AA3DS5-Architecture Design £Complexity

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the fifth 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. Define user requirements and prepare briefs for complex architectural design projects;


2. Demonstrate a well-developed understanding of various analytical tools and techniques related to complex architectural projects, and an ability to use such tools and techniques 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; GC 1.1


4. 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; GC 1.2


5. Develop 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 user; GC 1.3


6. Apply appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach; GC 2.3


7. Demonstrate an appreciation of the way in which buildings fit into their local context; GC 5.3


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


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


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


11. The 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


12. The ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to design proposals clearly and effectively. GA 1.2

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Students will undertake the design of a complex architectural project, such as:

1. A mixed use development;


2. A complex building and/or a building of some complexity and size.

Students will develop design proposals at various scales, ranging from masterplans to building details. Opportunities will also be associated lectures at various points in the course to introduce key issues around developing the client brief and understand the site.

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.

The module will engage invited consultants such as engineers and other specialists to support the development of integrated architectural design projects. Such activities will be supported by lectures, and tutorials which will in corporate 'crit' sessions. The modules will involve exploration and knowledge-sharing and collaboration, providing extensive opportunities for peer to peer learning.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	22
Tutorials	48
Supervised time in studio/workshop	50
Fieldwork	40
Guided independent study:	40
Total hours by term		0	0
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 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