Architectural Urbanism in Practice
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE4110 | Architecture and Built Environment | 4 | 30 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- ABEE4110
- School
- Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module is a design studio that aims to develop architectural and urban research and design skills to an advanced level. The studio is project-based, and its activities follow a design process that explores the relationship of architecture and the city across scales. Urban analysis, precedent studies and research into architectural or urban themes are applied to inform the development of architectural or urban proposals. All coursework for this module is project-based, and with a particular emphasis on analytical, iterative and multi-scalar investigation and exploration processes. Please note that students on ABEE4110 will be expected to work at times in groups, but it is expected that they will remain accountable for individual authorship of their course work for the purposes of assessment.
Target Students
MArch Architecture with Collaborative Practice Research (ARB/RIBA Part 2) K107 and K10H; U7UARCCPX and U7UARCCPY.
Classes
- One 7-hour practicum each week for 11 weeks
The module is undertaken whilst in architectural practice and is supported by web-based materials and study days, with the Welcome Week including a short intensive urban design workshop to act as a foundation for your site analysis and design work.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Portfolio.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To develop architectural and urban design skills and knowledge to an advanced level. To develop design and analytical research skills and knowledge that allow an understanding of current urban conditions, and that can be applied towards and/or to inform the development of a studio project. The studio brief will include aims and objectives that enhance the module’s primary aims and objectives. All participants are expected to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, demonstrate originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in order to advance their knowledge of architecture through independent and research-led attitude to learning.Learning Outcomes
Students will be expected to demonstrate the knowledge of and ability to:
1. Participate in research-based project coursework that will engage with and apply suitable methodologies or theories, including a knowledge of theories of urban design and the planning of communities
2. Critically appraise the influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment, including the relationships between buildings, settlements, communities and a changing climate.
3. Demonstrate application of concept to well-resolved architectural or urban designs that embody knowledge of the variety of relevant contexts that are necessary to inform the development of architectural or urban design proposals, including current planning policy and development control legislation.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which buildings fit in to their local context, their impact of development upon communities, including considerations of social sustainability, social value and including the needs and aspirations of building users.
5. Represent process through the systematically testing, analysis and appraisal of design options; draw conclusions which display methodological and theoretical rigour.
6. Critically appraise and form considered judgements about the conceptual, spatial, and social qualities of a design problem within the scale and scope of a wider context.
7. Produce portfolio material that is clear, analytical and logical covering a range of project-related issues and that demonstrates an ability to use visual, verbal and written media to present the testing, analysis and critical appraisal of complex design proposals and their resolution to a range of professional and public audiences.
APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD 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. These follow the module Learning Outcomes set out above, but are included here for clarity and completeness.
K4110 – Architectural Urbanism in Practice
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
- K3 Fine Arts - How the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design and their creative application in design projects.
- K4 Urban Design and Planning - Urban design and town planning strategies and regulations. Process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application).
- 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).
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).
- S2 History and Theory - Apply understanding of current architectural debate to produce innovative solutions. Produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design.
- S3 Fine Arts - Apply fine art theories in a creative way that acknowledges their conceptualisation and representation.
- 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.
Behaviours
- B4 Be organised and practice self-management when working independently.