AAMAD3-Architectural Design 3- Thesis Design

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: AAMAD1 Architectural Design 1 AAMAT1 Architectural Technologies AAMRM1 Research Methods 1 AAMPS1 Professional Skills 1 AAMAD2 Architectural Design 2 AAMPS2 Professional Skills 2
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AAMRM2 Research Methods 2
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Lorraine Farrelly
Email: l.farrelly@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is the third and the last in a series of related postgraduate design modules that explores research-based architectural design processes. It provides students with the opportunity to define an individual design position in relation to a current architectural issue supported by a relevant research theme and methodological framework defined by the ‘research unit’. Students will develop a comprehensive Ìýindividual design project grounded in the student’s own research and supported through tutorials as well as specialist consultations. The project may be linked to research conducted in Research Methods 2 (AAM RM2 Dissertation) and will be accompanied by a technical report to evidence an understanding of relevant technical issues.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with key skills to develop an independent design project, a design thesis proposition, informed by relevant research, incorporating theoretical, methodological and technical aspects as well as applying advanced skills in visual, written and oral communication.ÌýÌý

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Evidence development of a conceptual, reflective and critical approach to architectural design by explaining and describing effectively the rationale behind larger and more complex architectural design proposals. (GA2.1)


2. Prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity, and type in a variety of contexts, using a range of media, and in response to a brief; GC1.1
3. Demonstrate an ability to understand the constructional and structural systems, the environmental strategies and the regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a comprehensive design project; GC1.2


4. Demonstrate a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user; GC1.3


5. Demonstrate k nowledge of the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC2.1


6. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC2.2


7. Demonstrate knowledge of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach. GC2.3


8. Demonstrate knowledge of current planning policy and development control legislation, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and the relevance of these to design development. GC4.3


9. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs and aspirations of building users; GC 5.1


10. Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which buildings fit in to their local context; GC5.3


11. Demonstrate an understanding of the potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed co mmunities; GC6.3 *Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to deliver accessible and inclusive buildings, places and spaces.


12. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigation, critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design; GC8.1


13. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies for building construction, and ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction tec hniques; GC8.2


14. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices; GC8.3


15. Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for building services, and ability to integrate these in a design project. GC9.3


16. Demonstrate the skills to prepare designs that will meet building users’ requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriate performance standards and health and safety requirements. GC10.3


17. Demonstrate an ability to generate complex design proposals showing understanding of current architectural issues, originality in the application of subject knowledge and, where appropriate, to test new hypotheses and speculations; GA2.1


18. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain design proposa ls; GA2.2


19. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to complex architectural designs and building construction, and to integrate these into practicable design proposals; GA2.3


20. Develop a personal learning programme and be able to identify individual learning needs (GA2.7), gaining an understanding of the personal responsibility required for further professional education.