ARCT06012 2019 Architectural Design Studio 2

Apply fundamental design strategies and considerations in the creation of design proposals

Understand and apply contextual design strategies in the creation of design proposals related to key issues of climate, landscape and place

Understand and demonstrate the influence of the arts in the conceptualising and representation of design responses to a given brief

Understand and apply building construction, structure, materials and environment strategies in the creation of design proposals

Demonstrate a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design, that integrates and satisfies the contextual, aesthetic, technical and experiential considerations.

Understand and apply basic legislation, codes of practice and health and safety protocol in the conception and development of a design proposal.

Apply a range of multimodal communication  and analytical methods and media to present design proposals clearly and effectively

Display knowledge of the professional, ethical and societal roles of the architect in the broadest sense

Design (alone and in teams) under supervision in an architectural-practice-like environment to meet clearly defined building users’ requirements and subject to constraints of design studio brief

 Display basic knowledge of different disciplines in the field of designed and built environment.

Participate and collaborate actively in team work.

Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse individual learning requirements and work independently in a self-directed manner

Directed problem based learning approaches are applied to one or several design projects. The students follow written, structured project briefs which follow the key stages of the design process. In the early stages of the projects group tasks are employed. During the course of each project we deliver individual and group tutorials, a variety of lecture and supporting inputs and facilitate formative and summative reviews.

Introduction to Professional Studies is taught using a combination of lectures, presentations, theoretical discussion and practical based tutorials. Both individual and group work modes are utilised throughout.

Design projects are broken down into a series of tasks that are assessed formatively using group and individual presentations/reviews at the end of each task; and at the end of each semester through portfolio submission, formal review and summative assessment.

Assessment is performance orientated, and in response to current best practice, we use ‘assessment for learning’ (formative) modes during project work in design studio to provide constructive feedback. We employ this approach to foster the environment necessary for creativity to flourish, and facilitate the student to become an autonomous professional capable of responding to design problems contextually - globally, nationally and locally.

A range of continuous, performance assessment techniques are used in projects including; portfolio; reports; presentations; and a reflective/learning journal. The emphasis in Design Studio is on responding contextually; innovation, design integration; three-dimensional problem solving skills; communication skills; acceptance of responsibility for learning, and the use of a broad range of learning resources. Moreover, tutor, peer and self-ratings are utilised to assess a number of skills formatively, including effort, self-directed learning and group cooperation. Students are provided with relevant and informative feedback during interactive dialogue including comments on stated objectives at the end of each stage of a piece of the design project and this includes feedback from peers as well as tutors. A criterion-referenced model of summative assessment is employed in Design Studio at the end of each project including the academic portfolio submission at the end of the year. 

Repeat assessment will be dependent on failed components. This will be confirmed at formal exam boards.​

Part A (Semester 1)

Week 1               Project 1 - Vertical Project: Run at the commencement of each academic year to encourage student interaction across years and introduce new students to the programme. Groups of architecture students from year 1 - 5, work on short, idea-based projects based on the programme vision points.

Week 2 - 5          Project 2 - Typological Precedent Research: project relating to cultural infrastructure varies depending on field trip location

Week 7                Field Trip

Week 6 - 13        Project 3 - Arthouse Cinema.

The module draws on methods from visual media to develop the experiential possibilities of architecture through a cultural Intervention addressing the public realm. The design is of a cinema, drawing from methods used in cinematic storytelling. Film remains unchallenged as a ‘rich medium for reflection on human nature’ (Yazdani, 2012, 2) and in its ability to portray aspects of the human condition particular to its art form, which includes accentuating the role it adopts in portraying the architecture which we inhabit every day. In attempting to engage with these concepts, the project is structured to address three aspects of architectural design:

Experiential Qualities of Space, interior and exterior in order to instil new life into a neglected urban area. 

Threshold between existing building-new intervention/exterior-interior 

Spatial Planning of a mid-sized public cultural building, and the interface with the street

Stage 1                       Experiential Space: The Eyes of the Skin

Stage 2                       Geographical and Experiential Site Recording and Analysis

Stage 3                       Precedent Research and Analysis

Stage 4                       Film Analysis and Concept Collage

Stage 5                       Sketch Design

Stage 6                       Cinematic Storytelling: Storyboard Of Atmospheric Narrative

Stage 7                       Detailed Design and Presentation

Introduction to Professional Studies (Year 2, Semester 1 – 6 lectures and 6 seminars/site visits x 1 hour) 

This is a discrete series of 12 lectures and tutorials to introduce topics which are developed in further detail in Professional Studies modules 1, 2 and 3 and prepare the student for their first professional practice experience in architecture. They will initiate and develop the student's understanding of what it means to be an architect, introduce the architect's professional role and responsibilities in the provision of architectural services to contemporary society, and the regulatory framework within which architects operate. The module aims to instigate and introduce a professional and ethical appreciation of the context of practice, highlighting societal and cultural attitudes and values that influence the design and building process. Practice types and legal relationships are introduced, as well as the concept of reflective practice. The short lecture/seminar series is intended to provide an interactive environment for students to engage with the area of architectural practice, to enhance the links with design studio. Visits to and from local and national architectural practices, site visits and case studies further support student engagement, the development of team work skills and initiating a personal interest in what it does and can mean to be an architect in today's world.

Lecture 1: Becoming a Professional 1: Introduction

Lecture 2: Becoming a Professional 2: The Professional Architect

Lecture 3: Becoming a Professional 3: Regulatory Framework

Lecture 4: Becoming a Professional 4: Management

Lecture 5: Becoming a Professional 5: Brief & Work Stages / Appraising Information

Lecture 6: Becoming a Professional 6: Team Working

Part B (Semester 2)

Week 14                     Project 4 - The Interior Street

March (one week)     Project 5 - Entry for AAI Competition (brief tbc)

Week 15 - 22              Project 6 - Collective Urban Housing

Stage 1                       Research and Sketch Design

Stage 2                       Design Development

Stage 3                       Detailed Design and Presentation