Architecture: Spaces and Objects

Content

The spaces and objects that are within and around buildings also inform and transform our understanding and use of buildings and cities. The interrelation of architecture, spaces and objects forms our human environment.

The practice of architecture has always been collaborative. However, the modern practitioner is increasingly called upon to both design and to facilitate the integration of a broad range of other practices - from the arts to engineering. The methods and materials that we use to construct and maintain our built environment become critical in reflecting and questioning the impact that we have upon the natural environment. Issues relating to sustainability, of the environment, economies and communities are central to the way in which the course approaches design.

The course enables you to adopt a critical perspective on the architectural design of our human environment in all its aspects; to understand how it came to be and how we might lead its development in the future.

Structure

The course runs for 90 weeks full time over three years, and is divided into three Levels, (or Stages) each lasting 30 weeks.

The course has seven closely interrelated areas of study, delivered through project work, lectures, seminars and assignments and supporting studies.

Stage 1

This Stage introduces the core skills and concepts that will allow you to develop design proposals and a critical understanding of design for the human environment. Through projects, workshops, seminars and independent study you are encouraged and supported to explore issues related to the way that we conceive of and understand the buildings, spaces and objects that form the world around us as well as the professional roles and responsibilities within architectural practice.

Stage 2

You will continue to develop design skills and conceptual thinking, but the emphasis moves to the exploration of personal responses to issues in design.

Live Projects, working in teams and individually, offer you the opportunity to undertake design work in relation to real situations, often with real clients, as a means of understanding your own position in professional practice and to begin to identify your future direction.

Stage 3

The three parts of this stage offer you the opportunity to consolidate your past experience and to explore, in depth, possible directions for the future.

• 'Consolidation' is a detailed building design project, bringing together your skills, conceptual ideas and understanding of architectural practice.
• 'Dissertation' is a major academic paper, on a topic of your choice that begins to frame your specific interests and critical perspective on design.
• 'Trajectory' is intended to develop in relation to the 'Dissertation' and offers the opportunity to undertake a large-scale, self-directed design project.

Through these projects you will be able to identify and define the specific area of design for the human environment that you may wish to pursue through postgraduate study or professional practice.