ARCT08062 2022 Research + Engagement II

Evidence research skills and critical thinking as instruments for appraisal and innovation in the culture of architecture and urban design.

Demonstrate the ability to structure and deliver content by choosing the right genre and selecting effectively from the communication and documentation options available in today's multimodal environment. 

Evidence a reflective understanding of the diversity of traditional and contemporary architectural practice, the profession and its relationship to society and place.

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

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

The module will be delivered by both Lecture and Seminar / Workshop. 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/Presentation (20%)

Individual Documentation/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: 

1. Show an understanding of the address of complex problems when collaborating with people who present diverse expertise, cultures, languages, and values.
2. Evidence a reflective understanding of the diversity of traditional and contemporary architectural practice, the profession and its relationship to society and place. 
3. Demonstrate the ability to structure and deliver content by choosing the right genre and selecting effectively from the communication and documentation options available in today's multimodal environment. 

This module will:

• Support learning in the studio module. 
• Focus on Public/ Civic / Inclusive engagement in architecture.
• Reflect on the architect’s role as a critical link between top down and bottom-up planning and design initiatives.
• Assert the importance of the concept of agency in Architecture.
• Focus on professional communication and disseminations skills 

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

• Architectural Co-Design.
• Strategies for design thinking.
• Collaborating professionally.
• Managing projects to define problems and implement solutions.
• Audience analysis.
• Communicating ethically.