AAMAD2-Architectural Design 2

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AAMAD1 Architectural Design 1
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Izabela Wieczorek
Email: i.z.wieczorek@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The second in a series of related postgraduate design modules will be undertaken within a series of ‘design and research units’ which build thematically on existing research and expertise within active research groups at UoR, providing an environment of applied research and debate. The module provides a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create, develop, evaluate and communicate design proposals. Throughout this module, students will be able to apply and further develop skills and knowledge gained in the module Architectural Design 1. In addition, students will acquire skills to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, demonstrating an understanding of integrated approach to architectural design. 

Aims:

The module aims  to introduce specific approaches to project-based research developing skills in analysing deign problems, site issues, design precedents, and applying this knowledge to a design project in studio, enabling students to peruse their interest, express their positions and consolidate their skills and knowledge. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate an ability to 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 GC1.1


2. Understand the constructional and structural systems, the environmental strategies and the regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a comprehensive design project; GC1.2


3. Demonstrate 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 use. GC1.3


4. Demonstrate knowledge of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach. GC2.3


5. Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which buildings fit in to their local context; GC 5.3


6. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals, GC7.1


7. Demonstrate an ability to generate complex design proposals showing understanding of current architectural issues, originality in the application of subject knowledge and, where appropriate, to test new hypotheses and speculations, GA2.1


8. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain design proposals; GA2.2

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop a personal learning programme and be able to identify individual learning needs (GA2.7), gaining an understanding of the personal responsibility required for further professional education.

Outline content:

Students will determine and explore appropriate strategies and methods for the development of an architectural design research project building on, or contributing to, the active research themes at the School. These projects will demonstrate a critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through design research. 

The proposals will be at various scales, ranging from masterplans to building details, as appropriate to test students’ individual hypotheses and speculations, exploring the environmental, economic and socio-cultural implications of design. The design project will evidence an understanding of the application of appropriate technical knowledge to propose a building project that demonstrates an understanding of strategies for building construction and ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction technologies as well as relevant building services. 

Students will use a range of visual, oral and written media as well as physical and computer modelling to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain design proposals. 

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 a dynamic research-driven and project-based learning environment, by tutors working with small groups of students over the duration of a project. Students will generate integrated design proposals in studio, making use of workshop facilities and technical support. These activities will be supported by lectures, seminars, team work and tutorials, which will incorporate review sessions, providing extensive opportunities for peer to peer learning. S tudents will be encouraged to explore and develop specific and individual methodologies of architectural representation and communication. 

Fieldwork/ trips within the UK and/or overseas will provide opportunities to explore the context of the design project and to develop skills in characterisation, site analysis and ‘design in situ.’ 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		7	3
Seminars		6	4
Tutorials		12	8
Supervised time in studio/workshop		25	15
Fieldwork		10
External visits		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		30	10
Wider reading (directed)		20
Other		100	100
Preparation for presentations		4	6
Preparation for seminars		6	4
Group study tasks		20
Total hours by term	0	250	150
Total hours for module	400

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 by the week 8 of the summer term. 

Formative assessment methods:

This module includes formative assessments from both lecturer(s) and peers participating in review sessions, tutorials, workshops and group discussions. 

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: Drawing and model making materials: £120


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: £80


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: 30 March 2023