Architecture Design Studies BA (Hons)

History of architecture survey course.

The module introduces students to ways of looking at and understanding the architectural credentials of buildings. It is based on the German concept of ‘Gebäudelehre’, which translates into English as ‘building studies’. The module sits between, and is aiming to support the other module strands in year one, namely studio design; history and theory; and technology. Students are shown a series of buildings of varying sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) and in the lectures these buildings will be presented by looking at and analysing their plans, sections, elevations, context, internal and external space, type, circulation and materiality. Furthermore, issues of private and public space and public and private buildings, ensembles, composition, symmetry / asymmetry, the repetition of elements and spaces, and fronts and backs, will be discussed. The module is aiming to equip students with tools to independently analyse and understand buildings, also with a view to enhance their design abilities. The module is delivered as a series of lectures, seminars, and (Covid-19 permitting) building visits on Campus. Assessment will be via submission of coursework.

The module is an introduction to the principles of net zero carbon design.
It aims to give students an understanding of the role of a building as a modifier of climate with reference to traditional climatically responsive architecture, and the role of buildings in the context of global energy usage, environmental impact, climate change and net zero carbon design.

Studio Design Module

Architecture Studio Design

Architectural design studio

Technology 1.2: Structure and Construction

Architectural History and Theory module on the Twentieth Century

The objective of the module is to promote an understanding of the forces that shape the human-made environment and the role played by design professionals. It aims to help students as future designers to understand that the city is a complex and dynamic system. It also aims to stimulate their active thinking and positive responses to various urban phenomena in order to generate appropriate strategies that can effectively solve design problems and facilitate the city’s sustainability. Through a series of lectures on urban history, case studies, urban design theories and methodologies, as well as debates on urban sustainability, this module is to enhance students’ awareness of the nature of cities, the formation and transformation of their urban forms and to obtain basic urban design skills.

​This module introduces students to energy and environmental issues, particularly those that must be faced by the discipline of architecture.    The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to design of passive environmental systems for buildings, their integration into building fabric and structural systems, and selection of appropriate equipment and materials. Both the fundamentals and presentations of case studies (including lessons from the vernacular) will be used to enhance the understanding environmental simulation.​ The module will be delivered by weekly 2-hour lectures, and assessed . There are two mandatory assessments: a Group Report on Vernacular Architecture and the Application of Passive Strategies (50% of total mark), and an individual report (50% of total mark) showing evidence of applying passive strategies for the students’ design studio project (for students taking Year 2 Design Studio) or a critique of a contemporary building .on its potential to use appropriate passive strategies for the climate it resides in.

Lecture based technology module.
This module explores the design collaboration between architects and engineers and its impact on architectural design.

The module uses lectures from staff to introduce specialised research themes and topics in architectural history and theory, and is supported by group and individual research. Students are able to choose topics for which they would like to attend further group tutorials / seminars. The module is assessed by an MCQ exam (50%) and a 2,000-word essay (50%).

The aim of the course is to develop from user requirements an introduction to design of environmental systems for large buildings, selection of appropriate equipment and materials, and their integration into building fabric and structural systems. The three topics are Artificial Lighting, Acoustics, and Thermal Environment and are delivered by a mixture of lectures and case studies.

The objective of the module is to provide a basic understanding of practice management and the role architects play in the procurement of buildings. It aims to provide a context for the professional life of an architect and explain the functions of the other key players.

The module covers the broad spectrum of construction technologies, materials and methods – from intermediate to current to emerging – by presenting the work of internationally respected architects operating in different geographical, cultural and economic contexts. Key aspects of architectural technology are discussed through precedents, with the aim to understand how material and technical choices are impacted by – and in turn able to impact – design, from concept to detailing.

The module reflects upon the multiplicity of ways in which technology can respond to site, programme, budget and users, act as a vehicle to articulate typological, spatial and haptic qualities in design, and address sustainability in the broadest sense.

The module consists of lectures, drop-ins and tutorials. The assessment is based on an individual exam, an individual peer assessment and a group coursework assignment.

The dissertation offers students the opportunity to carry out an investigation on a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a member of the academic or research staff of the School. The exact details of the topic of the investigation will be agreed between the student, the module coordinator and the supervisor. The normal means of presenting the investigation will be by a written dissertation of around 8,000 words (plus references, appendices etc…). However, in exceptional circumstances, the module coordinator will consider a student’s proposal for an additional method (with appropriately reduced written submission) – such as software, website, video or design.