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AR10040: History & theory 1.1: vernacular architecture

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Description: Aims:
This unit aims to broaden the basis of the students understanding of the history and theory of architecture through the study of vernacular architecture, including traditional world architecture and British vernacular buildings. This will include how the vernacular relates to available materials and construction technologies, the natural environment and climate, and available resources. The unit will consider how the vernacular can contribute to an understanding of sustainability and inspire contemporary design.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit the student will demonstrate:
* an understanding of concepts of vernacular architecture;
* an awareness of how traditional architecture can reveal aspects of available technologies, climate and material resources
* The ability to discuss and analyse vernacular buildings using appropriate vocabulary and critical approaches;
* An awareness of how vernacular buildings can inspire architectural design, including sustainable thinking.

Skills:

* Observation and description of vernacular buildings;
* Written interpretation and analysis of vernacular architecture and contemporary design in relation to it;
* Library research on relevant topics;
* Report presentation to academic standards, including use of images and referencing.

Content:
Lectures on concepts of vernacular architecture; examples of traditional, vernacular British and world architecture analysed in relation to cultural contexts, available materials and construction technologies, the natural environment and climate and available resources; architectural design inspired by the vernacular. Coursework is a report that will include analysis of a case study of vernacular architecture.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

AR10040 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • UEAR-AFB07 : BEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKB07 : BEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-ANB08 : BSc(Hons) Architecture with Thin sandwich placement(s) (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFM03 : MEng(Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKM03 : MEng(Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFM07 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKM07 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.