AAMSPR: Architectural Skills for Professional Resilience

Module code: AAMSPR

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 AAMAD1 AND TAKE AAMAD2 AND TAKE AAMAT (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: Yes

Last updated: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Bridging in the transdisciplinary nature of the professional and academic worlds, the Architectural Skills for Professional Resilience module will offer an overview of research, professional, and pedagogical landscapes, exploring the role of the architect in a holistic manner, and providing students with a grounded and critical understanding of professionalism, ethics, and research literacy as central to architectural practice and education.  

The module will provide, therefore, a foundation in research methods relevant to contemporary issues related to architectural practice and pedagogy, examining the value of research and its impact upon the practice of architecture and the built environment industry. Students will also develop a grounded understanding of processes, techniques, and mechanisms of practice organisation and management, including legal frameworks, financial management, construction procurement processes as well as current policies and legislation. Additionally, with a focus on innovation, critical thinking, and hands-on experience, the module will introduce students to the principles of design education and pedagogy. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design [GA2.4], and have ability to frame a research project articulating: aim, methodology, research context, research plan, dissemination, pathways to impact, cost and timeline.  
2. Demonstrate understanding of the context of the architect and the construction industry, including the architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production, and under legislation; GA2.5 
3. Identify individual learning needs and understand the personal responsibility required for qualification as an architect [GA2.7], including ethical good practice, autonomous working, and self-management.  
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC2.1 
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC2.2 
6. Acquire knowledge of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach; GC2.3 
7. Demonstrate knowledge of how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design, as well as an understanding of a range of research methodologies (including art practice), their appropriate usage and their place in the history of architectural knowledge; GC3.1 
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC3.2 
9. Demonstrate knowledge of theories of urban design and the planning of communities; GC4.1 
10. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment; GC4.2 
11. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of professionalism and the duties and responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals and the wider society; GC6.1 
12. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the architect within the design team and construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment; GC6.2 
13.  Demonstrate an understanding of the contributions of architects and co-professionals to the formulation of the brief, and the methods of investigation used in its preparation GC7.3 
14. Demonstrate the skills to critically examine the financial factors implied in varying building types, constructional systems, and specification choices, and the impact of these on architectural design; GC10.1 
15. Demonstrate the skills to understand the cost control mechanisms which operate during the development of a project; GC10.2 
16. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental legal, professional and statutory responsibilities 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; GC11.1 
17. Demonstrate knowledge of the professional inter-relationships of individuals and organisations involved in procuring and delivering architectural projects, and how these are defined through contractual and organisational structures; GC11.2 
18. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic management theories and business principles related to running both an architect’s practice and architectural projects, recognising current and emerging trends in the construction industry; GC11.3 
19. Demonstrate problem solving skills, professional judgment and competence, and ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances; GA2.6 
20. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of research, innovation, and creativity within the field of architecture, and an understanding of a range of research methods applicable to architectural practice; 
21. Demonstrate global transferable skills and knowledge of pedagogical and teaching practices; 

Module content

The module is designed to assist the transition from education to practice, engaging students in a debate around the architectural profession and raising their awareness of the value of research relevant to architectural practice and the built environment industry, entrepreneurship, and career possibilities. 

During the teaching period there will be a series of lectures, seminars and workshops on research methodology, professional skills, and architectural pedagogy with research- and practice-active lecturers and experts, preparing students for the writing of their Professional Resilience Report in Semester 1 as well as for the writing of the Dissertation (AAM RM) in year 2. 

The module will be structured into the following topic areas:  

• Community & Architect Relations; Law, Planning Policy, Building Regulations. 
• Client & Architect Relations: Appointments, Brief writing, Programming, Cost. 
• Design Team & Architect Relations: Procurement, Contracts, Collaboration. 
• Contractor & Architect Relations: Building Contracts, Contract Administration, Health and Safety. 
• End User & Architect Relations: Inclusive Design, Learning from Design. 
• Creative Practice: Practice Management, Entrepreneurship and Identity. 
• Value of research in Practice and the Built Environment Industry 
• Research Methodologies and Development of Research Projects 
• Design Education & Pedagogy: first, through research in the field of higher education and, second, through practical observational experience with studio/module teaching in the undergraduate BScArchitecture programme. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Through a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops delivered by academics, practising architects, and industry professionals who have first-hand experience of the issues under discussion, students will explore topics that are essential to architectural practice, research, and pedagogy.  

Individual and group tutorials, workshops as well as studio-based observational studies will offer a range of opportunities for learning. This will be backed up by resources for independent study on Blackboard (VLE). 

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of topics and research approaches to tailor their work to their own individual interests and to inform practical application and integration of the gained skills and knowledge into design studio work. 

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.

This module includes formative assessments from both lecturer(s) and peers participating in seminars, tutorials, and group discussions. Drafts of report will be submitted for formative feedback at key stages of the semester. 

Reassessment

Additional costs