Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AR40300 Design studio 5 |
| Credits: 18 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The unit builds on knowledge acquired during the first degree in architecture, with an emphasis on architectural design and planning in an urban, European context. The aim is to encourage an understanding of the historical and cultural evolution of the city being studied and provide an overview - through text and drawings - of its present condition. The aim is also to encourage the further exploration of that analysis through architectural design.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit the student will have: 1. The ability to integrate knowledge of: * The principles and theories associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments; * Climatic design and the relationship between climate, built form construction, life style, energy consumption and human well-being. 2. The ability to: Devise structural and constructional strategies for a complex building or group of buildings, employing integrative knowledge of: * structural theories; * construction techniques and processes; * the physical properties and characteristics of building materials and components and the environmental impact of specification choices; * the provision of building services. 3.The ability to: * Use architectural representations having critically appraised the most appropriate techniques available; * Produce documentation and reports which are clear, analytical and logical covering a range of architectural issues of culture, theory and design. Skills: Ability to work as part of a group; the critical assessment of information, and its clear communication. Ability to synthesise in elegant designs, complex demands of context, environment, materials, user needs and function. Content: The unit has two parts, both aimed at providing necessary skills for the design thesis in Year 2: 1) The first part focuses on detail design mainly through digital modes of representation and the relationship of the façade to the urban context. The design to be presented at a drawing scale not less than 1:100 through plans and sections of key examples of these types, and supplemented by models (physical and/or computer models). Designs will be developed with due regard to aesthetic and technical requirements prevailing nationally and especially within the urban context studied; and with due regard to the perceived long-term social and physical needs of the local community. Specialist expertise will be provided by visiting Architectural, Landscape, Environmental and Structural Engineering consultants. 2) The second part is a site study for the design thesis that takes place in year 2 of the March The exploration, through analysis and design, of the many meanings and purposes of architecture within a European urban context. The unit involves a short fieldtrip to study a European town or city. Collection by groups of visual, historical, social and cultural information relating to its urban development. Presentation by groups of drawings photographs and models of the past and present character and future potential of the area. Written documentation as necessary supportive of visual and verbal presentations. Specialist expertise will be provided by visiting Architectural, Landscape, Environmental and Structural Engineering consultants, and visiting design critics will be invited at appropriate times during the project. This information will be used to inform subsequent individual design briefs for different building types (public and residential) in different locations within the established urban context. |