KA6012 - Architecture Project 3.1

This design project module will be delivered using a combination of individual or group tutorials, workshops and set project work. Presentations will introduce project briefs and associated thematic information whilst studio-based tutorials support you through your learning journey. Where applicable, projects will include site visit to real site within the local. The participatory weekly design tutorial provides you with a forum to discuss personal or group progress and your associated project work. Tutors will provide you with formative feedback in a variety of forms to support you in your personal design reflection and the progression of your project work. Directed learning will allow you to research any thematic issue raised within your tutorials and independent learning will allow you to investigate your own themes in response and being situated within the design studios will help you to develop peer learning and peer support skills.

You will be supported through weekly tutorials as the primary conduit for your design project discussion where you will receive formative feedback from your tutor. In addition, progress reviews at key intervals form collegiate occasions for further guidance and formative assessment of your work. Periods of self-directed learning are essential for your personal research, creative explorational and development of project work. Lectures and seminars are also employed to support your design project journey and your knowledge on the professional framework applicable to architectural design.
Direct participation in design tutorials, group discussion and associated taught content is essential to your development. The formative feedback you receive each week can be a variety of forms; verbal, written and drawn, and is provided throughout the duration of the module. Written feedback will be provided at summative assessment points to help you reflect, develop and learn. In addition, project briefs, presentations, relevant associated module information and specific reading lists will be uploaded to the eLearning Portal (Blackboard), so that you can access module content when needed. The university library offers support through its extensive physical and on-line resources, through e-reading lists. In addition, guidance on developing academic study skills, is provided by the Ask4Help facility.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU 1. Evidence creativity through the application of an advanced understanding of social, cultural, typological and occupational requirements of a brief

KU 2. Conceptualise, analyse, synthesise and creatively apply all the aspects of design and management to the realisation of architectural proposals

KU3. Evaluate and apply rigorous, ambitious and appropriate design processes and methods to explore individual architectural proposals

KU 4. Analyse and evaluate the nature of design briefs to ensure an appropriate design response through an evaluation of regulation, consent, procurement routes, the financial implications of design and construction and the requirements of clients or end users.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA 1. Evidence the application of academic attributes of motivation, enquiry, management, confidence and imagination in an enquiring, disciplined and diverse approach to problems and issues, through testing opportunities and evaluating constraints

IPSA2. Articulate an appreciation of legislation and consents affecting the development of the built environment and project procurement

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

PVA 1. Develop and appraise professional and academic skills of research, communications, time management and independent learning towards professional practice

PVA 2. Critically engage with the ethical, professional, legal and social responsibilities of a design professional within the production of personal and professional documentation

Formative assessment will take place within regular tutorials and at interim reviews to provide ongoing developmental guidance and reflection within each of the projects, towards all module learning outcomes.

Summative assessment is of Summative assessment is of 1) a submitted design project and 2) a Professional Practice Report

1) Architecture Project 3.1 (75%);
a detailed architectural proposition for a complex design problem that responds to the context of a set, self-determined or live design brief.
MLO: KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, IPSA1, IPSA2, PVA1, PVA2

2) Professional Practice Report (2000-word equivalent) (25%);
an illustrated report outlining the application of regulatory and legislative frameworks to your “Architecture Project 3.1” design project.
MLO: KU1, KU2, KU4, IPSA 2, PVA1, PVA 2

Feedback will be offered in verbal, written and drawn forms, which will provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance. Moderation of summative assessment will take place in project reviews at the end of the module.

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This project -based module provides you with the opportunity to synthesise your advanced design skills and creative process within the creation and realisation of a complex architectural design project and its professional context within an illustrative report. You will investigate and appropriate the significance of context, interdisciplinary contemporary architectural thought and an advanced application of sustainable environmental strategies within your work. Through a comprehensive exploration of 2D and 3D design communication and creative practice, you will generate a well-resolved, detailed and complex architectural proposal with a cognisance of professional regulatory and legislative frameworks. The module will further synthesise your creative skills, critical thinking and experimentation to create meaningful architectural typological proposals that respond to place, language, form, materials and construction. Appraising case studies will allow you to articulate a detailed appreciation and application of the principles and thinking required to design socially sustainable, ethical and environmentally aware architecture.