Architecture

Each week you have two ‘studio’ days, for which you are set projects which require you to produce models and drawings to communicate your design ideas.

You are supervised on studio work in individual tutorials and group critical reviews which encourage you to explore different approaches and develop essential design skills. The resulting portfolio accounts for 60 per cent of your overall marks each year.

Lectures, classes and visits to completed buildings or buildings under construction/restoration cover the rest of the curriculum. You attend at least one lecture a week on each paper as well as small-group supervisions, for which you are required to complete essays and undertake preparation.

The studio work introduces the possibilities of architecture, with an emphasis on understanding and developing proficiency in traditional modes of architectural representation – models, collage, perspectives, elevations, plans and sections. You also master basic CAD skills, used in studio presentations. A study trip abroad is typically offered in the Easter vacation. 

You take five lecture-based papers:

• Introduction to Architectural History/Theory (pre-1800)
• Introduction to Architectural History/Theory (post-1800)
• Fundamental Principles of Construction
• Fundamental Principles of Structural Design
• Fundamental Principles of Environmental Design

Assessment is through coursework and written examinations. 

You choose from various options for studio work, with projects ranging in scale from mapping studies and interior interventions, to reasonable-sized buildings. Emphasis is on integrating the technical skills learnt in Part IA and in the ongoing Part IB lectures with your studio output. A voluntary study trip is usually offered.

In addition, you take four papers that build on your Part IA knowledge:

• Studies in History and Theories of Architecture, Urbanism and Design
• Principles of Construction
• Principles of Structural Design
• Principles of Environmental Design

For the first, you submit two essays and sit a written examination. The remaining three papers are assessed by a written exam in each. 

You choose from three studio options which vary in approach but all require you to produce a building design at the end of the year, the technical realisation of which is allied to a coherently framed conceptual approach. Again, a voluntary study trip is usually offered.

Four lecture-based papers together carry 20 per cent of your overall marks:

• Advanced Studies in Historical and Theoretical Aspects of Architecture and Urbanism
• Management, Practice and Law
• Advanced Studies in Construction Technology, Structural Analysis and Environmental Design Related to Case Studies
• Architectural Engineering (examined entirely by coursework)

A written dissertation of 7,000-9,000 words on a topic of your choice accounts for the remaining 20 per cent of your marks.

For further information about studying Architecture at the University of Cambridge see the Department of Architecture website.