module specification

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

Following on the Design, Technology and Practice studio 1, which focussed on simple building forms, this module explores the fundamental principles of modern 'frame-structured' construction design and technology in more complex medium-to-large scale buildings, and the techniques behind the refurbishment and adaptation of existing buildings both of which were introduced at level 5. The module contains a major piece of work in your final year of studies which consists of your Design Portfolio, Technical Report and Professional Development Journal.

Through project-based learning you will study an authentic project scenario to allow you to deploy the tools necessary to successfully conceive, design, and specify a project. The project will require a hybrid solution which incorporates aspects of both new build and the repurposing of existing structure and fabric. Throughout, the module will require you to contextualize architectural technology with regards to the sustainable, inclusive, and ethical, design and management of complex 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.

• The production of general Arrangement Drawings which communicate the structure, envelope, and other key details for a frame-structured building of three or more storeys.

• The production of detailed drawings which show the interfaces between key components of the general arrangement drawings, including how key requirements of regulatory compliance are achieved.

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

The pedagogy of this module places a strong emphasis on the physical experience of exploring and understanding space and form through hand and digital drawing and physical model making. Accurate, detailed, computer representation of the proposals are a key part of the module and coursework outputs.

The module will expand upon your level 5 knowledge and understanding, and the expectation is that a design proposal will be fully building regulation compliant and demonstrate robust solutions in respect of sustainability and mitigation of climate change in the design process to arrive at a practical solution. 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 design, technology, and practice.

To demonstrate this competence, you will be challenged in 3 interconnected areas and for this reason, the module coursework has three elements, design, technology and practice:

• 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 complex building type.

• Practice elements will require students to show their understanding of how to manage the design and procurement stages 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 the students to demonstrate their 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, including social, technological, environmental, economic, political, legal, and ethical factors.
• 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 contribution current and emerging technologies, regulation and practice make towards a sustainable built environment.
• internal and external stakeholders and how to manage their expectations.

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)
• Detailed design – planning application (LO2)
• Detailed design – construction drawings (LO2,4)
• Ethical and inclusive architectural technology practice (LO3,5)

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 (Virtual Learning Environment) 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) and professional discussion.

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

1. Identify, evaluate, and select appropriate technological solutions to suit project contexts.
2. Create holistic, resilient, and sustainable design solutions.
3. Appraise the ethical, legal, and regulatory context of architectural technology practice.
4. Apply the procedures of project control during the project design stage, such as assessing risks to health and safety, waste management, change management and financial management.
5. Evaluate your own personal development and professional 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. These are listed in the core text list. There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a vast 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
RICS news and insight
United Nations Climate Action