Tectonics 2A

Code School Level Credits Semesters
ABEE2027 Department of Architecture and Built Environment 2 10 Autumn China
Code
ABEE2027
School
Department of Architecture and Built Environment
Level
2
Credits
10
Semesters
Autumn China

Summary

This module, developing from the Tectonics 1 module ABEE1021 (EE1TSA), focuses on structural systems, building elements, components, connections, construction methods and detailing, materials properties. Emphasis is placed on how constituent parts come together to construct building entities through investigation and analysis of structural principles, detail, material composition and performance of primary building elements, i.e. foundations, walls, floors, stairs, openings and roofs, using precedent typologies. 


Structural understanding is developed through the examination and analysis of structural form informed by the underlying theory of structures. This is reinforced by a tectonic evaluation of a studio-based design project that enables students to quantify forces and actions in structural solutions. The role of codes of practice and Chinese Building Regulations in shaping architectural design is outlined and the module continues to develop skills in the presentation of technical information via drawing. The course target is to deepen the students’ understanding of basic structural and technological elements; at the same time, it is closely related to the Integrated Design of Architecture and the Environmental Science and Design Studio modules. For this reason, the students are asked, as part of their submission, to carry out an ‘audit’ of their own projects dealing with fire, access, provision of light, ventilation, services and building performance. 

Target Students

2nd year Architecture students

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

* An ability to set clear expectations/aspirations for your structural strategy, chosen construction methods, material choices, spatial and envelope design within the context of the site (i.e., physical constraints), typology and current best practice.* An ability to demonstrate how initial/preliminary design decisions impact on structural strategy, construction methods and building performance.* An ability to fully explore material, construction methods and structural solutions that are appropriate to the site and typology.* An ability to develop a series of integrated, structural strategies and construction methods/envelope design throughout the design process, in support of your own design.* An understanding of how the process of structural solution, materials selection, configuration, and construction detailing impact on the visual, spatial, dimensional properties of your building and its ongoing efficient performance.* An ability to reflect critically on the decisions you have taken in designing your scheme and compare them with current best practice.

Learning Outcomes

  1. a developing ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements (GC1).
  2. an understanding of the profession of architecture and the role of the architect in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account of social factors (GC6).
  3. an understanding of the structural design, constructional and engineering problems associated with building design (GC8).
  4. an awareness of the impact on design of legislation, codes of practice both during the construction and occupation of a project  .(GC1,GC6, GC10).
  5. an ability to design with -a range of materials and to select materials appropriately considering a wide set of criteria including sustainability, performance, production, application and context (GC1, GC6, GC8, GC9).
  6. an understanding of the role of tectonics in a comprehensive, integrated design approach, and the ability to apply tectonic understanding to a design project. (GC1, GC8).

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.