Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

In broad terms the module aims to help students to develop advance design skills and apply them to a range of design projects.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module takes a critical approach to design that encourages hands on experience of material practices.

The module is made up of two components, as follows:

1.Communication skills and techniques - A skill building set of lectures, workshops

2.A Design studio organised into separate design projects each with a particular emphasis and challenge. These aim to develop a critical awareness of a range of contemporary issues in architecture, sustainable design, urban design, and encourage students to research, develop, test and articulate their own particular standpoint. Design projects seek to develop graphic skills and encourage an imaginative approach to design and its representation. Projects will involve both group and individual work and will engage students in a creative dialogue with staff and their peers.

MA Urban design students also share this module.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate:

•A broad understanding of the social, historical, theoretical and technical factors that inform design
•An evolving personal ethical framework for decision making
•An appropriate level of technical understanding in order to conceptualise, develop and resolve design proposals
•An understanding of the roles which appropriate representation and a critical dialogue play in developing, and communicating design ideas.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:
•Research, analyse, interpret and assimilate a wide range of different types of information so as to achieve effective and appropriate design solutions which integrate social, environmental, aesthetic and technical requirements
•Formulate and respond imaginatively and appropriately to programmes or briefs in varying contexts and circumstances
•Conceptualise, critically evaluate and develop design solutions to satisfy a range of criteria by selecting and using a range of appropriate skills and bodies of knowledge
•Conceive and develop proposals for the design of a moderately complex site, or building in relation to a broad urban context.
•Communicate effectively on the inception, design and construction of spaces and places
•Develop and articulate a reasoned argument to support a particular design proposal

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

For the communication skills and techniques part of this module, teaching and learning includes short online lectures, seminars and workshops. Based mainly on experiential learning, these will demonstrate various drawing/presentation techniques, and cater for varied learning styles.

The design studio is the integrative environment where students can synthesise knowledge from other modules and develop their understanding and skills in the context of a design problem set by tutors. Students are supported in their learning through briefings, lectures, group tutorials and critical reviews. Tutorials and reviews are also the principle means through which students receive feedback on their progress.
If the public health situation makes present in person teaching impossible, design tutorials, reviews, workshops and the module introduction will all be taught online.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

For the communication skills and techniques part of this module, assessment is one piece of coursework. This will demonstrate that the student has developed a range of qualitative representational skills important to the design process.

The development of design skills is assessed through the traditional method of critical review, where students give a visual and oral presentation of their work to an audience of tutors and peers. The work is discussed and the tutors assess the work against the criteria set out in the project brief. These marks are moderated by another tutor or tutors. Feedback is given orally during the review and as a set of written comments later.

General Notes

N/A