AA1DS2-Architecture and Design - An Introduction to Site

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer 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 AA1DS1 Architecture and Design - An Introduction to Studio
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Penelope Plaza
Email: p.plaza@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Ms Amy Butt
Email: a.v.b.butt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the second in a series of related design modules. It provides an introduction to architecture and the idea of the site and placing architecture in context. It provides opportunities for the creative application of skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to simple design projects. Students will further 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.

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

1. 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

2. Describe through drawing and models the way in which buildings fit into their local context

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

4. Communicate effectively by means of visual representations, and in oral and written communication, well-considered and imaginative design proposals for design projects at a range of scales such as artefacts, rooms/spaces and simple buildings;

5. Demonstrate capability in the effective application of traditional graphic and model-making techniques

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

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 small scale building design projects, related to a range of scales and complexity.

In addition there will be an emphasis on understanding user needs; anthropometrics, comfort, access and scale.

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 kn owledge - sharing and collaboration, providing extensive opportunities for peer to peer learning.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10	2
Tutorials		20	2
Practicals classes and workshops		20	4
Supervised time in studio/workshop		24	3
Guided independent study:		240	75
Total hours by term		314	86
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students will submit a physical folio, and a digital copy of the folio, to a prescribed deadline. The folios will be group assessed by the teaching team and the marks moderated by the course director.

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