module specification

This module synthesises the knowledge, skills and techniques acquired through the supporting modules of the MA Digital Architecture & Manufacture programme.

It offers the student the opportunity to extend the critical position, which they have begun to establish and test within the Design Research and Technique and Design Project Modules.

Prerequisite:
AR7043, Advanced Digital Design Techniques
AR7P40, Design Research and Technique
AR7P41, Design Project
Prerequisite (FT) co-requisite (PT): AR7039 Research Methods for Design

The module aims to:

• Enable students to undertake an original piece of research that adds to the body of excepted knowledge within the digital architecture and manufacture field and beyond that, in relation to the wider subject of architecture itself.
• Support students in synthesising the knowledge, skills and techniques that have been developed within the course and externally.
• Extend and focus the critical position that students have begun to establish and to test this, in relation to their chosen area of study.

The thesis is supported primarily within the area of digital design and manufacture. The development of the thesis is a largely self-directed activity, supported by tutorials, which should draw on a wider body of knowledge from the subject of architecture and beyond.

The thesis is understood as a reflective and a propositional piece of work, rather than being seen, simply, as a culmination of the course. The project should, therefore, bring together the various components of the course that have been undertaken, situating them within the context of this wider conversation.

Both content and format of the Thesis should be relevant to the subject being studied. In general, this might be in the format of a written and visually illustrated document, however, within the area of architecture and design research, which might be both primary and secondary research, this should not be considered as a prerequisite. The student should consider and discuss, through tutorials with their tutor and if necessary the course leader, the most appropriate form and media for the Thesis.

As a taught postgraduate module, all teaching and learning strategies promote reflective learning, enquiry, independence of thought, rigour of research and testing, and professionalism in presentation.
The thesis submission, subject to formative feedback during the course of the module, will promote and enable personal development planning.

Teaching and learning methods include:

1. Seminars to develop different design research methodologies; their use in practice and relationship to methods from other subject fields;
2. Individual work collecting and testing data and developing prototypical architecture and design models using an appropriate range of media and techniques;
3. Individual work developing the project through tutorials, seminars, crits and presentations on work in progress involving peers, tutors, research and subject specialists;
4. Individual development of final portfolio/ prototypes/ artefacts that fully documents and presents the project aims, methods and results to a professional standard;
5. Individual development of a portfolio of practice that fully documents the project rationale, design process and final scheme.
6. A culture of encouraging independent thought and critical reflection to foster qualities required of professional designers

Opportunities for professional and personal development are available through the module’s programme of learning.  It is further developed through the portfolio of works prepared for assessment, supported by individual tutorials.  This may contribute directly to the portfolio required for subsequent job applications and further research.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

1. Develop and evaluate appropriate, relevant methods of interpreting, engaging, integrating and otherwise using design research material, in order to establish design parameters which can intervene in, adapt to and potentially transform particular situations or processes.
2. Test the rationale for design proposals in the context of design research, the course and the particular circumstances of the project and adjust, revise and develop the design, as necessary.
3. Establish an appropriate and thorough design process, in order to achieve a convincing design proposal including the ability to manipulate and synthesise spatial, material, formal and organisational systems within a well-understood context.
4. Demonstrate an appropriate level of intellectual ambition within the design project.
5. Effectively communicate the ideas, intentions and resolution of the design proposal, in its own terms
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the design proposal development in relation to accompanying design research and the wider body of knowledge encompassed by the specialism, alongside an awareness of how this might be adjusted or transformed by wider social, political, economic and physical contexts.

The submission and assessment consists of two components:

1. Final Thesis Presentation Seminar
The student design portfolio and associated design project is assessed in verbal seminar presentations with invited guest critics. The design portfolio is assessed by
a) the MA Digital Architecture & Manufacture tutors
b) a panel of AAD tutors
c) and reviewed by the MA Digital Architecture & Manufacture External Examiner

2. Thesis Document
The Thesis is a bound illustrated document (8000-15000 words) which fully and professionally communicates the research aims and methods, case studies and precedent reviews, design development leading to the thesis proposition

Bibliographies will be largely self-set in relation to your proposed programme of study. The below are indicative only:

Blaxter, L., C. Hughes, M. Tight, (2006), How to Research, OU, 3rd edition
Schon, D. A., (1991), The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action, Ashgate

Further titles are included in the briefing documentation provided by the course tutors at the beginning of the course. Readings include both historical and contemporary titles.