module specification

Architectural Technologists are a professional discipline in demand around the globe. They occupy a central role in the construction project design and delivery process.

This module acknowledges that for many students, it will be your initial exposure to the practice of architectural design. As a result, the module offers an overview of the essential foundations and principles of architectural drawing, modelling, and studio design practices. It will draw upon the knowledge and understanding you gained in construction technology, materials science, structural principles, and the built environment gained at level 4.  Through project-based learning you will study an authentic project scenario to allow you to deploy the tools necessary to successfully design, plan a project and monitor a project's resources. Throughout, the module will require you to contextualize architectural technology with regards to the sustainable, inclusive, and ethical, design and management of simple construction typologies and projects.

You will engage with the module through project-based learning to realise the following key objectives:

• The actualisation of design and drawing skills in 2 and 3-dimensional representation.

• To conceive a simple architectural concept and use it to develop and refine design propositions for simple building forms.

• Through studio-based activities work individually and collaboratively to explore solutions to a variety of real-world challenges.

The goal of the module is to explore and understand space and form through physical and digital model making, which is seen as essential. The use of hand drawing is also considered very important and is viewed as a key component of the module. Additionally, aspects of computer-aided representation are introduced as part of the module.

The module is built on the belief that design is a process that involves creative exploration and problem-solving across various interconnected disciplines. The expectation is that a design proposal will incorporate these approaches to arrive at a practical and compliant solution, and that this is usually because of an iterative process. The assessment of the module is based on a portfolio of design projects developed during the Studio, with a focus on demonstrating the student's growth as an architectural technologist, which includes demonstrating competence in a range of knowledge and skills related to elements of design, technology and practice.

To demonstrate this competence, you will be challenged in these 3 interconnected areas and for this reason, the module coursework’s have three elements:

• Design elements will evaluate the student's capacity to develop projects that explore and apply spatial, conceptual, detailed, and technological considerations to a design problem and generate them as creative design solutions.

• Technology elements demonstrate the student's understanding and proficiency in various disciplines that contribute to the practice of design. These may include drawing conventions, observational drawing, spatial analysis, research skills, and knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements placed on a project.

• Practice elements will require students to show their understanding of how to manage the design stage of a project.

The syllabus is guided by professional body bodies of knowledge and codes of practice such as the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, Chartered Association of Building Engineers, and the Chartered Institute of Building. The module will require you to consider the strategic context within which projects operate to enable you to demonstrate your understanding that a project needs to have a strategic fit with the client organisation's wider aims and ambitions.

By the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the following:

• the contexts that inform and influence the practice of architectural technology.
• the link between technologies and building elements used in the construction and adaptation of different building typologies.
• the appropriateness of alternative design and technology solutions.
• the process of leading a simple project through the RIBA stages 0 (strategic definition) to 4 (technical design).
• the contribution current and emerging technologies, regulation and practice make towards a sustainable built environment.

The syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the built environment. Topics will include:

• Brief development (LO1)
• Development of concept design options (LO1,2,3)
• Client Care (LO1,5)
• Detailed design – planning application (LO2,3)
• Project Stakeholders (LO5)
• RIBA Plan of Work (LO5)
• Construction contracts (LO4,5)
• Detailed design – construction drawings (LO2)
• Building Regulations (LO2,4)
• CDM Regulations and the role of the Principal Designer (LO5)
• The management of the project design (LO5)

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Study will be supported via studios, online lectures, tutorials, seminars, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Studio workshops and seminars will be held in which students will engage in discussions about topical areas around architectural technology within the built environment and wider sectors.  Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of case studies from around the world stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of architectural technology in context and within the framework of the existing bodies of knowledge and codes of practice.

Problem based learning will be used to encourage independent learning through proposing a problem which is complex with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities.  Staff will act as facilitators throughout the studio activities. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. Appraise a project proposal measuring its aims and objectives against a client organisation's strategic objectives. 
2. Interpret project requirements to realise designs into appropriate built environment forms, from concept to detailed design.
3. Demonstrate architectural design principles.
4. Investigate the impact of current and emerging technologies, regulation and practice on the Architectural Technologist.
5. Illustrate the contractual roles undertaken by construction project stakeholders in practice.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail and support other modules on your course. In addition there are books specified in other modules which will also be relevant for certain aspects of this module. There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. Useful books and articles for this course are listed below:

Link to library reading list

Core:
Constructing Architecture: Materials, Processes, Structures. A Handbook Hardcover – 1 Nov. 2022 by Andrea Deplazes (Author)
Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data Paperback – 26 Nov. 2021 by Pamela Buxton (Editor)
Sustainability)] [ By (author) Chris Goodall ] [February, 2013] Paperback – 13 Feb. 2013
by Chris Goodall (Author)
Construction Law: From Beginner to Practitioner Paperback –18 April 2016 by Jim Mason (Author)
CIOB Code of Practice for Project Management for Construction and Development (2022) 6th Edition Wiley
UK Health and Safety Executive

Additional Reading:
Construction Project Manager’s Pocket Book (Routledge Pocket Books) Paperback – Illustrated, 6 May 2020 by Duncan Cartlidge (Author)
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
Chartered Association of Building Engineers
Construction Information Service 
Construction Management Magazine
CIOB Global Construction Review
Association for Project Management news
RICS news and insight
United Nations Climate Action