Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 1)

Course content - 2017 entry

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

You'll be introduced to the main teaching and learning methods used across the course and the facilities available on campus. You'll gain the knowledge to complete and present a simple design programme, and draw on a variety of cultural and technical influences and various techniques of communication.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Projects 01

  You'll look at fundamental issues, processes, skills and tools that will be relevant in your studies in architecture, focusing on design in relation to the human body. The role of architecture in defining our spaces and experiences is explored as a means by which the body might be guided through site-specific design proposals.

• Communication 01

  This unit introduces you to representation as a critical practice. You'll learn a range of techniques in the context of a number of projects, supported by lectures and seminars. These will provide cultural and technological contexts.

• Technology 01

  Through the use of materials, the unit examines aspects of technology associated with the built environment. It will also explore their relationship with design as both a process and an outcome.

• Cultural Context 01

  This unit looks at the study of the histories and theories of architectural and spatial design. It aims to address the ways in which designed spaces, buildings and cities are situated culturally. And it provides you with the required tools of analysis and interpretation to make informed readings of your environment.

• Projects 02

  The content and themes of the previous unit are synthesised through the design of a small building, focusing on relationships between architecture and time. Whilst the first half of the unit focuses on site analysis, research and design strategy, the second focuses on lighting, structure, materiality and finish.

During the second year, you'll increase your confidence and engagement with the course and its facilities. You'll develop the knowledge to address a reasonably complex design programme with elements of self selection. And the potential for specialised learning and the implications of different choices of direction will become clearer, with personal preferences emerging.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Projects 03

  You'll focus on the ways in which architecture can establish social, political, physical and environmental dialogues with wider, as well as immediate, conditions. The importance of identifying and then developing or suppressing these relationships consciously through the design of external space will be interrogated.

• Cultural Context 02

  This unit is chiefly concerned with theory, specifically the ways in which (design) theories have been made operational through (design) propositions.

• Technology 02

  This unit explores the coverage of building materials and methods of construction introduced in Year 1. It introduces low energy design strategies as a vehicle to discussing sustainability in the built environment.

• Projects 04

  Has two themes:
  
  1) Intelligent skin: we'll introduce you to a design methodology with a technology focus. This will provide you with the opportunity to use technology as a generator for an engagement with cultural objectives, contextual study and communication through design development.
  
  2) Synoptic: you'll undertake a synoptic project where the main emphasis is on the integration of different design preoccupations and resolving these together to present a well considered outcome. Typically, the project set will be concerned with a manufacturing process of current social or aesthetic concern or interest.

• Communication 02

  The possibilities afforded by the computer to allow simultaneous working on a variety of resolutions and modes will be exploited. You'll also be introduced to parametric digital design.

• Creative Practice 01

  This unit is designed to provoke experimentation, risk-taking, exploratory and playful work following the rigours of professional practice and the creative industries.

• Study Abroad (optional)

  This optional unit will allow you to spend a period of time in an overseas educational institution.

You'll gain the depth of knowledge to resolve a complex design programme, and with a substantial amount of self-determined direction, establishing preferences and viewpoints expressed in verbal and written design discourse, within each subject area, and relating subject areas to design. You'll study some topics more generally related to architecture in detail. And you'll also build an appreciation of how architecture can become more significant in today's world. Your communication skills will be enhanced, so that a project can be presented coherently to the public or external professionals.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Projects 05

  Has two themes:
  
  1) Terrain: you'll examine 'home' from the starting position of the values of an individual user. You'll explore ways in which this individual might seek to influence the wider world.
  
  2) Urban: you'll explore 'home' as a respondent to the wider cultural, social and/or political visions for, and/or conditions of, the city. You'll examine the ways in which these interface with conditions for the individual. Housing is addressed as a key contested constituent of the city.

• Creative Practice 02

  You'll learn the legal and procedural characteristics of practising as an architect in the UK. Weekly lectures and workshops will be supplemented with independent study and weekly submissions.

• Research Thesis

  You'll undertake a period of self-directed research on a subject that is related to the historical, theoretical and critical concerns of architecture. The subject matter will be informed by the specific
  interests that you have developed on the course to date and will be supported by the particular expertise of staff within the School of Architecture through its Research Groups.

• Projects 06

  This will establish current political, social and economic issues relevant to the future of an unfamiliar city that may apply to the future success of similar cities.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules