AAMAD1: Architectural Design 1

Module code: AAMAD1

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Cristina Cerulli, email: c.cerulli@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have an ARB Part-1 qualification. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AAMAD2 AND TAKE AAMAT AND TAKE AAMSPR (Compulsory)

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

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This is the first in a series of related postgraduate design modules providing students with an opportunity to apply design skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to design projects of increasing complexity. This module introduces the fundamentals of design research methods (research into the processes of design), exploring their potential to develop new forms of architectural production and practice evidenced in design output (portfolio). These design research methods will include site analysis, brief development, material studies and relevant site precedent studies to inform subsequent design projects. 

A series of project-based workshops will prompt students to develop critical positions in response to the specialised area of study and current architectural issues. Throughout this module, students will acquire specific skills and knowledge to address design and research problems critically and creatively, and to develop design solutions. It will inform their choice of research question and the development of an independent design project in AAMAD2. 

The module aims to provide students with a foundation in design research methods and techniques, critical and conceptual thinking as well as making, with a strong emphasis on independent learning. This will be evidenced in a studio design project. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. 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
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach; GC2.3
3. Demonstrate knowledge of how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC3.1
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC3.2
5. Demonstrate the creative application of such work to studio design projects, in terms of their conceptualization and representation; GC 3.3
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment; GC4.2
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of buildings on the environment, and the precepts of sustainable design; GC5.2
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals; GC7.1
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to appraise and prepare building briefs of diverse scales and types, to define client and user requirements and their appropriateness to site and context; GC 7.2
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design; GC8.1
11. Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain design proposals; GA2.2

Students will also be able to demonstrate:

• Ability to identify individual learning; GA2.7
• Ability to show originality in the application of knowledge and understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research.
• Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in architecture.
• Ability to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Module content

Students will address and engage with a variety of active research themes at UoR to develop a portfolio of responses, which critically and creatively applies a range of appropriate design research methods. 

Alongside this, students will be introduced to a comprehensive range of methods to test, analyse, critically appraise, and explain design and research proposals. Students will utilise traditional skills as well as skills related to the use of digital technologies to explore and develop their design capabilities. 

Projects and themes to be explored will build on existing research and expertise within active research groups at UoR. Opportunities will also be sought to engage students in live projects either in the UK or overseas and in relevant design competitions. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will predominantly be taught within a design studio led by tutors working with small groups of students over the duration of a project and conceived as a dynamic research-driven and project-based learning environment. The development of the projects will be guided through a series of workshops, lectures, and seminars, providing students with the opportunity to gain specialised knowledge as well as to discuss design challenges. Students will generate design proposals in studio, making use of workshop facilities and technical support. These design projects will involve working collaboratively in small groups to respond to design briefs set by the studio. Such activities will be supported by group discussions and tutorials, which will incorporate ‘review’ sessions. The module will involve experimentation and the development of visual representations both by individual exploration and knowledge-sharing and collaboration, providing extensive opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. 

Study hours

At least 40 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 50% 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 as well as project reviews, which will provide you with regular opportunities for feedback and reflection. Peer-to-peer assessment during workshops, group projects, and reviews will be encouraged. You will also be expected to engage in self-assessment through internalising learning outcomes by mapping your portfolio outputs against the RIBA/ARB learning criteria. 

Reassessment

Additional costs