Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module introduces the fundamental principles, properties and required performances of buildings, including:

• The principles of environmental design, and the fundamental principles of structural design.

• The principle factors in designing buildings globally to respond to various local site and climate specifics.

• Architectural design solutions for utilization of sustainable natural and local resources.

• The principle factors affecting the structural design of buildings, including; loads and forces, the utilization of common building materials and elements, and the behaviour and criteria for the selection and application of structural systems in buildings.

• The module builds on the foundations established in Semester 1 and seeks to directly complement the ongoing Stage 1 studio projects.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered by the direct learning activities include:

Environmental Design
• Sustainable environment and sustainable resource use.
• Heat, comfort, and climate.
• Climate specific envelope designs.
• Acoustics and noise control.
• Site planning, passive design strategies, and energy generation.

Structural Systems
• Space, structure, and skin.
• Loads and forces.
• Structural elements.
• Structural systems.

Construction Tectonics and Process
• Comparison of alternative construction techniques.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The module provides opportunities for students to develop:

• An understanding of the theory and practice of environmental design associated with a range of small-scale buildings. Understanding and analysing precedents of how architects integrate construction methods, materiality, and site characteristics to respond to particular climatic contexts.

• An understanding of the relationship between constructing architecture and providing environments for human comfort and well-being. Environmental psychology principles are linked to architectural design, particularly through understanding the principles of thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort.

• A critical awareness of and an ability to make considered and informed judgements relating to the appropriate choice of building technologies, materials, structures, and constructional techniques based on a grounding in the principles of building technologies, process of assembly, and structural principles with various materials including commonly used as well as alternative, sustainably resourced, building materials.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module should enable you to:

• Develop your knowledge and integrate principles of environmental design and human wellbeing, with constructional systems and methods, into ongoing studio projects.

• Apply your understanding of architectural responses to sustainability and environmental design to critiquing and reflecting on the architectural works of others.

• Begin to critically evaluate the tectonic intentions of others.

• Demonstrate and effectively communicate construction and environmental knowledge using written, verbal, drawn, and modelled means.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching is primarily by means of 'in person' lectures which establish a framework for learning.

Students are encouraged to undertake guided independent research based on material introduced in lectures which will inform the case study assessment.

Students’ learning is supported by synchronous activities comprising lecture activities, tutorials, and workshops delivered in ‘office hours’ format and via prompt responses to student email queries.

Tutors’ responses to student email queries are anonymized and sent as compiled emails to the module’s cohort via Canvas.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The 100% coursework assessment using a case study allows a strong linkage between technology understanding informing the personally developed design work in the studio.

General Notes

For students on the BA (Hons) Architecture and Master of Architecture and Urban Planning (Architecture) programmes this module contributes towards delivering the following RIBA/ARB Prescription Criteria for Qualifications:

GC1.2/3; GC4.3; GC5.1/2; GC7.1; GC8.1/2/3; GC9.1/2/3;GC10.3

Details of the Criteria are available at: http://www.arb.org.uk/qualifications/arb_criteria/arb_criteria.php


For students on the Master of Architecture and Urban Planning (Urban Design) programme this module contributes towards delivering the following RTPI Accreditation Learning Outcomes for Qualifications:

Specialist - 4