Architectural Design Studio 2A
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE2022 | Department of Architecture and Built Environment | 2 | 30 | Autumn China |
- Code
- ABEE2022
- School
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Autumn China
Summary
This module focuses on developing students' practical architectural design skills and exploring the relevance of related subjects as structure and construction to their design. The emphasis is given to the ‘craftsmanship of architecture', improving spatial, aesthetic, sensual as well as practical, structural and dimensional qualities of their design, practicing to translate an abstract idea into a form with a positive physical presence.
The studio is set up in a vertical unit structure with approx. 60 students. The units include students from level 2 and level 3 and address the diversity of architectural approaches as required in the ARB/RIBA criteria. This module is structured as two distinctive projects. Project 1 addresses site and context and is intended as a short and flexible project, introducing the students to the main theme of the unit, approach and work process.
Project 2 is a key design project with the generic brief “Learning to Dwell”. Students are expected to make places for activities rather than rooms; places for eating, sleeping, talking, cooking, thinking, and ablutions. The subject of this dwelling/community is based on each unit’s theme and will be located in a specific site to deepen the contextual knowledge.
Target Students
Architecture (EF06)
Classes
- Two 7-hour workshops each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Portfolio of design projects, models, reports and sketchbooks and individual student briefing documents
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This studio-based module aims to develop students' basic skills and approaches to architectural design through a series of design projects. Students will be expected to grasp the fundamentals of place making, organizational discipline and the composition of plan & section in medium scale project work. Students will begin at a more advanced level to inform design through an understanding of environmental & tectonic influences. This module aims to practice and achieve the General Attributes of the ARB/RIBA “Prescription of Qualifications at Part 1”.1. Students will have the ability to generate design proposals using understanding of a body of knowledge, some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture. (GA1.1)2. Students will have the ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to present design proposals clearly and effectively. (GA1.2)3. Students will have the understanding of the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction. (GA1.3)4. Students will have the ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design. (GA1.4)Learning Outcomes
- An ability to relate specific spatial requirements and designs to user needs in response to a specific site, environment and context. (GC1.1,GC5.1, GC5.3, GA1.1)
- An ability to design a project achieving aesthetic qualities in spatial arrangements and expressed form alongside the appropriate use of various media including the use of technical drawing conventions and creative expressive techniques. (GC1.1, GC1.3, GA1.1, GA1.2)
- An ability to design a medium sized project of average complexity including the integration of the technical aspects of construction, structure, environmental performance and materials in the project's design. (GC1.3)
- A degree of critical and conceptual understanding reflected in the project's design in terms of responding to a brief, achieving aesthetic quality, understanding cultural and physical context and fundamental technical and environmental strategies. (GC1.3, GC5.3, GA1.6)
- An ability to derive ideas, inspiration and techniques from the Arts. (GC3.1, GC3.2, GC3.3)
- An ability to work iteratively and to make critical assessments and valued judgements through a thorough study and comparison of precedents both historical and contemporary. (GC7.1)
- An ability to understand and account for core climate change design criteria when applied to sustainable buildings. (GC9.1, GC9.2)
Conveners
- Dr Jun Lu