Professional Studies in Practice

Code

ABEE4039

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module provides an overview of architectural practice, with particular emphasis on legal frameworks, forms of contract, and structure of architect’s services (RIBA Work Stages). It covers construction law, building regulations and planning law, with an emphasis on practical application in the co-requisite studio’s comprehensive design project. It also covers professionalism, CPD, business management, finance, risk management and the building team. 

The scope includes consideration of information management and modelling, the approach to estimating construction project cost, thinking about procurement routes, forms of contract and design development. The module will also cover significant elements of the ARB mandatory competence for fire and life safety, and RIBA Themes and Values 1, 2 and 6, covering health and life safety, ethical practice and business skills. 

The activities of this module will allow students to apply the theoretical concepts to their design project work and analysis of the professional practice environment. 

The programme is devised to integrate with the accompanying studio, so that you test many of the professional topics that will be studied as your scheme develops. Areas of statutory compliance, project costs, procurement, fee bidding and client team are all to be based on work you are doing in the design studio. The module also offers you opportunities to explore how your host practice manages the various topic areas in their work. 

Studies in each area will be developed week by week through workshops and short design tasks to ensure that the required ‘Stage’ reports are compiled as you progress through the module, streamlining the demand on your time as the deadline approaches.

Target Students

Students studying MArch Architecture with Collaborative Practice (ARB/RIBA Part 2) U7UARCCPX and U7UARCCPY.

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

This module will be based on distance learning material delivered in parallel with the on campus Professional Studies module. Learning material, including lectures will be available on line via lecture capture, with learning supported by specialist workshop sessions on focussed elements of the associated live design project (ABEE4054). Nottingham based students will have 2 hours of workshops on a weekly basis with the ABEE4041 group, and attend ABEE4041 lectures, and London based students will access on line learning and lecture capture of the lecture series, along with three separate days of workshops delivered locally. Lecture activities will place every teaching week of the Semester, with workshops only in specified weeks. The module is undertaken whilst in architectural practice and is supported by web-based materials and study days either on campus (Nottingham group) or locally taught (London group)

Assessment

• 70% Report 1: Individual report.
• 30% Exam (2-hour): Online Exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1.    have an understanding of the nature of professionalism, the integrity and competence of the architect, and the duties and responsibilities architects and clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals and the wider society.
 

2.    an understanding of procurement routes and appropriate contracts and the way that forms of contract affect the cost control mechanisms an architectural project.
 

3.    have an understanding of the architect within the design team and construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment.

4.    have knowledge of the fundamental legal, professional and statutory responsibilities of the architect, and the organisation, regulations and procedures involved in the negotiation and approval of architectural designs, including land law, development control, building regulations and health and safety legislation.

5.    demonstrate understanding of the professional interrelationships of individuals and organisations involved in procuring and delivering projects, and how these are defined through contractual and organisational structures.

6.    critically examine the financial factors implied in varying building types, constructional systems, and specification choices, and the impact of these on architectural design, and understand the cost control mechanisms which operate during the development of a project. 

7.    an ability to apply this knowledge and understanding in a practical, professional and commercial context.

8.    an understanding of the core principles of information management and modelling.

9.    an understanding of practice operation, managerial skills and business development

In addition to the academic learning outcomes mapped to the MArch programme, this module is designed to support the development of Knowledge Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s) of the Apprenticeship Standard for the L7 Architect Apprenticeship. They follow the module Learning Outcomes set out above, but are included here for clarity and completeness. 
Knowledge
K4 Urban Design and Planning - Urban design and town planning strategies and regulations. Process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application).

K6 Role of Architect - The range of services offered by Architects. The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities and the related planning legislation. The context of the Architect and the construction industry, including the Architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production. The role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry.

K7 Brief analysis - The client and design team briefing process, forms and terms of appointment. Methods of investigation and preparation of briefs for the design projects (e.g. review of relevant precedent).

K10 Finance and regulations - Process of controlling building cost. Approved Documents for building regulations.

K11 Industry Context and Project Delivery -  Industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning.

Skills
S4 Urban design and planning - Comply with relevant town planning policy throughout design and construction phases to obtain planning permission (e.g., submitting planning application).

S5 People and environment - Identify end user needs, the local and social context in which the project is developed.  Lead design development in respect of the environmental context and sustainability.

S6 Role of the Architect - Lead projects or parts of projects, taking into consideration business priorities and practice management.  Deliver services in a responsible manner, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders.  Problem-solve and use professional judgement to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in situations with multiple constraints.

S10 Finance and regulations - Meet client's brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations and building regulations
 

S11 Industry context and project delivery - Interact with statutory authorities (e.g. planning or building control), private bodies (e.g. developers) or individuals to competently deliver projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks.

S14 Legal framework and process - Work with an understanding of the relevant statutory and legal requirements during project development so that the risk of harm to those who build, use and maintain buildings is reduced.

Behaviours
B1 Comply with the relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA).

B2 Be honest and act with integrity, ethics and in a professional manner.

B4 Be organised and practice self-management when working independently.

B5 Be conscious of the architect's obligations to their client, society and the profession.

B6 Be aware of individual level of competency and professional experience to ensure they are unlikely to bring the profession into disrepute.

Conveners

• Mr Graeme Barker