Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module builds on the knowledge and skills introduced in ARC1007 (Architectural Design) module.
Students will develop explorative, cognitive, creative and representational skills through a project that will encompass components including mapping, participatory engagement related to spatial design and representational techniques.

The aims to this module include:
1 – to introduce a relational approach to space that enables an understanding of place from a variety of social practices.
2 – to unfold potential and allow creative and multi-scalar thinking through drawing and mapping such social practices.
3 – to consolidate and improve representational skills introduced in Stage 1 and introduce basic to advanced computing skills in the context of mapping and design.
4 – to develop explorative, cognitive and creative design skills via a design project at a variety of scales and increased complexity.
5 – to develop an understanding of participatory design practice and the involvement of users in design that concern their everyday built environment.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is studio based with practical components engaging students in spatial design projects that build on the experience of the first year architectural design module (ARC1007). The projects provide opportunities to introduce relational approaches to space and participatory design methods as well as integrate representational techniques including advanced computing skills.

Students are asked to develop a self-reflective approach to practice and document their learning process through the semester. They will work for the a large part of the project individually however there will be opportunities small group working

Weekly tutorials and design reviews support the development of the design projects, together with representational workshops that equip students with relevant skills to support the visual communication of their ideas. In addition, weekly design lectures will be underpinning the main themes of the design project which revolve around relational practice and mapping as visual tool to ‘make visible the invisible’ aspects of the built environment and everyday practice in the urban realm.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have:

1 – An knowledge, understanding and ability to use mapping techniques as vehicle of revealing the complexity of socio-spatial networks that constitutes the built environment.
2 – An evolving personal ethical framework grounded in civic engagement and participation as a basis for design decision-making.
3 – A maturing ability to evaluate arguments for spatial intervention in the built environment and understanding of the processes and the role of design in achieving it.
4 –Increased ability to use visual, verbal and written communication methods and media to test, appraise and represent ideas and design – in particular the appropriate use of representational techniques both for mapping and spatial intervention.
5 – Manage and appraise their own working practices, whether working independently or in groups.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should demonstrate the ability to:

1 – Work independently and as part of a team in mapping and developing design solutions.
2 – Form considered judgments about the socio-spatial networks present in the built environment that articulate a well-grounded relational mapping.
3 – Form considered judgments about the spatial, aesthetic and social qualities of their designs within the scope and scale of a specific urban setting.
4 – Reflect upon and relate their ideas to a design scheme.
5 – Use visual, verbal and written communication methods and appropriate media (including sketching, modeling, digital and electronic techniques) to convey and critically appraise design ideas, both individually and in groups.
6 – Listen and critically respond to the views of the others.
7 – Manage and appraise their own working practices, whether working independently or collaboratively.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture-briefings set up the theme and pedagogical intentions of the project, introduce precedents and techniques to represent relational mapping and design practice. Fieldwork engages student to gain an in-depth understanding of socio- spatial networks and introduce them to draw from everyday practice observed and mapped in the public realm. A participatory exercise involving users in the design of their everyday built environment will allow students to learn to articulate a design proposal that takes into account users perspectives and experience. The design project enables a synthesis and a development of their relational mapping and engagement to produce a creative spatial proposal that is visually conveyed through the skills gained in the representational workshops.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module enables students to increase transferable skills such as mapping, engaging, designing and representing spatial proposal relevant to a particular urban context dealing with a specific socio-spatial network. The module comprises a series of interconnected mapping and design exercises that are compiled in a coherent narrative and assessed through a portfolio document submitted at the end of semester during assessment weeks.

General Notes

N/A