AAMAT-Architectural Technologies

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is a first year compulsory postgraduate module to be provided within the Part 2 architectural programme. It provides the core principles of architectural technology and their application in practice. The module explores the environmental and socio-cultural implications of design and specification. The first part of the module revolves around four key themes: materials, structures, environmental design and comfort as well as digital design. The second part of the module allows the student to focus on one of these themes, conducting a rigorous research on a subject of their choice, culminating in a final project.  The skills gained in this module will be applied and evidenced in an integrated project developed in Architectural Design 3 (AAM AD3)/ Thesis Projects.  

Aims:

Students will develop a wide knowledge and understanding of the implications of architectural technology, with an emphasis on environmental, social, economic and cultural resilience throughout this module. Students will learn to critically engage with a specific topic in architectural technology through an individually driven research project.

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 a final exhibition piece. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC10.1; GC10.2.


2. They will be able to demonstrate in assignments skills that show an understanding of the wider implications of architectural technology. Such skills underpin a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrate 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. GC5.2; GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2.


3. Students will be able to demonstrate in assignments the development of their understanding of novel materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction using modern developments in digital technology. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2


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


5. There will be an understanding of the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural, constructional, environmental and material systems relevant to architectural design. GC 8.2, GC 8.3


6. 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 individual research project and exhibition piece. GA2.3


7. 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. GA2.4

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 architectural technologies, and the duties of architects and designers to clients, users and wider society. GC10.1; GC10.2

Outline content:

The module is structured around several topic areas:

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


• Integrating multiple architectural technologies in individual projects, including environmental, structural and material concerns.


• Advances in digital and computational design techniques.


• Designing with the user for human comfort and well-being in outdoor/indoor environments


• An individual research project/exhibition conducted following a rigorous literature review on a subject of the student’s choosing within architectural technology.

The module will include field-based work involving measurement and interaction with building users.

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 – in particular responsible choices with regards to sustainability, the environment and global climate change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

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

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5
Seminars	10	5
Tutorials	5	10	5
Project Supervision		10	10
Fieldwork	5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	5
Advance preparation for classes	20	20	10
Preparation for presentations	5	5	5
Preparation of practical report		5	10
Carry-out research project	20	20	5
Essay preparation			5
Total hours by term	75	75	50
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be a series of assignments/project stages that will be assessed summatively through Portfolio (including a report of approximately 2.000 words) by the week 8 of the summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

This module will include formative assessment related to tutorial sessions through feedback provided to interim informal submission of coursework (without contributing towards the overall module mark).

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Required and recommended textbooks are usually available in the University Library.

2) Specialist equipment or materials: Specialised environmental sensors TBC

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:There is access to computers with specialist software, however, students may also wish to buy their own computers.

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Travel costs of the required field trips will be covered. There might be additional costs for trips which are optional.

Last updated: 22 September 2022