AA3DS6-Architecture Design £Integration

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Oliver Froome-Lewis
Email: o.froome-lewis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the sixth in a series of related design modules. It provides opportunities to develop creativity and design skills within a studio environment and for students to apply skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to design projects of increasing complexity. Students will utilise traditional skills as well as skills related to the use of digital technologies to explore and develop their design capabilities.

Aims:
The module aims to develop students£ design skills and creativity and to provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed from across the Architecture curriculum

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Evidence development of a conceptual, reflective and critical approach to architectural design by explaining and describing effectively the rationale behind larger and more complex architectural design proposals.


2. Prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity, and type in a variety of contexts, using a range of media, and in response to a brief; GC1.1

Demonstrate an understanding of constructional and structural systems, environmental strategies and regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a comprehensive design project; GC1.2

3. Demonstrate a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the use. GC1.3


4. Demonstrate the creative application of such work to studio design projects, in terms of their conceptualization and representation. GC 3.3


5. Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals; GV 7.1


6. Appraise and prepare building briefs of diverse scales and types, to define client and user requirements and their appropriateness to site and context; GC 7.2


7. Demonstrate understanding of strategies of building construction, and ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques; GC 8.2


8. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices. GC 8.3


9. Demonstrate application of principles associated with designing optimum visual, thermal and acoustic environments , GC 9.1


10. Demonstrate an understanding of systems for environ mental comfort realised within relevant precepts of sustainable design, GC 9.2


11. Develop strategies for building services, and demonstrate an ability to integrate these in a design project. GC 9.3


12. Prepare designs that will meet building users’ requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriate performance standards and health and safety requirements. GC 10.3

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop a personal learning programme and be able to identify individual learning needs, gaining an understanding of the personal responsibility required for further professional education. They will also be able to demonstrate:

1. Ability to generate design proposals using understanding of a body of knowledge, some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture GA 1.1


2. Ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to design proposals clearly and effectively, GA 1.2


3. An understanding of the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction; culture , theory and design; GA 1.3

Outline content:
Students will undertake the design of larger and more complex architectural projects, which evidences an integrated understanding of a building, its site the technological issues that inform the design such as structure, materials, environmental design, and which demonstrates an understanding of integrated approach to architecture, such as a mixed use or residential development.

Students will develop design proposals at various scales, ranging from master plans to building details.

Opportunities will also be sought to engage students in live projects either in the UK or overseas and in competitions (such as that run in TRADA).

Projects and themes to be explored will be determined in the light of the students£ particular interests and aspirations, and in conjunction with the selection of third year optional modules.

There will be formal lecture sessions and elements of the portfolio related to costing, and to Building Regulations a nd other legislative requirements.

Global context:
The skills and knowledge which the student will acquire from this module have universal application.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will predominantly be taught within the studio environment by tutors working with small groups of students over the duration of a project. Students will generate design proposals in studio, making use of workshop facilities and technical support. Such activities are supported by lectures, and tutorials which will incorporate £crit£ sessions. The module will involve experimentation and the development of design proposals and visual representations both by individual exploration and kno wledge- sharing and collaboration, providing extensive opportunities for peer to peer learning.

Analytical tools and other techniques will be used to develop problem-solving and design skills.

Fieldwork/ trips within the UK and/or overseas will provide opportunities to explore the context of a design project and to develop skills relevant to the design of larger and more complex architectural projects.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		16.5	5.5
Tutorials		36	12
Supervised time in studio/workshop		37.5	12.5
Fieldwork		30	10
Guided independent study:		180	60
Total hours by term	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Submission of a portfolio of materials for assessment as described in detail in the module handbook at the commencement of the module.

Formative assessment methods:
This module will include formative assessment related to tutorial/crit sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 25 August 2021