Aims

The overarching aim of the module is to demonstrate that ‘design’ and ‘technology’ are intrinsically linked and complementary, and that in many respects they are mutually interdependent.

This module introduces construction methodologies related to medium- and large-scale buildings and outlines the principles and technologies of ‘Modern Method of Construction’ (MMC), i.e. construction methods based on systems and components, offsite prefabrication, and high performance envelopes (e.g. rainscreens and curtain walling).

Following critical examination of modern construction materials and processes, a wide range of lower environmental impact construction materials are introduced, and their potential intersection with MMC is considered.

The impact of codes of practice, BS/EN Standards, and Building Regulations on architectural design will be outlined, and the ethos of holistic sustainability reinforced (from the energy embodied in the building fabric, to the operational energy of the constructed building).

Outline Of Syllabus

This module builds upon work covered in Stage 1 and the homogenous construction methods of traditional, synthetic systems of building (e.g. in situ, loadbearing brickwork).

Structured Space, Performance Enclosure, Material, and Detail define the overarching topics of the module, which seeks to introduce the relationship between the part and the whole, the element and the component, Design and Construction process.

This module introduces construction methodologies related to medium- and large-scale buildings and outlines the principles and technologies of ‘Modern Method of Construction’ (MMC), i.e. construction methods based on systems and components, offsite prefabrication, and high performance envelopes (e.g. rainscreens and curtain walling).

Following critical examination of modern construction materials and processes, a wide range of lower environmental impact construction materials are introduced, and their potential intersection with MMC is considered.

The impact of codes of practice, standards, and statutory processes on architectural design will be outlined through a close reading of specific documents, including BS/EN Standards, and the Approved Document Building Regulations against a series of case studies.

Various common constructional systems and methodologies are considered and compared (including their history and development, material implications, common dimensional issues, reasons for their choice, and current and future applications).

Architectonics, the bringing together of elements and materials through design and construction processes, is introduced and examined carefully, with a focus on design process, whilst remaining responsible to Tolerance and Movement, Waterproofing, Thermal Performance, and Fire Protection in the framing of the lecture-based examination of precedent, and an examination of ‘Fabric-First’ thinking.

Structural assembly processes and sequences are considered, alongside the spatial implications that structural systems suggest or require of the design process.

The broader Design Team in the design and construction of the built environment, and the common roles and responsibilities are introduced to highlight the consequential need for clear and effective communication and coordination (often between many different parties and across cognate disciplines).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module is taught through lectures and workshops, building on the links and community formed in studio.

The module builds upon knowledge, understanding and skill gained to date in Architectural Technology modules ARC1013 and ARC1014, and through knowledge and understanding gained more broadly across the BA Architecture programme.

The taught content facilitates the development of practical knowledge and understanding of the material and technical dimensions of building design, current trends in the construction industry, and collaborative modes of working, whilst the coursework facilitates skill development in the application of this knowledge to the group-based description, analysis, and interpretation of an allocated case study project.

Student investigations are focused upon deep analysis of three case study projects, selected to support the scale, complexity, themes, and concerns of the Architectural Design brief in module ARC2001 or APL2006.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

There is a single component of coursework:

Group modelmaking: large scale, collaborative models, drawing out the lessons learned from an allocated case study.

This coursework seeks case-study based investigation of architecture, and its construction in detail, supported by lectures, workshops, and Q&A sessions. Working in groups, students build on the links and community formed in the Architectural Design Studio module ARC2001 or APL2006, conducting investigations focused upon deep analysis of case studies selected to support: the development of principles and paradigms for application to the studio project in ARC2001, or to equip reflection and analysis of the studio project in APL2006.

The key aim of the module is to demonstrate that ‘design’ and ‘technology’ are intrinsically linked and complementary, and that in many respects they are mutually interdependent.