Advanced Sustainable Design
20 credits
This module introduces basic sustainable and environmental design principles and predictive methods for exploring the environmental performance of buildings.
Emphasis is placed on selective use of performance prediction tools (i.e. computer simulation and physical model testing) to enhance the design decision-making process. These tools are used to study the daylighting, thermal and ventilation aspects of architectural design, which form the basis for the integration of energy efficiency and sustainability in building design.
Case Study Project
20 credits
The Case Study Project is a module focused on learning from existing buildings and/or urban spaces through post-occupancy and performance monitoring and evaluation. The module offers opportunities for students to explore environmental design issues in depth, to further develop their preferred speciality and to develop academic writing skills.
Much of the work produced in this module has been published in international conferences or journals.
Design Fabrication
10 credits
This module is intended as an introduction to the themes ideas and practices involved in the emerging field of architectural fabrication. It will cover traditional and digital approaches, and the steps and skills needed to use fabrication as a design tool and as a design output.
This module aims to analyse the process of design fabrication, understanding the tools and methods at the disposal of the designer-maker and the process(es) needed to support the fabrication of design ideas.
The module will explore the process of design and how it can be shaped through an understanding of fabrication processes and potentials.
Sustainable Urbanism
10 credits
This module introduces the key theories of how a city works and its impact on the environment.It makes the students aware that sustainable cities are a product of both spatial patterns and social realities. The module examines a range of issues and challenges with a particular focus on environmental impact (local -global integration).
Urban Design Management
20 credits
This module introduces Urban Design Management (UDM). It examines the various project types and stakeholders involved in urban projects to explore new approaches in urban design and planning practice, putting emphasis on the co-operative aspects and the various perspectives requiring integration and coordination. The complex role of architects and urban designers is examined in relation to design, planning and project management with particular emphasis on collaboration, negotiation and coordination skills.
The module is rooted in regional and international examples, making it accessible for all students studying architecture and urban design at a postgraduate level. The assignments include the writing of a briefing document for an urban design project as illustrated report and a presentation on a workshop with various stakeholders to communicate a project.
Urban Design Theory
10 credits
Introducing you to the history and theory of urban design, during a two hour lecture each week you’ll be given an understanding of the design of the city and its elements, and develop skills in the diagnosis and analysis of urban patterns.
Urban Design Theory and Practice
20 credits
This module aims to introduce and analyse contemporary urban design theories and practice including their evolution from historical practice to develop a critical understanding of the contemporary city and how people engage with it. This will include an analysis of the visual, social, functional, perceptual and environmental dimensions of the practice of urban design.
This module is intended as an introduction to the current issues in the theory and practice of urban design, urbanism and the public realm. The module will enable an advanced understanding of people, places and cities.
Issues and challenges will be introduced by tracing the evolution of urban design including how its historical evolution informs contemporary practice. New and emerging phenomena within the urban design discipline will also be analysed to set the contemporary agenda.
High Rise Buildings and Vertical Urbanism
20 credits
On this module, you’ll explore the design, construction and operation of tall buildings, with a focus on sustainability and their connection to place. You’ll examine key design considerations, structural and technical systems, environmental strategies and social sustainability – gaining insight into how climate, culture and context shape vertical urbanism.
Design and Build Theory and Practicum
20 credits
Design and Build Theory and Practicum gives a thematic background of the specialisation that is design/build in architecture
This module is intended as a theoretical grounding in the practice of design+build as a means of investigating architecture and design. The module will enable an advanced understanding of new and alternative approaches to practising architecture. The traditions of designer-makers will be explored, including the professionalisation of architecture, and the emerging trends in the discipline leading to alternative practices
This module aims to module aims to explore the nature of design-build as an educational practice, including its emergence from 1960’s radical pedagogical movements and its evolution into an accepted dimension of architectural education. This will include tracing the origins of design+build, and its relationship with the discipline and profession of Architecture and the emergence of Architect led design+build as an alternative to established means of practice as defined by the RIBA and AIA
Tall Buildings and High Density Cities
10 credits
On this module, you’ll explore the design and operation of tall buildings within high-density cities, with a focus on sustainability and their relationship to place. You’ll examine historical context, key design and technical considerations, environmental strategies and social sustainability - gaining insight into how climate, culture and urban context shape tall buildings and the public space.
Building with the Past
20 credits
This module considers how the built environment in museums and galleries reveals much about the political, social and cultural aspirations and identities of those who commission, design and use it. Exhibitions have long captured the imagination and created new realms: from the cabinet of curiosities of Renaissance princes to the controversial technologically-driven displays of today.
This module explores both conceptual and practical aspects of exhibition design in relation to the wider architectural design of museums. It challenges participants to explore the art and practice of display at the varied scales of an artefact, display space, and wider museum, and undertake a significant piece of self-directed research and writing in this area.
Architecture and Built Environment Dissertation or Design Thesis Project
60 credits
This module aims to enable students to plan, implement and write up a substantial piece of original research that will make a contribution to the intellectual life of the discipline.
Students can choose between a research dissertation or a design thesis project in the Summer term.
The dissertation module aims to enable students to plan, implement, and write up a substantial piece of original research that will make a contribution to the intellectual life of the discipline of urban design. The dissertation seeks to enable students to:
- demonstrate and develop research skills in their chosen area of study
- select a topic of inquiry in consultation with relevant members of academic staff
- search and critically review the appropriate literature
- develop appropriate research questions for their chosen area of study
- consider the ethical aspects of their investigation
- select an appropriate methodology for their investigation
- collect data
- rigorously explore and critically analyse data
- interpret findings against what is already known in the field of study
- critically evaluate and reflect on the study itself
- make appropriate suggestions for further research
The design thesis project module is a research and studio-based module that aims to further develop advanced level design skills and knowledge. The structured project within the module builds upon the design, practical, and theoretical modules in the Autumn and Spring semesters and involves the completion of a detailed thesis design solution that should reflect the investigative research that is conducted through a written design research report. The design thesis project will enable students to:
- Define design research topic and identify challenges and issues which should be resolved during design practice
- Construct and conduct good research with rigorous arguments, and apply the research outcome into design practice
- Apply architectural and/or urban design principles within a design solution
- Understand the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale
- Clearly and effectively convey and critically appraise design ideas and proposals
- To form considered judgments about the contexts and qualities of a design
- To demonstrate an understanding of relevant design theory in relation to the design project
- To research and analyse context to inform design
- To develop advanced research, analytical, and writing skills
Design Thesis Project
60 credits
On this module, you’ll advance your architecture, sustainable building and urban design skills through a research-driven studio project. Building on prior coursework, you’ll complete a detailed thesis design based on a given brief, supported by an in-depth written design research report.