Year one core modules

• History and Theory of Architecture

  This module is designed for students of Architecture to provide a rigorous overview of architectural history and theory as an integral part of a professional education. Through an understanding of the most significant movements and innovations in architecture from antiquity to the present day, students will appreciate the importance of precedent in architectural design. Seminal historical and recent buildings and related writings will be applied as critical references to enable students to analyse and appraise contemporary design, including their own work, in a range of appropriate cultural and artistic contexts. The core subject will be introduced in a series of lectures, following a chronological sequence to demonstrate the continuous and evolutionary nature of architectural theory and practice. Students will be directed to relevant and authoritative references for each subject, and to prepare brief seminar presentations, individually or in small groups, on selected topics. Typically each teaching session will begin with a discussion of the previous week's subject, during which students will present their research and observations to peers and tutors. Students will be encouraged to present their research using PowerPoint and/or other illustrative materials, incorporating well-referenced factual information to support their individual interpretations and appreciations of each subject studied. Each of these seminars will be followed by a formal lecture, during which the subsequent topic will be introduced, and subsequent seminar exercises will be assigned.

• Design Explorations

  This module is designed for students of Architecture and related disciplines to provide a challenging, informative, inspiring and exhilarating immersion in the design process. Always mindful of the intellectual rigour of excellent design, students will be challenged to step outside the 'comfort zone' of their received impressions of architecture and construction. Architecture will be seen not in terms of the construction of conventional buildings, but as the creation of meaningful, exhilarating and comforting places for human inhabitation within a specific physical and cultural context a exploration of how we can adapt our environment in order to dwell most appropriately and enjoyably. The design process will begin with an appreciation of the uniqueness of a given place. The tools for this will range from the methodology of site analysis which is common in architectural practice (studying boundaries, thresholds, axes, vistas, microclimatic and other tangible factors) as well as much less defined and subjective impressions, to arrive at a holistic understanding of a context. The modes of representation of this work will reflect its diversity: from prescribed analytical drawings (drawn in strictly specified media, to given scales) through to any form of drawing, collage, photograph, film, model, sculpture etc deemed appropriate to capture the students' more subjective perceptions. In parallel with an understanding of a place, students will consider the very specific physical needs and aspirations of an individual occupier performing a defined, creative and/or intellectual task. The culmination of the module will entail situating this task within the studied context, and designing a structure or artefact to mediate between the essence of dwelling and working, and the wider environment. Students will receive regular tutorial support, initially in larger groups, with a greater emphasis on individual tuition as the design task progresses. Assessment will be based on a public review of the completed projects (with supporting analytical and exploratory studies) at which students will introduce their work to peers, tutors and visiting critics.

• An Introduction to Technology and Design

  This module is designed for students of construction, surveying and architecture with little and/or no prior knowledge of building construction, services and material properties. Students will learn the common materials and methods of construction of both new and traditional housing, by considering in turn each of the main elements of the buildings' structure. They will also study the requirements of the internal environment, so as to understand how services installations contribute to user comfort. Other basic aspects such as the personnel involved, health and safety requirements and specialised terminology will be illustrated as appropriate to support this. The module is also designed to provide an insight into the behaviour and properties for a variety of materials commonly used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering projects. The behavioural properties and performance of these materials will be explored using basic scientific principles in order to develop the students? ability to make informed choices. Students will also gain an appreciation of the role of the designer in the construction process and have an understanding of the design process. An integrated learning system comprising course text book, weekly videos, and workbooks for students' home study, are used together with formal lectures and group tutorials. Students will also undertake a series of calculations culminating in a design exercise.

• Architecture and Planning Design Studio A and B

  This module is designed for students of Architecture, Architectural Technology, Environmental Planning as an introduction to the creative processes embodied and the skills required within the three related professions. Students will learn a range of graphic communication techniques and develop freehand and technical drawing skills. The ability to understand and produce simple professional technical drawings will be developed as well as an appreciation of the extent of information required in planning, designing and constructing a building. The module will also provide an introduction into the basic concepts and techniques of architectural design applied to small buildings. Students will have the opportunity to investigate organising space and form, structure and technology. Drawing skills are developed and issues related to scale and proportion are explored. The knowledge and skills required to successfully complete this module are directly relevant to the employment environment. The module is project based with studio teaching and as such requires the student to develop the project work week by week over the entire semester in order that regular individual and collective tutorials can occur. Students will work both individually as well as in groups. The groups will be mixed and comprise students from each of the three pathways. Although there will be some formal lectures the teaching will be predominantly in tutorials. Joint staff and student criticisms and presentations occur throughout the module. Assessment is by means of reports, drawings, 3 dimensional representations and related oral presentations.

• Transferable Skills for the Built Environment

  This module is designed to develop the transferable skills required by the Built Environment professional. Through the use of commercial software packages it allows students both to develop their own and to gain an appreciation of ICT skills for research, information management and presentation purposes. It encourages students to use contemporary ICT methods for research and for the production and presentation of reports, in a style suitable both for their university coursework requirements and in a commercial environment. Drawings will be produced and annotated using commercial CAD software and will be presented in a style appropriate to the student?s course. Students will develop skills in the broad area of communication, interpretation and working together: skills that are increasingly demanded for a professional contribution to the built environment. Techniques for various media are considered, together with process, purpose and audience. Students are introduced to Personal Development Planning. For assessment, students produce a reflective log, (a personal skills audit and development plan), a case study and a group presentation (virtual, hardcopy, visual or aural).

Year two core modules

• Design Procedures

  The module provides the students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the nature and processes of the design of a building. It concentrates on practice management and multi-professional team working as well as the various processes and communications required in the realisation of a comprehensive design of a building of medium complexity. It focuses on the collation and presentation of design, technical and contractual information required for the professional planning and management of the design as well as the skills required in creating a building from inception to completion. The module is project based with studio teaching. Teaching will be by means of lectures and tutorials. Joint staff and student criticisms and presentations occur throughout the module. The module has been designed to give students an opportunity to develop creative skills in urban architectural design. The relationship between social processes, buildings and architectural design is studied in a variety of ways from theoretical studies to site visits. The implications of building in the city are explored from the perception of the client, the builder and the public. Drawing and modelling skills are developed to give definition to creative thinking of a more theoretical nature. Alternative design solutions will be developed in groups and individually and the materiality of architecture will be explored. There will be an emphasis towards the urban narrative. However the design proposals must demonstrate a strategic structural and constructional rationale within viable economic restraints. Oral, as well as 2 and 3 dimensional presentation techniques will be developed related to the design solutions adapted. Assessment is by means of drawings and related presentations.

• Architectural Design Studies II

  The module has been designed to give students an opportunity to develop techniques of architectural design. This development will take place within a framework of an introduction into the history and context of architecture. Monumental buildings of world civilisation as well as underlying concepts related to the meaning of architecture, it?s language, order and form will be explored through examples and case studies. Comparisons and links will be enabled through the development of designs from an architectural brief of a small contemporary public building. Particular emphasis will be placed on investigating the implications of designing built form. Drawing skills will be related to the presentation of ideas as well as to the architectural form. Alternative design solutions will be developed and the materiality of them will be explored. There will be an emphasis toward structural and constructional solutions within viable economic constraints. Oral, as well as 2 and 3 dimensional presentation techniques will be developed related to the design solutions adopted. Assessment is by means of a report, drawings, models and related oral presentations. This module encourages the development of core employability skills especially those related to design development and presentation.

• Environmental Services and Construction Technology

  This module has been designed to give the students an insight into the scientific basis of the environmental performance and construction of buildings and their services. The main focus is on the introduction of modelling tools that can be used to simulate a building?s performance and its affect on the environment. The main approach adopted is that of a scientific one, focusing on the analysis of a problem or set of problems, followed by the synthesis of a solution. Considerable emphasis is placed on the use of environmental criteria to assess a building?s thermal, visual and aural performance. A number of scientific methods are explored and there will be a limited amount of practical experiment- based work. A number of technical solutions will be explored for lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning a building. The passive design features of a building are explored. This second level module is also designed to give students a broad understanding of the way we build our commercial and industrial buildings. It is intended to lead on from the study of domestic construction to considering the functional requirements of single-storey industrial sheds and multi-storey framed structures in concrete and steel. In addition, the affects on the construction process of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety are examined. A great deal of guidance is give to students on skill development. The module is delivered by blended learning via WebCT, so good access to the internet is essential. The assessment is by a series of online multi-choice questions and a number of reports on the performance of buildings.

• Site Studies Planning and Design

  The module has been designed to give students an understanding of the inseparable nature of the site and its context as well as the site and built form that it contains. Apart from examining the influences of the primary elements that form the physical environment in its historic, present and future context the legal and planning constraints that affect the Built Environment will be studied. Students will have the opportunity to survey, study, investigate and evaluate real sites and buildings and will learn how to develop an ability to analyse and evaluate elements of townscape. Design procedures and processes will be examined and a design brief will be developed to suit the site and a proposed building as well as a proposed building and the site. 'Sense of Place' will be explored with contextual investigations of design proposals. Planning and building regulations and the way in which they are implemented will be explored. The importance and implications of environmental criteria and financial targets will be considered. The module is project based with formal lectures, site visits, and tutorial teaching in the design studio. Students will work both in groups and individually. Joint staff and student criticisms and presentations occur throughout the module. Assessment is by means of drawings and related oral presentations. The knowledge and skills required to successfully complete this module are core employability skills for planners, architects and architectural technologists.

Year three core modules

• Conversion and Adaptation of Buildings

  The key aim of studies in this module will be to develop an understanding of user needs in relation to economic re-use of existing buildings by extending, adapting, altering and conserving buildings. This module has been designed to enable students to use a typical building to demonstrate principles and criteria to be applied to achieve a holistic approach to the future treatment of a building over its whole life-cycle; enhancement and/or conservation of built environment; appropriate and creative technology and specialist economic appraisals. Students complete an in-depth case study either individually or as a group. The student will need to be aware of the concepts of extension, conversion and adaptation of existing buildings, and maximisation of economic viability of buildings together to enhance user needs, modern design concepts, landscaping, environmental and green issues together with low energy issues and sustainability. Students will need to study aspects of architectural periods and types of building including components and materials of construction commonly used in the types of building under study and life-cycle options. It will be important for students to acquire a range of analytical skills to enable them to measure existing and proposed building performance from a number of standpoints and be in a position to select a range of re-use options which can be employed by a building owner. Ancillary to this aim will be the acquisition of a critical awareness of the construction options available to a building owner seeking to maximise the economic viability of a building and be aware from detailed reading and research how new works, alteration and adaptation can enhance use of an existing building. Students will carry out individually or in groups a case study of a building (or range buildings) in need of economic regeneration and enhancement, advising a client on options available to a building owner, and producing a written report and one A1 display board per student illustrating their designs and proposals for future treatment, including materials, employing creative technology, taking into consideration landscaping proposals and issues of sustainability, life-cycle costings, energy efficiency and environmental requirements.

• Architectural Design Studies III

  This module examines 20th Century architecture it's context and historical development. It develops skills of critical argument, which are applied within the context of an architectural design of a medium complexity building. Critical appraisals and appreciation of theoretical issues such as quality in building are explored. The architectural design developed within the module not only has a theoretical base related to context, historical development and critical argument but also emphasises practical solution. The design brief is based on a multi-storey public building of medium complexity. Although the building must be functional in its planning and its construction, particular emphasis will be placed on the buildings sense of place and its architectural development. Design issues, design generators and concepts must be declared. The students' ability for architectural design is developed with an emphasis on technical solution, building technology and internal planning and management. The Module requires continual development of design by the student directed through regular weekly studio teaching sessions. Teaching is by studio tutorials supported by lectures. Assessment is by an individual design project and a critical appraisal of the work emphasising architectural precedent. Key employability skills will be evidenced within the process and the presentation of this project.

• Architectural Design Studies (Dissertation)

  This module aims to develop design and technical skills approximating to those require by practise as closely as possible. Students select a client, site and project, which is developed to scheme design with selected aspects explored more fully. The students;' ability for architectural design is also developed with emphasis on the integration of the technical solution and its building technology. The contextual success of the design will be examined as will its internal planning and management. To complete this module successfully the student must demonstrate a confident familiarity, detailed knowledge and appropriate application of design processes and the technologies required to realise built form. The communication of the project should likewise be confident and clear. Teaching is by studio tutorials supported by lectures. Assessment is by an individual design project and a critical appraisal of the work emphasising architectural precedent. The Module requires continual development of design by the student directed through regular weekly studio teaching sessions.

• Project Evaluation and Development

  The module provides the student with the opportunity to explore the various issues that need to be evaluated when considering a building development from inception until final completion and retention and / or disposal of the building. The context and content of this module integrates knowledge and skills obtained from previous management and design modules. It examines them in a holistic manner and explores their complex inter-relationships. Issues related to the client, the site, planning, financial appraisal, design technology, legal, health and safety and environment will all be examined within a theoretical and practical framework. The module develops the student's ability to comprehend the totality and implications of the development process and to make reasoned value judgements as to its potential feasibility. This is achieved by a detailed examination of local planning policies for the site coupled with a financial analysis of the proposed scheme by use of traditional and modern forms of valuation techniques. The module also focuses on project appraisal, pre construction processes, construction and post construction processes, marketing disposal and evaluation. The module is project based with studio teaching which is undertaken by various strategies such as formal group lectures, group seminars and individual tutorials. Site visits are arranged where appropriate to underpin student knowledge and understanding of practical issues. Joint staff and student criticisms and presentations occur throughout the delivery.