ARCT08041 2019 Research + Engagement: Regional

Establish individual research skills and develop critical thinking as instruments for appraisal and innovation in the culture of architecture and landscape.

Analyse case studies of architectural research, and related research questions and processes in order to develop and compile an architectural response to the complex problem identified 

Engage in multimodal communication of design utilizing a range of advanced and innovative media and representational techniques

Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of local, regional, national and international contexts for planning and development through relating information in the expression of a proposal that establishes relevant and responsible arguments.

Distil from diverse experiences and input from lecturers, collaborators and expert practitioners useful insights that resolve and synthesise diverse and potentially conflicting requirements.

Participate and collaborate actively in team work.

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

Demonstrate competence in communicating results of research and innovation to peers and through public presentation with external audiences.

The module will be delivered in an intense seminar/ workshop format. Lectures, Tutorials, Readings, Case studies, field trips and assignments introduce the North West region as a place. An understanding of the critical issues affecting the development of particular rural and urban places in the region will be developed from interaction with academics, the community, local authorities, stakeholders and interested professionals depending on the research project. Evidence based decision-making is derived from practical application of various recording and projective techniques. Students will be expected to participate in critical reviews of their work with their peers, tutors, visiting lecturers and invited external guests in order to further enhance presentation skills, communication techniques and critical discussion in support of their ideas. Students will be directed to read and further their knowledge and understanding through self directed learning. Both individual and group work modes are utilised throughout.

Coursework is assessed at the end of the semester through:

Design Portfolio (60%)

Reflective Logs (25%

Public Presentation (15%)

Formative feedback is given throughout the Semester both verbally and in written form and Summative Feedback is given in written form at the end of the Semester.

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

The structure of the module is a flexible framework to accommodate research projects on a wide range of issues related to the North West region. The subject matter will vary depending on research interests, live projects, external collaborations and available funding. The module will facilitate the engagement between students of architecture, the community, local authorities, stakeholders and interested professionals to demonstrate the capacity of architecture in developing empirical and qualitative research relevant to the development and progress of the North West region.

Focus will be to:

1. Position IT Sligo as a key stakeholder in regional development and reach out to the wider community in selected areas including creativity, social entrepreneurship and good citizenship through architectural design.
2. Develop an ethos of civic leadership for the focus of expertise in regional development.
3. Support active citizenship and facilitate individuals, organisations and communities to develop the skills and capacities to foster economic, social and cultural development and participation through architectural studio projects.
4. Provide leadership and develop an academic support framework for the artistic and creative sector in the northwest region.
5. Initiate links with other architecture schools both nationally and internationally in order to broaden student experience an enhance programme development.
6. Develop a Creative Forum at IT Sligo to enhance the BArch programmes visibility, identity and ethos