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design software.
By the end of the academic year,
students have developed an
accomplished architectural design
project from sketch design to
technical detail.
As at foundation and graduate
diploma level, students are
required to critically analyse,
research, record and reflect upon
their new architectural knowledge
throughout the course of the
academic year. This is initially
documented through the use of
sketchbooks and development
material, and culminates in a
professionally presented portfolio
which demonstrates competencies
required for further study. Students
are assisted in this task and receive
input on specialist graphics editing
and desktop publishing software.
Design Project #1 – “[A Room]
Beyond the Frame”
Modelled on a long-running design
project at Newcastle University’s
School of Architecture, Planning
and Landscape, the project
focuses on ordinary domestic
testing of structures charrette
across all three pathways
interiors depicted by Pieter de
Hooch in Holland during the latter
half of the seventeenth century.
Students begin by observing,
drawing and modelling the area of
the house depicted in their chosen
painting, before designing a new
room beyond it.
Whilst all methods of design
development are welcomed,
students are especially encouraged
to work with study models as
they facilitate the testing of three-
dimensional spaces and enable
speedy alterations.
Design Project #2 – “Start-up
Residence”
The Lower Ouseburn Valley,
currently undergoing an extensive
redevelopment,
provides
a
stimulating background to reinvent
and reintroduce terraced buildings.
Students are tasked with designing
a ‘start-up’ residence for three
young, creative entrepreneurs - a
photographer, pottery artist and
music producer. The assumed
clients respond to the existing
economic structure and culture
of the creative small businesses
located in the Ouseburn valley.
The siting of the housing demands
consideration
of
daylighting,
wind, aspect, privacy, outlook
and surveillance, whilst the mixed
use programme - involving three
different disciplines - presents
challenges with the division of
public and private space, the need
for flexibility and adaptability, as
well as an economic construction.
year one and graduate diploma
students visiting Manchester