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 THESIS DESIGN
Code ARCH511
Coordinator Mr J Dunne
Architecture
J.Dunne@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 M Level Second Semester 45

Aims

The thesis design project provides the opportunity for final year students to demonstrate their ability to pursue an independent and coherent line of investigation in an architectural or urban study, leading either to a design or to a more theoretical presentation. In either event it is to be pursued with thoroughness, and supported by the thesis design report. Students will demonstrate their ability to systematically develop an architectural/urban design agenda; pursue a coherent line of invesitgation; and undertake a range of complex design-based investigations leading to a comprehensive visual, written and oral presentation. The work will be placed within a wider cultural context that identifies the key technical, environmental and social implications of their project.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the thesis design project, students will have –

  • Demonstrated their ability systematically to develop an architectural/ urban design, and/ or to pursue a coherent line of investigation in an architectural/ urban design field;
  • Demonstrated the architectural/ urban relevance of their project, and appreciated its place in a wider cultural context;
  • Identified the key technical, environmental and social implications of their project and addressed these issues in terms of planning and the detailed resolution of the building (or, in the case of theoretical projects, in a coherent and critical study).



Syllabus
1  1

The Thesis Design Project is an individual or group project which may either yield a building design, or a more theoretical study of an architectural or urban topic. Students must have their proposal approved,and approval will be subject to an assessment of the contents of their portfolio from MArch semesters 1, 2 and 3. The thesis design topic must be explored in depth, both in respect of any technical, environmental and social issues involved, and in the wider critical and cultural context. A series of open presentations will be scheduled at which students will present their project by stages, so that their level of control over the process is clearly demonstrated.

The Thesis Design Project will be presented primarily in graphic form (including the potential use of CAD techniques) and defended orally before a critical jury (and in interview with one of our external examiners). It will also be supported by a critical report (see ARCH 583).


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Tutorial -

Other -


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     15

     32

 47
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 403
TOTAL HOURS 450

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  Pin up course work s  2  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) Tutorial support on a weekly basis, is supplemented by periodic presentations to a critical panel, and leads to a final oral and graphic presentation (and a separate report, q.v. ARCH 583). The staged presentations are formative in intent, and the summative assessment follows the final presentation (which is intended to be a discussion). The final assessment is by a panel of school staff, and is endorsed after a viva with one of our externals. 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.  

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: