Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

Module content and learning objectives are intended to introduce core skills and methods required in INU1114 and INU1115 and across the full programme generally.

Aims

The aim of this Communication module is to develop international Year 1 architecture students' graphical communication skills, enabling them to effectively express, test, and communicate their design ideas.

The module comprises:

•       Information modes and communication methods appropriate to circumstances
•       Manual communication techniques
•       Principles for written and graphic media
•       Introduction to digital communication techniques

The module focuses on practical professional skills such as measuring, surveying, documenting and drawing as well as on communication and presentation skills, both manual and digital, complemented by an introduction to analytical skills, critical thinking and self-evaluation, with an emphasis on the importance of precedent studies in support of the design modules.

Outline Of Syllabus

•       Critical thinking, both individual and group work, information processing, analysis and evaluation
•       Analytical observation, measured surveying and recording, technical drawing, principles of sketching and photography, site and location analysis
•       Graphical and visual documentation and presentation
•       Presentation skills for report and portfolio compilation
•       Introduction to industry standard technical drawing, diagramming, sketching, and digital media techniques

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Effectively organise and manage tasks and projects
Source and select appropriate research materials and texts
Utilise relevant digital tools and manual tools
Apply architectural approaches to graphical communication, technical drawing techniques and diagramming
Identify, choose and apply appropriate modes for communication and presentation into other modules and wider studies.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be able to:

•       Analyse, interpret and document data
•       Produce both observational and analytical sketches
•       Execute scaled technical drawings on a domestic scale
•       Apply manual and digital communication skills, including post-production techniques to design projects and presentations
•       Develop a methodically structured and illustrated portfolio using appropriate technical drawing, sketches, diagrams and digital techniques
•       Apply and combine various modes of communication
•       Operate in a team
•       Extract and interpret data
•       Structure and present basic research outcomes
•       Note taking and recording skills

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Each week will begin with a lecture which will focus on the key themes to be explored further within the following seminar. During the seminars, students will develop their skills and knowledge alongside tutors and peers who will offer guidance and feedback through demonstrations and discussions, individual and group tutorials. Students are expected to continue developing their projects through self-guided study outside of scheduled class times and are encouraged to adapt to the ‘studio culture’ as much as possible by sharing ideas and giving feedback to peers.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Project 1: Coursework - Exploration and Documentation of Communication Techniques


This coursework is designed to assess students' understanding and application of a range of graphical communication techniques fundamental to architectural practice. By engaging in a variety of techniques, students will demonstrate their ability to visually communicate design ideas and concepts through diverse methods. This project allows students to develop a comprehensive skill set, testing their adaptability in selecting the most appropriate communication techniques for various design challenges. The assessment encourages exploration, documentation, and refinement of techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in the architectural design process.


Project 2: Design Portfolio


The design portfolio serves as a comprehensive compilation of the student’s architectural work, providing an opportunity to assess their ability to communicate and present their design ideas effectively. Using digital tools to present work undertaken during the full academic year, the portfolio will showcase the students' progression in design thinking, from concept development to final presentation. It will evaluate their skills in organizing and curating visual materials, including sketches, drawings, models, and digital renderings. The portfolio will also assess the clarity and coherence of their work, ensuring that students are able to critically reflect on their design process while demonstrating professional presentation skills. This project emphasizes the integration of visual and verbal communication, making it an essential tool for students in both academic and professional architectural contexts.

General Notes

N/A