Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

Students taking this module must also complete INU1515.

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce first-year architecture students to the fundamental principles of
architectural design through a series of progressively complex design projects. The one semester
module focuses on consolidating and refining architectural design skills gained in previous studies
elsewhere. Various design and computer aided presentation techniques will also be developed.

A series of design tasks and small scale design projects will introduce students to the aesthetical and
functional aspects of architectural design and to the iterative cycle of the design process based on
investigation, analysis, synthesis and practical realisation. Students will learn how to methodically
analyse and interpret design briefs, research and analyse user requirements; and apply specific
regulations and technological standards.

The module enables students to make individual and informed coherent design decisions for small
design projects and to effectively communicate and present their development and design proposals
in front of an audience of professionals and fellow students.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus provides a foundation for architectural thinking and encourages students to engage with
design as both a creative and analytical process. During the semester, students will engage in the
following topics:

- Exploration of architecture’s social, cultural, and environmental significance.
- Overview of the architectural design process: from concept to realization.
- Encouraging creative thinking, problem-solving, and iterative design.
- The role of design concepts in shaping architectural ideas and solutions.
- Understanding the relationship between buildings and their physical, cultural, and social contexts.
- Introduction to architectural precedents as a source of inspiration and learning.
- Developing effective communication techniques for presenting design ideas through sketches,
diagrams, models, and digital tools.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will be able to:
- Recognize the key contexts that influence architectural design, including cultural, social,
environmental, and urban factors.
- Identify the stages of the architectural design process from concept development to realization.
- Comprehend basic design concepts and theories, including how they relate to real-world
applications.
- Learn about architectural precedents and how to analyse them to inform design decisions.
- Demonstrate the role of sustainability, ecology, and social responsibility in architectural design.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will:
- Develop the ability to generate creative design ideas and translate them into tangible architectural
solutions.
- Cultivate skills in spatial thinking, form-making, and visual representation through sketches,
diagrams, models, and computer aided design.
- Improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of architectural design challenges.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with basic materials, construction methods, and simple detailing in
design projects.
- Enhance verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate design ideas and decisions.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Each week will begin with a lecture which will focus on the key themes to be explored further within the design
projects in the following studio sessions. All new project briefs will be handed out in this time. These sessions provide the core information necessary to develop key architectural knowledge and skills. During the design sessions, students will develop their individual project work alongside tutors and peers who will offer guidance and feedback through demonstrations, discussions, individual and group tutorials. Students are expected to continue developing their projects through self-guided study outside of scheduled class times and are encouraged to adapt to the ‘studio culture’ as much as possible by sharing ideas and giving feedback to peers.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The first, introductory project requires students to combine observational drawings of a static design element; for example, a chair, with a study of human proportion in movement, looking in particular at the module of the human form and how it serves as a basis for architectural design.

The second design project affords students an opportunity to design a small intervention to a building, requiring demonstration of creativity and imagination and the ability to communicate their ideas with sketches, drawings and with physical models.

Projects are summatively marked and individual performance is discussed as the year progresses. Each project is evaluated against a set of criteria outlined in the project descriptions. The assessment criteria for each project commonly require an understanding of and an ability to apply a particular body of knowledge (related to the project) and a particular range of skills and techniques (introduced in the project)

Following each project assessment, students receive a set of written comments in relation to the declared criteria, together with a mark. Further oral feedback is given by the project leader at project reviews/feedback meetings.

General Notes

N/A