Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the issues involved in being an architect within the context of the construction industry. It is designed to develop students' awareness and understanding of the profession of architecture, the ethics of being a professional, the role of architects in society, and their obligations to the wider environment with respect to environmental sustainability and climate change, fire and life safety design, the regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into safe buildings and integrating plans into overall planning. The module also introduces students to issues associated with managing the process of design and the business skills required in the practice of architecture.

The module is based around the ARB/RIBA syllabus for professional practice, and is assessed via a 2000-word professional practice report related to design project work.

Outline Of Syllabus

The topics covered by the module are drawn from the subject areas dealing with professional practice in Architecture, which include:

• Professionalism.
• Clients, users and delivery of services.
• Legal framework and processes.
• Practice and management.
• Building procurement.

Appropriate case studies or examples are used to illustrate the topics in practical applications.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The module provides opportunities for students to develop:

• Knowledge of the context of the architect and the construction industry and the ethical framework, professional skills and qualities needed for decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances.

• An understanding of the nature of professionalism and the duties and responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals, wider society, and the world at large (e.g. in relation to environmental sustainability and climate change, and fire and life safety design).

• Knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations, procedures, processes, and other stakeholders involved in translating design concepts into buildings that are safe, and integrating plans into overall planning.

• An understanding of the role of the architect within the design team and construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment.

• An awareness of financial factors implied in varying building types, constructional systems, specification choices and the cost control mechanisms which operate during the development of a project.

• An awareness of the potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities, and the wider environment.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The ability to:

• Exercise skills in personal communication and time management.

• Apply and synthesize appropriate knowledge about architectural practice within the relevant commercial legislative and regulatory framework.

• Apply knowledge of professional practice to a relevant design project.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching methods include structured guided learning (lecture materials and structured research and reading activities), scheduled learning and teaching activities (module talk, lectures, and drop-in/surgery), and various guided independent study activities.

The lecture materials and structured research activities will foreground the key concepts underpinning the learning outcomes and will be structured to allow the scaffolding of ideas to facilitate learning.

The module talks, which will be delivered at the start and end of teaching, will situate the context of the module in relation to the BA and the profession of architecture, and provide guidance on assessment.

The lectures will facilitate an in-depth exploration and application of the concepts introduced in the lecture materials.

The drop-in/surgery will be organised individually or in groups (to manage staff hours) and will be used to provide individual and/or small-group support for student learning and guidance for the assessment. Students will also be engaging in a group activity that will allow them to relate the concepts from this module to their design activities and will feed into their preparations for the final assessment of the module.

The above-average number of contact hours are required to ensure adequate coverage of the syllabus for this module

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Professional Practice Report requires students to apply their knowledge of professional practice in the context of a Stage 3 design project, and will therefore offer more scope for students to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.

The key skills developed are: written communication in assessed work, problem solving, professional skills, and the ability for independent management of learning and time.

The module prepares students for their professional practice experience following the completion of the BA.

General Notes

This module contributes towards delivering the following RIBA/ARB Prescription Criteria for Qualifications:

GC4.1/3; GC6.1/2; GC7.3; GC10.1/2; GC11.1/2/3

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