Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

Students taking this module must also take INU3515.

Aims

This module focuses on forms of architectural design within the public realm by means of comprehensive field studies and a variety of conceptual design projects. Students will investigate urban settings methodically in order to document, interpret historical and cultural contexts, as well as environmental aspects.

This module will introduce students to a holistic and contextual approach toward the built environment. It will emphasise the significance of socio-cultural, environmental and political contexts influencing and determining design in urban contexts.

The module is mainly seminar based, involving a range of practical projects within Newcastle and Gateshead. Field studies and specific projects will acquaint student with the interdisciplinary challenges of architectural design, planning, landscape- and urban design.

Outline Of Syllabus

Field studies and methodical analysis of architectural context.
Precedent studies, critical analysis and interpretation of relevant designs.
Public and private, threshold spaces within the public realm.
Urban journeys, pedestrian paths and routes in a city.
Technical requirements and standards for public designs.
Spatial quality in urban contexts
Strategies and concepts for designing urban contexts.
Principles of sustainable design.
Communication techniques, to include sketching, measured drawings, SketchUp and Photoshop.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module the student will be able to:

Analyse and interpret specific urban settings.
Conduct a comprehensive site analysis and elucidate outcomes to an audience of professionals.
Develop methodical design strategies and concepts.
Apply relevant regulations and technical standards.
Give examples indicating the importance of site context, analysis and precedents.
Critically analyse different approaches to architectural and urban design.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module the student will be able to:

Observe and document urban settings, acquire and collect relevant data.
Synthesise practical and theoretical research outcomes into a successful design concept.
Generate a design framework for a medium size urban project.
Effectively apply various modes and techniques for design development
Understand and apply relevant construction methods.
Effective manual sketching and drawing.
Physical model making and effective use of CAD modelling.
Application of graphic and oral project presentation techniques.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching is studio based practical and interactive. Lectures provide theoretical contents and the weekly introduction, small group teaching in form of roaming studio tutorials provides students with an opportunity to practice, to engage in discussions and receive guidance for their design projects. Independent study provides students with an opportunity to research, to prepare for formative and summative tasks and extended self-guided study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The first design project assesses the students' ability to evaluate and respond to a specific setting and function within a limited time window. It assesses the students' analytical skills as well as their creative and practical abilities.

The second design project assesses the students' ability to analyse and evaluate more complex urban settings and to develop coherent and holistic concepts considering aspects of the wider urban context, landscaping and architectural solutions.

The portfolio assignment focuses on the coherent reflective documentation of tasks, explorations and experimentation, design development and outcomes in a professional graphical format.

General Notes

Original Handbook text: