MA Architecture: Cities and Innovation

In a world where established customs, systems and structures are increasingly under scrutiny, there is a need for a different type of architectural thinking – one that identifies and exploits opportunities and addresses the challenges of the 21st century.

MA Architecture: Cities and Innovation is part of the Spatial Practices programme. It is uniquely positioned at Central Saint Martins to draw on dynamic design thinking from a range of practices from fashion through performance design to product design. Research, analysis, proposition and intervention will enable you to develop new insights, solutions and methodologies for exploring the challenges of new forms of architecture within a rapidly changing environment.

The course capitalises on London's central position within both local and global networks. We see London as a ‘world laboratory’ - an ideal test bed for urban innovation in response to social, cultural and political change, where you can develop strategies and methodologies to expand and enable localised change and drive effective and sustainable development strategies.

High on our agenda are the needs of a broad range of participants in the human environment. You can play a crucial role in supporting communities and individuals to attain the benefits associated with development and physical change in the urban environment, but this requires a new approach. Through closer, collaborative engagement with local groups, you can empower communities to become active participants in the process of development; enabling and building cultural and social, as well as economic, capital.

The increasing complexity of global change, and the related socio-economic, cultural and environmental issues require that architects develop a broad skill set that can be described as 'context-led' architecture; seeking solutions that address local issues which arise from global agendas.

The skills that will allow you to engage with and guide innovation will be of greatest value. Whether in driving small scale transformations or enabling effective large-scale development, graduates of MA Architecture: Cities and Innovation will have the knowledge and awareness to recognise the potential of architecture and the skills to create sustainable transformations in the urban environment.


About this course

This 60 week course is structured over two consecutive academic years each of 30 weeks in its 'extended full-time mode'. MA Architecture: Cities and Innovation is credit rated at 180 credits, and comprises 2 units. Unit 1 (60 credits) lasts 20 weeks. Unit 2 (120 credits) runs for 10 weeks in the first year and 30 weeks in the second year.

Both units must be passed in order to achieve the MA, but the classification of your MA award derives from your mark for Unit 2 only.
You are expected to commit 30 hours per week to your studies, within which your taught input will normally be scheduled over three days. The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue your studies whilst also undertaking part-time employment, internships or caring responsibilities.

• Unit 1 – Methodologies for Architectural Engagement

Throughout this unit, there is an emphasis on the use of innovative approaches to design problem solving and architectural practice. You will therefore explore the subject of innovation as a means of developing your methodologies through workshops, seminars, readings and lectures..

Using London as a ‘laboratory’ you will engage in a series of projects intended to help you to identify and respond to opportunities for engagement and intervention. Each project will require you to work collaboratively with fellow students and external groups and the outcomes will be critically analysed to develop clear methodologies for future engagements.

You will explore existing practice in order to propose new ways in which architecture can engage with stakeholders. Key questions in the process will be:

• What are the key issues for the development of communities?
• How can the public be a part of the design process?
• What is the ‘outcome’ of an architect’s engagement?

As a part of your investigation into existing practice, you will research and plan your Industry Placement (part of Unit 2). Working with staff and mentors in seminars and workshops, you will develop a clear programme of what you wish to achieve during your placement and prepare the necessary material to secure it.

• Unit 2 – Innovating in Architectural Practice

Unit 2 begins with an industry placement which you will spend working within the industry to familiarise yourself with the issues and challenges associated with the profession today. You are responsible for identifying and arranging this placement.

We encourage you to consider a broad range of different forms of practice when considering where to undertake your placement. Working with a Mentor, drawn from among leading practitioners and members of the Course Team, you will seek to use your placement to develop further your understanding of the ways in which architects engage with the users and clients. By the end of your placement, you will have prepared a review report, reflecting on your experiences and relating them to contemporary theories of architecture and design.

Following your placement, you will begin your Major Project, which lasts throughout your final year of study.

You will begin by identifying a research question and site which enable you to explore issues relevant to the contemporary urban environment and social conditions.

Utilising the methodologies developed and explored in Unit 1 and in your placement experience, you will propose an urban architectural intervention intended to create positive, long-term, large-scale impact. You should seek to engage the community and stakeholders in both the process and the outcome so that it has a sustainable future.

You should make use of both the ‘traditional’ means of architectural communication (drawings, models, 3D visualisation) and more contemporary, individual methods of communication. You will develop a written project report enabling you to contextualise your work with historical and contemporary theories of architecture and urbanism as well as documenting the way in which the project progresses. Input and feedback from the communities and collaborators with whom you have worked will be crucial.