety impact of specification choices;
7. demonstrate a rigorous design process that systematically tests, analyses and appraises options and concepts, and represent these through portfolio material which is clear, rigorous and coherent;
8. utilise architectural representations, including drawings, physical models and renders, having critically appraised the most appropriate fine art techniques to convey the design proposals;
9. demonstrate an ability to use visual, verbal and written communication methods and appropriate media to present the design process and resolution of complex design proposals;
10. demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of sustainable design principles.