• Inactive for Year: 2024/25

• Module Leader(s): Mr Toby Blackman

• Owning School: Architecture, Planning & Landscape
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Aims

This module introduces construction methodologies related to medium- and large- scale buildings, and outlines the first principles of an overarching Modern Method of Construction [MMC], or heterogeneous construction methods including systems and components, prefabrication, and performance envelopes [eg rainscreens and curtain walling].
The impact of codes of practice, BS/EN Standards and Building Regulations on architectural design will be outlined, and the ethos of holistic sustainability reinforced [from the energy embodied in the building fabric, to the operational energy of the constructed building].
The key aim of the module is to demonstrate that ‘design’ and ‘technology’ are intrinsically linked and complimentary, and that in many respects they are mutually interdependent.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module builds upon work covered in Stage 1, and the homogenous construction methods of traditional, synthetic systems of building [eg in situ, loadbearing brickwork].
Structured Space, Performance Enclosure, Material, and Detail define the overarching topics of the module, which seeks to introduce the relationship between the part and the whole, the element and the component, Design and Construction process.
The module introduces construction methodologies related to medium- and large- scale buildings, and outlines the first principles of an overarching Modern Method of Construction [MMC], or heterogeneous construction methods including systems and components, prefabrication, and performance envelopes [eg rainscreens and curtain walling].
The impact of codes of practice, standards, and statutory processes on architectural design will be outlined through a close reading of specific documents, including BS/EN Standards and the Approved Document Building Regulations against a series of case studies.
The ethos of holistic sustainability is reinforced through discussion of the energy embodied in the building fabric, to the operational energy of the constructed building.
Various common constructional systems and methodologies are considered and compared (including their history and development, material implications, common dimensional issues, reasons for their choice, and current and future applications).
Architectonics—the bringing together of elements and materials through design and construction processes is introduced and examined carefully, with a focus on design process, whilst remaining responsible to Tolerance and Movement, Waterproofing, Thermal Performance, and Fire Protection in the framing of the lecture-based examination of precedent, and an examination of ‘Fabric-First’ thinking.
Structural assembly processes and sequences are considered, alongside the spatial implications that structural systems suggest or require of the design process.
The broader Design Team in the design and construction of the built environment, and the common roles and responsibilities are introduced, in order to highlight the consequential need for clear and effective communication and coordination (often between many different parties and across cognate disciplines).
Coursework 2, Semester 2 (ARC2009 ONLY)
Three Building Regulation Approved Documents are used to focus consideration on how building users can be kept safe when entering buildings (Part M), when moving around buildings (Part K) and when exiting buildings in an emergency (Part B), and to consider ways in which these can impact on building design, construction and use.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Jointly Taught With

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

ARC2009 is taught through lectures, and workshops organised by ARC2001 Architectural Design studio peer groups, building on the links and community formed in Studio.
The module builds upon knowledge, understanding and skill gained to-date in Architectural Technology modules ARC1013 and ARC1014, and through knowledge and understanding gained more broadly across the BA Architecture programme. The taught content facilitates the development of practical knowledge and understanding of the material and technical dimensions of building design, current trends in the construction industry, and collaborative modes of working, whilst the coursework facilitates skill development in the application of this knowledge to the group-based description, analysis and interpretation of an allocated case study project.
Student investigations are focussed upon deep analysis of three case study projects, selected to support the ARC2001 Architectural Design Brief.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

There are two components of coursework:
1.       Group modelmaking: large scale, collaborative models, drawing out the lessons learned from an allocated case study;
2.       Site Mapping, Matter, and Measurement: collaborative, cross-referenced work compiling individual lines of environmental, topographic, geometric and material site enquiry to form a representation of construction context, opportunities and constraints.
Component 1 seeks case study-based investigation of architecture, and its construction in detail, supported by lectures, workshops and Q&A sessions. Working in studio peer groups, students build on the links and community formed in the Architectural Design Studio module, conducting investigations focussed upon deep analysis of case studies selected to support the Studio Brief.
Component 2 seeks collaborative working, and the compilation of cross-referenced, dimensioned and annotated, drawn information in order to form a shared resource, and identify the opportunities and constraints as a simulation of the processes and practices of site investigations conducted in practice.
The key aim of the module is to demonstrate that ‘design’ and ‘technology’ are intrinsically linked and complimentary, and that in many respects they are mutually interdependent.

Reading Lists

• ARC2009's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• ARC2009's Timetable