Design Thesis Project
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE4114 | Architecture and Built Environment | 4 | 60 | Summer UK |
- Code
- ABEE4114
- School
- Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Summer UK
Summary
This research and studio-based module aims to further develop advanced level architecture, sustainable building, and urban design skills and knowledge. The structured project within the module builds upon the design, practical, and theoretical modules in the Autumn and Spring semesters and involves the completion of a detailed thesis design to a given brief. The design solution should reflect the investigative research that is conducted through a written design research report
Target Students
Registration on an MArch (PGT) programme in Department of Architecture and Built Environment.
Classes
- One 5-hour tutorial each week for 8 weeks
- One 3-hour practicum each week for 2 weeks
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: Digital portfolio of 5000 words.
- 30% Coursework 2: Comprehensive design research report.
- 10% Presentation 1: Final design review presentation. Individual oral presentation of 30 minutes.
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
The module aims to further develop the students' research abilities to define and resolve architectural and urban design challenges and to develop advanced skills and abilities in resolving complex urban and architectural problems through research-led design proposals. It also addresses the communication of design ideas and strategies and requires the development of innovative design solutions within contextually challenging environments. In addition, the module aims to help students understand how to construct well researched and argued design report, and use design solutions to demonstrate how to apply the research outcomes into design practice.Learning Outcomes
These learning outcomes will be developed through a regular programme of design tutorials, reviews, and feedback sessions.
Knowledge and Understanding of the various strands of architectural and urban design theory and practice - visual, social, functional, environmental, and economic that guide the development process. The module also introduces students to and enables them to begin to demonstrate within an academic design portfolio, the ability to:
• Define design research topic and identify challenges and issues which should be resolved during design practice;
• Construct and conduct good research with rigourous arguments, and apply the research outcome into design practice;
• Apply architectural and/or urban design principles within a design solution.
• Understand the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale;
• Clearly and effectively convey and critically appraise design ideas and proposals.
Intellectual Skills:
• To form considered judgments about the contexts and qualities of a design;
• To demonstrate an understanding of relevant design theory in relation to the design project.
Professional Practical Skills:
• To research and analyse context to inform design.
Transferable Key Skills:
• To develop advanced research, analytical, and writing skills.
Conveners
- Mr Gullermo Guzman