Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Approaching Architectural Practice: “Between the How, Who and What of “expert” Knowledge.

To develop a critical awareness and understanding of:

•       An architect’s responsibilities to society and the environment in this time of climate emergency and environmental change.
•       The social, cultural, ethical, economic, legal and regulatory framework within which architecture and construction take place.
•       The role of an architect, in the past, today and in the future
•       The role of women in architecture.
•       The changing models and modes of practice, new evolving ways of practicing and the role of the architect as a professional in a rapidly changing world.
•       The organisations and procedures involved in developing design concepts into architectural outputs.
•       The transdisciplinary nature of the architectural discipline.
•       The Stages of the RIBA Plan of Work (2020)
•      
This module supports and encourages students to reflect on the diverse knowledge and skills gained over the course of their education concerning their own personal and architectural learning and development, in relation to a future in the profession and practice of Architecture.

To understand and develop a critical position in relation to the relevance of ideas and of research in a School of Archotecture and how these may translate into Practice.

To developing both an understanding and questioning of ARB RIBA criteria at Part 2.
To develop effective communication and collaborative skills for practice.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module explores the topics in the ARB and RIBA syllabus for Management Practice and Law
Professionalism in a wider context of:

•       Clients, users and the services provided by architects
•       Legal framework and processes
•       Practice and management, project and building procurement
•       A series of topics that help the student reflect on wider architectural practice, their education and their own position in relation to the architectural profession.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of:
•       how their work covers and critiques the ARB/RIBA Prescription Criteria
•       how to present their work and communicate to clients, peers, the public, communities, the media, , etc.
•       different types of architectural practice and the historical, professional, political and social context of the architect and the construction industry, including the history and role of women and BAME populations.
•       The architect's role in the processes of procurement and building production, and under legislation.

In particular, students will have knowledge of:
•       the fundamental legal, professional and statutory responsibilities of the architect;
•       the organisations, regulations and procedures involved in the negotiation and approval of architectural designs, including land law, development control, building regulations and health and safety legislation;
•       the professional inter-relationships of individuals and organisations involved in the procuring and delivering a wide range of architectural projects, and how these are defined through contractual and organisational structures;
•       the basic management theories and business principles related to setting up an architectural practice and architectural projects, recognizing current and emerging trends in the construction industry
•       an outline of the cost control mechanisms which operate during the development of a project.
•       how best to convey and inter-relate the full and diverse range of issues with which the architectural project deals and the design responses it makes to them (theoretical, cultural, ethical, technical, etc.)

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students will demonstrate the ability to:

•       Communicate with skill in different practice environments.
•       Apply and synthesise appropriate knowledge about architectural practice within the relevant legislative and regulatory framework (e.g. in demonstrating problem-solving skills, professional judgement and the ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances).
•       Organise and construct a body of representational material to demonstrate lucidly, powerfully and persuasively the development and design of complex architectural projects.
•       Demonstrate a high level of skill and judgement in the presentation of work produced in diverse situations and media.
•       Deploy appropriate software to integrate drawn, analytic and descriptive text in report or book formats and in such a way as to facilitate printed or web publications.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching methods include structured guided learning (lecture materials), scheduled learning and teaching activities (module talk, workshops, and drop-in surgeries) and various guided independent study activities. The lecture materials will foreground the key concepts underpinning the learning outcomes and will be structured to allow the scaffolding of ideas to facilitate learning.

Most of the scheduled learning activities (workshops) will be delivered in ‘block-teaching’ mode during the first two weeks of the Semester and these will facilitate an in-depth exploration and application of the concepts introduced in the lecture materials. Thereafter, synchronous interaction will be through weekly at least four (x 1hr) drop-in mentoring sessions which will be held either individually or in small groups. These drop-in sessions will consolidate the learning of students and integrate this with design and other activities during the semester, as well as provide further tuition and support in the preparation of their assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The group presentations will allow students to practice communication group working skills and explore an aspect of practical professional practice and role playing (e.g. talking to and working with clients, communities and other disciplines, bidding for work, setting up of an architectural practice and resolving conflicts) that will help them apply knowledge to real-life practical situations.

The 2,000-word architectural practice essay (in the form of a case study on a particular project or otherwise), will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of architectural and professional practice in relation to their design thesis (or other appropriate project or process). This will facilitate a better integration of theory and practice,
research and design, conceptual and realizable ideas, and the importance of a professional practice understanding and finding a way to discuss work within the design studio critically to a wider lay audience.

The 1500-word reflective essay will provide a vehicle for students to critically reflect on architectural practice and their personal evolving position in relation to the profession of architecture, on their personal and professional journey to becoming an architect. This essay will be compiled with relevant visual examples in an “academic portfolio”

General Notes

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