Architecture Studies MArch (Hons)

Level 1 introduces the fundamentals of architecture, promoting development of a solid set of skills to support you throughout your studies and architectural career. Engagement with a series of design projects and exercises, from one day to several weeks in length, introduces a range of working methods to help you analyse, experiment, propose and test ideas.

• AR11015: Humanities 1.1: Understanding and Communicating Architecture
• AR11016: Architectural Technology 1: Space Form and Structure
• AR11017: Design Methods 1: Scale, Proportion and Enclosure
• AR12008: Integrated Design 1: Context and Use
• AR12009: Humanities 1.2: Understanding and Communicating Architecture

In level 2 the theme of ‘making’ is central. This is explored through a series of more complex studio design projects which place an emphasis on the relationship between people and the built environment. You will integrate practical design considerations with creative project ideas, and engage in ‘thinking through making’ to explore material, structure and detail.

• AR21009 Humanities 2.1: Between Thinking and Making, Modern Architecture in Context 1
• AR21010: Technology 2.0: Envelope and Environment
• AR21011: Design Methods 2.1: Material and Form
• AR22008 Integrated Design 2: Typology and Tectonics
• AR22009 Humanities 2.2: Between Thinking and Making, Modern Architecture in Context 2

Level 3 study is centred on two design projects which offer the opportunity to incorporate many of the complex ideas and concepts studied in the Part 1 course. The projects focus on rich urban contexts which require you to consider interior and exterior space at both public and private scale. The integrated design project asks you to consider site, programme and technology in development of a holistic design proposal. To broaden yourdesign portfolio you will also engage with a series of short design projects which encourage risk-taking and the wider exploration of ideas. In parallel with your studio work you will undertake illustrated essays and reports.

• AR30005: Integrated Design 3
• AR30006: Humanities 3
• AR30007: Urban Theory, Analysis & Design

Following a similar pattern to level 3, the year is structured around a major integrated design project sited within an urban context. Following a series of introductory Urban and Planning Studies investigating the urban imagination, the city, and design, you will work within small, elective tutorial groups exploring alternative ideas for your integrated design proposal. The project is developed in the second semester to an appropriate level of technical and programmatic resolution.

In parallel with the sketched, drawn and modelled exploration of ideas, you will compile an integrated design report which places the work within an intellectual context, draws out the central ideas and explains their detailed resolution.

Alongside the integrated design project you will develop a body of work within a separate “Design Research Unit”: a seminar group exploring themes within architectural theory such as typology, representation, materiality and landscape. The DRUs are aligned to and run by the level 5 thematic studios. You will have the opportunity to make physical experiments known as “thinking machines” and write accompanying texts which define and contextualise yourideas.

• A410001: Urban Theory Analysis and Strategy
• AR40003: Architectural Humanities
• AR40007: Integrated Architectural Design 4

Students in level 5 opt to follow one of two pathways, MArch or MArch with Urban Planning.

• AR50005: Architectural Thesis

You will have the opportunity to follow this alternative pathway completing three modules in urban planning. In parallel you will undertake an independent design-led research project (60 credits) which will build on your emerging specialist knowledge and understanding in both disciplines. As in the core MArch programme, design work will be developed within an Architecture and Planning thematic studio, and contextualized and recorded through an accompanying text. Successful completion leads to a jointly accredited award in Architecture and Planning disciplines.

• AR50007: Design-led research project
• UP51005 - Property Development Processes
• UP51007 - Statutory Planning
• UP52003 - Sustainability in Contemporary Cities