Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is a first year compulsory postgraduate module to be provided within the Part 2 architectural programme. It provides the core principles of architectural technology and their application in practice. The module explores the environmental and socio-cultural implications of design and specification. The first part of the module revolves around four key themes: materials, structures, environmental design and comfort as well as digital design. The second part of the module allows the student to focus on one of these themes, conducting a rigorous research on a subject of their choice, culminating in a final project.  The skills gained in this module will be applied and evidenced in an integrated project developed in Architectural Design 3 (AAM AD3)/ Thesis Projects.  

Aims:

Students will develop a wide knowledge and understanding of the implications of architectural technology, with an emphasis on environmental, social, economic and cultural resilience throughout this module. Students will learn to critically engage with a specific topic in architectural technology through an individually driven research project.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Students will understand and be able to describe, using appropriate vocabulary, aspects of the subject areas outlined below, and will be able to demonstrate the application of this knowledge and understanding in experimental work, assignments and a final exhibition piece. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC10.1; GC10,1; GC10.2.


2. They will be able to demonstrate in assignments skills that show an understanding of the wider implications of architectural technology. Such skills und erpin a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrate and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a design and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user within the precepts of sustainability and ethical practice. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2.


3. Students will be able to demonstrate in assignments the development of their understanding of novel materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and buildin g construction using modern developments in digital technology. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2


4. Students will be able to demonstrate in assignments an ability to undertake investigative work, and critically evaluate suitable precedents using modelling and a range of evaluation techniques. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3.


5. There will be an understanding of the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural, constructional, environmental and materi al systems relevant to architectural design. GC 8.3 

Additional outcomes:

1. Students will be expected to have developed an understanding of relationships between science and technology and the history, theory and practice of architectural design; and relationships between people, buildings and the environment. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3.


2. They will also have developed an understanding of the wider implications of architectural technologies, and the duties of architects and designers to clients, users and wider society. GC10.1; GC10.2


3. They will also have developed their awareness of the needs and aspirations of building users in relation to the science and technology of architecture. And this understanding will be applied to their own individual research project and exhibition piece. GA2.3


4. Students will have an ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design. GA2.4

Outline content:

The module is structured around several topic areas:

• Making responsible design and specification choices: the environmental and socio-political implications of design decisions.


• Integrating multiple architectural technologies in individual projects, including environmental, structural and material concerns.


• Advances in digital and computational design techniques.


• Designing with the user for human comfort and well -being in outdoor/indoor environments


• An individual research project/exhibition conducted following a rigorous literature review on a subject of the student’s choosing within architectural technology.

The module will include field-based work involving measurement and interaction with building users.

Global context:

The module is focused on the UK but has a global dimension, notably in relation to the wider implications of design and specification choices – in particular responsible choices with regards to sustainability, the environment and global climate change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching within this module will be by means of lectures, workshop tutorials and field-based investigations, followed by supporting an individually guided research project. These sessions will be complemented by guided independent study and by studio-based project work within related modules.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be a series of assignments/project stages that will be assessed summatively through Portfolio (including a report of approximately 2.000 words) by the week 8 of the summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

This module will include formative assessment related to tutorial sessions through feedback provided to interim informal submission of coursework (without contributing towards the overall module mark).

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to the ‘Assessment Handbook. Section 6: Conduct of Assessment: Examinations and Coursework’ for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall 

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books Required and recommended textbooks are usually available in the University Library.


2. Specialist equipment or materials Specialised environmental sensors tbc


3. Computers and devices with a particular specification There is access to computers with specialist software, however, students may also wish to buy their own computers.


4. Travel, accommodation and subsistence Travel costs of the required field trips will be covered. There might be additional costs for trips which are optional.

Last updated: 8 April 2020