Aims: To provide an opportunity for students to develop their individual research interests through the study of an aspect of the history, theory or practice of architecture in depth, and to present this material primarily in written form. The dissertation is to take the form of an academic piece of writing structured with a clear argument that reaches a balanced conclusion. The dissertation should be written as a balanced review of archive material, or as a survey of a building and/or associated products.
Learning Outcomes:
Students who have completed this unit should be able to demonstrate their use of written English and communication skills to present their powers of reasoning and expression in relation to the findings of their research into the agreed topic.
Skills:
Independent research; considered response to tutorials; exposition of argumentation in clear, written English.
Content:
Emphasis is to be placed on the cultural context of architecture, with particular respect to the history, theory and urban design of architecture; this might include, within 'cultural context', a critical appraisal and history of communication techniques ranging from traditional projections (perspective, model, 2D) to CAD. The dissertation is to be on a theme selected by the candidate and agreed to by the dissertation co-ordinators. It is to be written in English, have a maximum length of 10,000 words, and be illustrated as necessary. It is to be properly referenced, provided with a full bibliography and bound. The dissertation provides an opportunity to explore research issues that will be further developed in their design thesis in studio.
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