AAMAD3-Architectural Design 3- Thesis Design

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: AAMAD1 Architectural Design 1 AAMAT1 Architectural Technologies AAMRM1 Research Methods 1 AAMPS1 Professional Skills 1 AAMAD2 Architectural Design 2 AAMPS2 Professional Skills 2 AAMAD1 Architectural Design 1 and AAMAD2 Architectural Design 2 and AAMAT Architectural Technologies and AAMSPR Architectural Skills for Professional Resilience
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AAMRM2 Research Methods 2 AAMRM Research Methods: Dissertation
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is the third and the last in a series of related postgraduate design modules that explores research-based architectural design processes. It provides students with the opportunity to define an individual design position in relation to a current architectural issue supported by a relevant research theme and methodological framework defined by the ‘research unit’. Students will develop a comprehensive  individual design project grounded in the student’s own research and supported through tutorials as well as specialist consultations. The project may be linked to research conducted in Research Methods 2 (AAM RM2 Dissertation) and will be accompanied by a technical report to evidence an understanding of relevant technical issues.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with key skills to develop an independent design project, a design thesis proposition, informed by relevant research, incorporating theoretical, methodological and technical aspects as well as applying advanced skills in visual, written and oral communication.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Evidence development of a conceptual, reflective and critical approach to architectural design by explaining and describing effectively the rationale behind larger and more complex architectural design proposals. (GA2.1)


2. 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


3. Demonstrate an ability to 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


4. 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 user; GC1.3


5. Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC2.1


6. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC2.2


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


8. Demonstrate knowledge ofcurrent planning policy and development control legislation, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and the relevance of these to design development. GC4.3


9. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs and aspirations of building users; GC 5.1


10. Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which buildings fit in to their local context; GC5.3


11. Demonstrate an understanding of the potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities; GC6.3 *Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to deliver accessible and inclusive buildings, places and spaces.


12. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design; GC8.1


13. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies for building construction, and ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques; GC8.2


14. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices; GC8.3


15. Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for building services, and ability to integrate these in a design project. GC9.3


16. Demonstrate the skills to prepare designs that will meet building users’ requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriateperformance standards and health and safety requirements. GC10.3


17. 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


18. 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


19. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to complex architectural designs and building construction, and to integrate these into practicable design proposals; GA2.3


20. 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.

Additional outcomes:

Students will 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. As well as demonstrating:

1. 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


2. 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


3. An ability to evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to complex architectural designs and building construction, and to integrate these into practicable design proposals; GA2.3

Outline content:

Students will determine and apply appropriate strategies and methods for the development of a complex architectural design research proposal- the Masters Design Thesis. Students will identify an individual learning interest around a current architectural issue which will contribute to, or build on, the research themes identified by the school. The proposal will be developed through the application of individually determined methodologies or approaches towards design research and will result in outcomes at various scales as appropriate to test individual hypotheses and speculations. 

The design research project will include an individually determined critical analysis and response to histories and theories of architecture, as applicable to the project. It will also include an individually defined critical analysis and response to the issues of architecture and technology, as applicable to the project. There will be a comprehensive contextual analysis of the brief, the context or site to justify the design proposition. 

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 their 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		10	10
Seminars		10	10
Tutorials		20	10
Supervised time in studio/workshop		40	30
Fieldwork		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Wider reading (directed)		20
Other		200	100
Preparation for presentations		10
Preparation for seminars		10
Preparation of practical report			40
Group study tasks		20
Total hours by term	0
Total hours for module	600

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. This includes a technical report of approximately 2.500-3.000 words.

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: £150

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: £100

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: 29 January 2024