AA3SCA-Construction Technology: Integration

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: AA2STC Construction Technology: Core Studies
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AA3DS5 Architecture Design £Complexity and AA3DS6 Architecture Design £Integration
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr John Harding
Email: j.e.harding@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is a third year compulsory module within a series of related science and technology modules, to be provided over three years within the Architecture programme, and is closely related to other modules including the studio-based part of the curriculum.  It may also be of relevance to other programmes: elements of the module or the module as a whole may be common to other programmes.

Building on first and second-year modules, it explores the environmental and socio- political implications of design and specification choices, as well as the financial implications of such choices. It also explores issues relating to buildability; and to the evaluation of buildings in use.

Aims:

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the implications of design and specification choices.

There is an emphasis on environmental, social, economic and cultural resilience throughout this module.

Aims will be achieved using a variety of teaching and learning methods: the module includes field-based work involving measurement and interaction with building users.

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 examination. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC10.1; GC10,1; GC10.2.  They will be able to demonstrate in assignments skills which show an understanding of the wider implications of design and specification choices.  Such skills underpin a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates 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.


2. Students will be able to demonstrate in assignments the development of their understanding of alternative materials, processes and techniques that a pply to architectural design and building construction. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2


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


4. There will be an understanding of  the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative struc tural, constructional and material 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 design and specification choices, 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 building design project


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; GA 1.4

Outline content:

The module is structured around several topic areas:

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


2. Financial implications of design and specification choices;


3. Designing for buildability;


4. Building details: achieving ‘good practice’;


5. The implications of design and specification choices on building performance: learning from experience and precedent; building modelling and the evaluation of actual performance; Building Performance Evaluation importance, techniques and limitations; measurement and user feedback.

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.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

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

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		21
Tutorials			9
Guided independent study:		54	16
Total hours by term	0	75	25
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two digital submissions at the end of the module: The first a report based on specific weekly lecture content, the second that combines individual learning themes via an integrated task with studio.

Formative assessment methods:

This module will include formative assessment related to tutorial sessions such as on-line multiple choice questions; practice questions and quizzes.

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 examination/coursework to be completed by 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