ARCT08060 2022 Research + Engagement I

Discuss ethical and practical issues impacting on urban design and architecture.

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

Summarise, synthesize and communicate findings from research and analysis through text and visuals in the production of a professional report document.

Attend, participate and engage in lecture, seminar discussions, group and individual assignments.

The module will be delivered by both Lecture and Seminar / Workshop. This module aims to cultivate research methods in the discipline of architecture. Students are guided in: evaluating quality of sources, independent research and writing skills. Participation in the module encompasses practical skills, such as assessing and using archives and compiling bibliographies. An understanding of the critical issues affecting the development of particular rural and urban places in the region and nationally 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. Approaches to teaching and learning may include small group seminar teaching and learning, task-based learning, peer and group work, critical writing, student presentations and lectures. These will vary across the seminar groups.

Coursework is assessed at the end of the semester through:

Group Project, Academic Presentation (20%)

Individual Project, Report (70 %)

Attendance, Engagement and Participation in lectures, seminars and assignments is important and monitored (10%)

Formative feedback is given throughout the Semester verbally 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.​

Module Structure

The structure of the module is a flexible framework to accommodate research projects on a wide range of issues related to the themes of Research and Engagement in Architecture and Urban Design. 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 region and country.

Students will be expected to:

• Show an understanding of the nature of professionalism and the duties and responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, co-professionals and the wider society.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current planning policy and development control legislation, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and the relevance of these to design development.
• Show an understanding of and demonstrate skills in the research and writing process involved in structuring and preparing a professional report.

This module will:

• Support learning in the studio module.
• Focus on research on and engagement with the settlement type “the Town” as distinct from “the city”.
• Is linked to the Town Centre First Policy / Context in Ireland and Internationally. 

Students will gain knowledge and carry out reflective critical analysis on: 

• The History of the Irish Town as a settlement type.
• The Development Context of the Irish Town – economic, commercial, social, environmental etc.
• The legislative and administrative framework of the Irish planning system.
• Urban Renewal, Urban Design and Placemaking in Ireland. 
• The Professional Landscape – various actors involved.
• Key stakeholders – clients, building occupiers/users, land-owners, communities etc.
• Collaborative practice.