module specification

This module builds upon and extends the knowledge and understanding gained in AR4003 Technology 1. It focuses in more detail on how different aspects of technology interact within the context of larger and more complex buildings. The module introduces methods, terms and techniques that can be used to evaluate the range of different relationships that appear under the heading of technology.  In particular the module investigates buildings and interiors that may involve multiple clients, for example public buildings and/or medium-density housing. It examines how and why standards are developed as well as the remit for research and experiment. The module further expands the knowledge of structures, materials, construction and detailing, environmental performance and comfort and building services established in AR4003 Technology 1, with particular attention given to sustainability as an ethical framework of values and responsibilities shaping the design of buildings and interiors.

The module introduces as a framework the professional practice and academic framework of architecture as outlined by the Architects Registration Board’s Prescription of Qualifications Criteria (GC1-GC11)

Year long module
Assessment: 60% Technology Book, 40% Annotated Drawings; 0% Satisfactory Attendance

AR4003 Technology 1

The module aims to develop the student’s confidence in making design decisions. It extends their ability to identify strategies and assess the values involved in technological issues through the preparation and presentation of technical proposition at a range of drawing scales. The module enhances the student’s knowledge and understanding of building technologies and familiarizes them with the process of how to make well considered judgments, on the premise that relationships between various items or even categories of technological knowledge can be modelled and evaluated in a different ways. The module aims to develop a student's repertoire of practical and conceptual skills – including vocabulary – that can keep pace with their growing knowledge of the subject and help realise their design projects in technological terms.

A series of lectures, seminars and workshops will be taught across 5 principle learning areas that explore the complexities inherent in technological strategies, technical details and design solutions. The knowledge gained will be further developed and implemented through a technical analysis of contemporary case study projects, providing a practical framework through which to evaluate building technologies, environmental performance and broader aspects of sustainability whilst further offering an insight into best practice approaches to sustainable design and construction detailing. The core learning areas are:

A) Structure
• The ability to analyse, design and evaluate a variety of structural systems and the significance of their contribution to a design proposal. 
• The regulatory requirements applying to structures and their components.
• The consequences of the choice between alternative structural systems and awareness of its environmental impact as part of a comprehensive design proposal.

B) Materials
• The ability to analyse, and evaluate materials, their properties, their combinations, and the possibilities of their uses as part of a design proposal. 
• The critical appraisal of material choice with respect to their appropriateness compared to available alternatives.

C) Construction
• The critical analysis of architectural precedent to inform the selection and design of appropriate structural, material and constructional systems.
• The ability to devise strategies for the construction process and the integration of structural components into the overall
• The review of precedents relevant to the technological strategies employed; their underlying principles or the specific functions of components within the proposal.
• The regulatory requirements applying to the construction process.

D) Environment
• The principles of architectural design in response to local climatic conditions.
• The design and integration of building services into a comprehensive design approach.
• The principles of designing architectural environments with regard to day lighting, thermal comfort and acoustics.
• The use of passive, active and mixed-mode strategies of environmental comfort and control to reduce a building’s energy requirements and lower carbon footprints.
• The role of the architect to effectively communicate the scope, build-up and complexity of a project sufficient to satisfy statutory requirements and to meet the environmental performance requirements of the end-user.

E) Services
• The ability to analyse, design and evaluate building services as a significant part of the design proposal. 
• The review of precedents relevant service strategies employed; their underlying principles, and the integration of their specific functions within the proposal.
• The ability to analyse, design and evaluate urban infrastructure and their components and their significance within the design proposal.

The teaching and learning in this module is based on the structure established in AR4001. The focus of this module is on the nature of the relationship existing between technological considerations and design ideas.

The delivery is organised through a series of lectures introducing the technological complexities of larger buildings and interiors in relation to their physical context, and the analytical tools and methods necessary to understand these physically, organisationally and conceptually. Workshops introduce different models and methods of analysis including qualitative and quantitative techniques. This includes specialist environmental analysis software and established industry assessment tools. Seminars provide the forum for discussing particular projects and contexts and tutorials and student led presentations support the development of studies and projects.

The module will combine the development of the student’s technological knowledge with their growing representational skills through the analysis and case study of a contemporary project. Students will uncover, review and document the different technological, organisational and contextual criteria informing the case study project through the various techniques and media, namely: diagramming, sketching, scaled architectural drawings, as well as physical and digital modelling.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the professional practice and academic framework of architecture as outlined in Architects Registration Board’s Prescription of Qualifications Criteria;
2. Show an understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships involved in building technology, in particular the structural design, constructional and engineering problems associated with larger-scale building design;
3. Use effectively different techniques and media to model and communicate complex technological relationships in order to examine, analyse, explain, compare, and evaluate particular solutions to design problems;
4. Utilise an increased knowledge of physical problems and technologies and the function of buildings in the design of sustainable internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate;
5. Show a critical understanding of alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction within contemporary practice.

Technology Book
A collated document demonstrating an organised knowledge and understanding of the principles of the core syllabus areas: structures, materials and construction, building services, environmental comfort and sustainability. The Technology Book documents each student’s participation in the core lectures and workshops and consists of text, photographs (scanned, labelled and annotated), sketches, diagrams, scaled drawings and a set of references for all texts consulted.

Annotated Drawings
1:100, 1:20 and 1:5 scaled, referenced and coordinated architectural drawings demonstrating the integration of structure, building services, materials, construction, and the detailing of building elements and components of a contemporary case study project.

Students must pass both coursework components individually at 40% in order to be eligible for the BA (Hons) Architecture award.

Anink, D. &Boonstra, C., 1996. Handbook of Sustainable Building: An Environmental Preference Method for Choosing Materials in Construction and Renovation Revised ed., James & James.
Deplazes, A. ed., 2005. Constructing Architecture: Materials, Processes, Structures, a Handbook, Basel : London: Birkhäuser.
Hegger, M., 2008. Energy Manual illustrated ed., Birkhäuser.
Herzog, T., 2004a. Facade Construction Manual, Birkhäuser.
Herzog, T., 2004b. Timber Construction Manual, Birkhäuser.
Hugues, T., 2004. Detail Practice: Timber Construction: Details, Products, Case Studies, Birkhäuser.
Kwok, A. &Grondzik, W., 2011. The Green Studio Handbook: Environmental Strategies for Schematic Design 2nd ed., Architectural Press.
Peck, M., 2006. Detail Practice: Concrete: Design, Construction, Examples In Kooperationmit DETAIL, Birkhäuser.
Schittich, C., 2007. Glass Construction Manual 2nd, revised and expanded ed., Birkhäuser.
Schunk, E., 2003. Roof Construction Manual: Pitched Roofs 4th Revised ed., Birkhäuser.
Weston, R., 2003. Materials, Form, and Architecture, Yale University Press.