AA1DS1-Architecture and Design - An Introduction to Studio

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AA1HTI History and Theory of Architecture: an Introduction AA1IPI Industry and Practice - the Business Context of Architecture AA1VCI Visualisation and Communication in Architectural Design £ An Introduction AA1STI Construction Technology: an Introduction and AA1DS2 Architecture and Design - An Introduction to Site
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Ms Amy Butt
Email: a.v.b.butt@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Penelope Plaza
Email: p.plaza@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the first in a series of related design modules. It provides an introduction to architectural design and to working in a studio environment. There will be opportunities for the creative application of skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to a range of 3D design projects. It will introduce students to three dimensional thinking around space, form and architectural design. Students will develop skills including sketching, freehand drawing, technical drawing and model-making 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 teaching and learning activities within other first year modules, particularly the Visualisation and Communication module.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Communicate effectively by means of a range of visual representation and communication methods, well-considered and creative design proposals for 3D design projects

2. Demonstrate ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to design proposals clearly and effectively

3. 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

4. Demonstrate the way in which buildings fit into their local context

5. Understand the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices

Additional outcomes:
Students will also gain an awareness of the value of visualisation to support design development, evaluation and decision making, and an appreciation of the value of design studio in relation to teaching and learning activities.

Outline content:

Students will undertake the design of projects, typically related to the following:

1. Simple structures

2. Spatial and 3D design projects

 

They will also explore topics such as:

1. Understanding user needs: anthropometrics, comfort, access and scale

2. Exploring colour, form, space, order and geometry

3. Symbolism, language and style in architecture

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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Tutorials	10
Practicals classes and workshops	14
Supervised time in studio/workshop	16
Guided independent study:	150
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 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: 22 September 2022