Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title DESIGN STUDIES
Code ARCH500
Coordinator Dr G Quattrone
Architecture
G.Quattrone@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

The module aims to explore in detail a changing current issue in contemporary architectural design. Visiting tutors engaged in professional practice or academia bring an external (often international) perspective to the area of study. A theme associated with a specific building type (e.g. education, healthcare, housing, commerce) or a theoretical agenda (e.g. architecture and tourism) identifies the thrust of the project. An overseas study trip with a visiting tutor and module staff forms a catalyst for the project. Research and exploration is undertaken in groups to determine the focus of the design agenda. Projects can be developed into a specific building design, an urban strategy, or a theoretical architectural agenda. Students submit drawings, reports and models/constructions that are presented to review panels for open forum discussion.


Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and awareness of important contemporary architectural and urban design issues and precedents.

The ability to prepare designs, concepts, strategies that relate to and satisfy the ambitions of the project.
The ability to select and utilise appropriate visual, oral and written methods that will effectively communicate complex architectural theories, concepts and designs.
Additional learning outcomes are specifically identified in the course notes for what is inherently a regularly changing agenda. A lecture presentation series and associated study tour signals the direction of the research and the design project.

Syllabus
1  The precise study focus will vary from year to year, depending on agenda of the course, and the site and project brief. However, lectures, seminars and group project work will be used to explore the theory and practice of a contemporary issue of importance. Past themes have been, conservation in a historic city (eg Bologna), social housing (Merseyside ), embassies (Germany), eco-housing (UK). Visiting tutors from esteemed professional practice or academia bring critical agendas to lead the focus of the project. A European study tour during which dedicated research and site visits are undertaken at the very beginning of the project, forms a catalyst for its development. Lectures take place at weekly intervals as required. Tutorials take place at weekly intervals. Two critical reviews take place during the duration of the project. Formative assessment presentation takes place towards the end of the project but several weeks prior to final submission.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

lectures introduce the project and inform its development

Seminar -

seminars involve group negotiaion around shared project topics

Tutorial -

tutorials support the individual or group design work

Field Work -

a non-mandatory visit takes place to sites/places of interest pertinent to the projct aims

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 8

 16

 32

   32

   88
Timetable (if known) lectures introduce the project and inform its development
  		seminars involve group negotiaion around shared project topics
  		tutorials support the individual or group design work
  		  a non-mandatory visit takes place to sites/places of interest pertinent to the projct aims
  		   
Private Study 212
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  semester n/a  Week nine  100  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Research and designs have summative assessment at a pin-up review during the end of semester assessment period. Periodic intermediate (formative) assessments in reviews during the project and final session. In general, groups will work together and be assessed as equal partners. However, following consultation with tutors a split may be agreed, in which case a group component and an individual component will be assessed separately. The percentage allocation to each element will be agreed as appropriate at the time of the split. All components (group and individual) have to achieve a pass mark so that the overall student work can pass the module. This action can also be taken in cases where a group member is unable to complete work due to mitigating circumstances, and is allowed extra time. This module complies with RIBA/ARB mapping criteria as described in the following document: http://www.liv.ac.uk/media/livacuk/architecture/downloads/ARB,Mapping,per, criterion.pdf 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: