Architectural Research Study

Code

ABEE4052

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

30

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module supports the development of a live practice research project in the field of architecture whilst the student is in placement. The project will be defined jointly by the student and host practice, and agreed through dialogue with the module convenor prior to the inception of the semester. 

The research project could cover a broad range of architectural topics, from the solving of a design aspect of a live project, or as a dedicated research project dealing with a particular subject undertaken outside of a project work to progress the field of knowledge in a specific area. The research in practice project can involve a broad range of architectural research themes and corresponding methodologies ranging from design research to the humanities, technology or the professional context in architecture.

This module aims to support the development of the architectural project through presentation of a range of research methods and will introduce conceptual ideas, research paradigms, methods and approaches from different disciplines related to architecture in order to support students’ ability to develop original research within the form of a critical written study on an architectural subject chosen by the student.

Target Students

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

Co-requisites

Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:

• Building Case Study (ABEE4018)

Classes

• One 4-hour workshop each week for 6 weeks
• One 1-hour tutorial each week for 12 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 6 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 start with an intensive teaching and workshop sessions at the beginning of the semester, where initial research methodologies will be introduced, and research abstracts agreed. Beyond this, tutorials (individual and group) will be offered on a fortnightly basis, including a practice visit to review research progress with the partner practice.

Assessment

• 75% Coursework 1: Illustrated research report - refer to brief for guidance on word count/page count.
• 25% Coursework 2: Verbal/visual presentation of research study.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1)    exercise initiative and personal responsibility and continue to advance their knowledge and understanding of architecture through an independent and research-led attitude to learning;
2)    identify and manage individual learning needs so as to prepare for and maintain professional standards commensurate with qualification;
3)    demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level; 
4)    understand how to shape a research project and how to choose appropriate research methods;
5)    analyse, compare and reflect critically on information gathered;
6)    produce documentation and reports which are clear, analytical and logical.

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. In follow the the module Learning Outcomes set out above, but are included here for clarity and completeness.

Behaviours 
B2 Be honest and act with integrity, ethics and in a professional manner
B3 Work singly, as part of a team or lead teams to provide a competent service
B4 Be organised and practice self-management when working independently
B5 Be conscious of the Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession.

identify and manage individual learning needs so as to prepare for and maintain professional standards commensurate with qualification;

demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level;

understand how to shape a research project and how to choose appropriate research methods;

analyse, compare and reflect critically on information gathered;

produce documentation and reports which are clear, analytical and logical.

Conveners

• Mr Graeme Barker