Aims

The module aims to develop advanced design skills through undertaking a single, complex design project. The proejct is termed the Design Thesis. The module acts as the closing stage of this project, with ARC8110 Advanced Architectural Design 2 the opening stage of the Design Thesis. This longer duration is intended to allow students to explore design ideas in relation to contemporary architectural issues, situations and research.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module takes a critical approach to design that develops material practices alongside sophisticated and cutting-edge techniques. Project briefs are urban in nature and in general ask students to locate their own sites, key research ideas, and representational strategies and use these to develop a Design Thesis. As the 'closing' stage of a design project that spans two modules (ARC8110 and ARC8000), the emphasis of the semester is on developing, documenting and communicating core research and representational strategies in response to the opening stage of the project.

The module is made up of two components, as follows:

1.Thesis Document: A comprehensive design report, collating research and design ideas, site strategies, critical and reflective writing.

2.A Design Studio organised into separate design projects each with a particular emphasis and challenge. These aim to develop a critical awareness of a range of contemporary issues in architecture, sustainable design, urban design, and encourage students to research, develop, test and articulate their own particular standpoint. Design projects seek to develop graphic skills and encourage an imaginative approach to design and its representation. Projects will generally be individual work (although self-selected collaborations are possible and encouraged) and will engage students in a creative dialogue with staff and their peers.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The design studio is the integrative environment where students synthesise knowledge from other modules and develop their understanding and skills in the context of a design problem set by tutors. Students are supported in their learning through briefings, lectures, group tutorials and critical reviews. Tutorials and reviews are also the principle means through which students receive feedback on their progress.

A submitted Thesis Document will allow the assessment of: students’ comprehensive understanding of a specific topic related to emergent design methods and practices and, cognitive skills (e.g. critical reasoning, problem solving, etc.), and transferable skills with respect to the structuring of ideas and presenting them orally and in writing, independent learning through self-directed study and research, and in managing time and resources.

If the public health situation makes present in person teaching impossible, design tutorials and reviews, will all be taught online.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Thesis Document collates the work undertaken across ARC8000 and ARC8110, including extensive research not able to be fully demonstrated in the traditional design review/exhibition. It demonstrates engagement with research, alongside developing representational skills.

A traditional critical review serves as a 'Final review' formative assessment before the exhibition phase of the work. Students give a visual and oral presentation of their work to an audience of tutors and peers. The work is discussed and the tutors assess the work against the criteria set out in the project brief. These marks are moderated by another tutor or tutors. Feedback is given orally during the review and as a set of written comments later.

The development of design skills is assessed through an exhibition of work. The exhibition has extensive preparation time and is includes a public opening. The work is discussed and the tutors assess the work against the criteria set out in the project brief, alongside the quality and scope of the exhibition.