AA3REA2: Realisation 2

Module code: AA3REA2

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr John Harding, email: j.e.harding@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Miss Jennifer Forakis, email: j.m.forakis@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA3HTAN AND TAKE AA3REA1 AND TAKE AA3DS5N AND TAKE AA3DS6N (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to equip students with the core skills and knowledge that underpin delivery of architectural projects and realisation of buildings in professional architectural practice. Following on from Year 2 modules: AA2IPC and AA2STC and Realisation 1 (AA3REAL1) in Year 3, students will develop their knowledge through practical application and integration with Design Studio Six (AA3DS6).

The topics to be explored will be divided into two sections: Construction Technology and Project Delivery & Practice Management. The first will focus on the implications of specification choices (fire, cost, etc.), environmental strategies in reducing carbon emissions (embodied & operational) and fostering climate change resilience. The second will focus on the architect’s responsibilities and key processes and procedures involved in running of architectural practice and approval of architectural designs. This will include aspects such as practice/office management, contractual frameworks, terms of engagement, building regulations and relevant health & safety legislation.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. 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 examination. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC10.1; GC10,1; GC10.2.  They will be able to demonstrate in assignments skills which show an understanding of the wider implications of design and specification choices.  Such skills underpin a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates 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   GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2.
2. Demonstrate in assignments the development of their understanding of alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2
3. Demonstrate in assignments an ability to undertake investigative work, and to critically evaluate precedents using modelling and a range of Building Performance Evaluation techniques. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3.
4. Understand the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design; GC 8.3
5. Understand the key elements of architectural practice within the context of the contemporary architectural firm; GC 5.1; GC 7.2; GC 7.3; GC 11.3
6. Understand the need for the management of the design process (including co-ordination with other disciplines and the need to comply with development control policy and legislation, as well as to respond to the needs and aspirations of building users, developing themes explored in the Industry, Policy and Practice module for Year 2); GC 4.3; GC 5.1; GC 7.2; GC 7.3
7. Understand the legal terms governing the engagement of architects, and of architects’ liabilities and insurance arrangements. GC 7.2; GC 7.3
8. Understand the fundamental legal, professional and statutory responsibility of the architect, and the organisations, regulations and procedures involved in the negotiation and approval of architectural designs, including land law, development control, building regulations and health and safety legislation; GC 11.1
9. Understand the professional inter-relationships of individuals and organisations involved in the procuring and delivering architectural projects, and how these are defined though contractual and organisational structures; GC 11.2
10. Understand the basic management theories and business principles related to running both an architects’ practice and architectural projects, recognising current and emerging trends in the construction industry. GC 11.3

In addition:

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 design and specification choices, and the duties of architects and designers to clients, users and wider society. GC10.1; GC10.2
3. 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 building design project
4. 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; GA 1.4
5. An appreciation of what makes a successful architectural business (from a sole principal/trader to the large architectural firm). GC 11.3
6. Their ability to create well-structured pieces of written work.

Module content

The module is structured into the following topic areas:

• Making responsible design and specification choices: the environmental and socio-political implications of design decisions in the context of the climate emergency;
• Financial implications of design and specification choices;
• Designing for buildability and building details achieving ‘good practice’;
• The implications of design and specification choices on building performance and relevant building regulations;
• The architectural firm – the concept of the firm in economic theory; architectural firms of different types and sizes; legal structures; key issues of firm organisation and management;
• Marketing and business development – developing opportunities for new business; the importance of communication, presentation and ‘pitching’;
• Practice management – fee structures and financial management; people and HR issues; IT and knowledge management; other management issues;
• Managing the design process – concepts of architectural design; key challenges and issues in the management of a creative design process; tools and techniques for design management;
• Appointments and insurances – legal framework for architects’ engagement; liabilities and insurances; commonly used terms of engagement.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered via lectures and group-based seminars/tutorials by experts from the University and from Industry. Where appropriate, case studies and examples from practice will be used to focus and crystalise key concepts. Group-based project assignments may be used to develop students’ practice management skills. Tutorial sessions will be complemented by guided independent study and by studio-based project work within related modules.

Study hours

At least 55 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

The development of your portfolio will be supported by formative (non-graded) assessment, including individual and group tutorials, which will provide you with regular opportunities for feedback and reflection.

Reassessment

Additional costs