Live Design Studio

Code

ABEE4054

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

30

Semesters

Full Year 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 II students via a live design project allowing connectivity with practice interests. It is structured to link with the co-requisite module ABEE4051 technology module to deliver a holistic design development experience encompassing multiple facets of the profession. 

Each student will have the opportunity to develop a brief and typology with connectivity to their research study, by which they can further explore their research through an architecture. 

The studio will be structured around a design process that leads progressively from analytical investigations into site, programme and context, through synthesis of a summary concept, which is ultimately applied to resolve a complex building programme. With an emphasis on an integrative design approach, students are encouraged to test emerging proposals during each work stage, and to draw on specialist technical and environmental design workshops and tutorials input from co-requisite modules. All coursework for this module is project-based.

Target Students

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

Classes

• One 6-hour practicum 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 regular tutorials/seminars and reviews in the studio during the semester. Students are expected to work in the defined studio space for allocated teaching days.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Portfolio.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1)    demonstrate through a well-resolved architectural scheme a knowledge of and response to the variety of relevant socio-economic, political, environmental and professional contexts that guide the development of design proposals for a complex building;
 

2)    have an understanding of briefs and how to critically appraise them to ensure that the design proposals are appropriate to its site, meets the needs of its users and works with context;
 

3)    critically appraise and form considered judgements about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of a design within the scale and scope of a wider environment; 
 

4)    demonstrate an awareness of the role of the architect as lead consultant of a multi-disciplinary design team 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 technical integration of findings from the co-requisite modules, whose input includes the relevant knowledge and technologies in the fields of structure, construction and environmental design that are appropriate to the project brief, building type and local microclimate;
 

6)    devise construction strategies for a building or group of buildings in a wider physical context, employing a knowledge of environmental design theories, construction techniques and processes within a framework of knowledge of the building fabric performance, materials/components and the environmental impact of specification choices;
 

7)    demonstrate a rigorous design process that systematically tests, analyses and appraises scheme options and concepts, and represent those conclusions 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 (including sketching, modelling, digital and electronic techniques) to present the design process and resolution of complex design proposals and their resolution to a range of professional and public audiences.
 

10)    Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of sustainable design principles. 
 

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 
 

K1 Design - A range of advanced processes and techniques (e.g. digital fabrication) to generate, review and speculate on design proposals with multiple constraints, showing evidence of original thinking.
 

K4 Urban Design and Planning - Urban design and town planning strategies and regulations. Process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application).
 

K5 People and Environment - The in-depth relationships between users and buildings, between buildings and their environment, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to diverse user needs and scale.
 

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).
 

K8 Structure, construction and engineering - Structural, constructional and engineering considerations within building design, such as physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems.
 

K9 Technologies - Principles, systems and strategies for environmental comfort and building services including sustainability principles. Alternative construction materials, processes and techniques that apply to design and construction, including the impact of materials on the environment. The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), computational design and other relevant technologies used in the design process.
 

Skills
S1 Design - Generate architectural design proposals. Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals. Produce drawings and 3D models using relevant software including Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
 

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, local and the social context in which the project is developed. Lead design development in respect of environmental context and sustainability.
 

S7 Brief Analysis - Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of a design proposals. Prepare and develop a project brief (e.g. by referring to RIBA Plan of Work).
 

S8 Structure, construction and engineering - Integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques with building design.
 

S9 Technologies - Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs with multiple constraints and building construction, and how to integrate these into practicable design proposals. Apply various technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment.

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

Conveners

• Mr Graeme Barker