KA5023 - Design and Specification

What will I learn on this module?

In responding to a client brief and understanding the request is a key attribute of the Building Surveyor. You will become used to interrogating the client and responding to physical and statutory constraints to produce a workable design solution. You will call upon historical and contemporary influences on Architecture and technological solutions to suit the practicalities of both construction and maintenance throughout the life cycle of a building. Further, emphasis will be given to communication of design logic and rationale, and communication of design choices.

How will I learn on this module?

There will be a mix of formal lectures form both University and other specialist guest speakers. Each group will be assigned a supervisor who will work closely during the group stage while outline designs and schematics are iterated and presented, and further through the individual preparation for discussion and summative submission.
Classroom, studio, tutorial and IT media will all be employed, together with site visits where applicable and appropriate.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will also be supported by the provision of on-line resources via the module e-learning portal. These resources include lecture and workshop information, interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles plus links to topical news reports. Teaching staff will also respond to individual questions via the module’s discussion board so that everyone taking the module can benefit. Furthermore, module teaching staff are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Explore the nature of the design team and how the design process is informed and actioned by that team

• MLO2: Evaluate potential outline solutions to the requirements of a client by employing enquiry based tools and communicate these responses n teams. Demonstrate how urban, social and environmental development affect the built environment.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will be able to research, evaluate and communicate information on client need and design principles

• MLO4: You will be able to use building informational modelling software as a way of digitally recording and describing existing buildings, and to use specification writing software to produce tender information.

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

• MLO5: You will develop an awareness of the professional and ethical process behind seeking tenders for building work based on coordinated and comprehensive information packages.

How will I be assessed?

Your assessment will be by means of a presentation of your outline design and production of a tender package.

Presentation (50%): Working in groups, you will prepare outline designs to respond to the client brief.

Tender Package (50%): You will submit an individual tender package which will include all relevant information to enable a building contractor to provide pricing information to enable the client to make informed decisions as to proceeding with any work.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will seek to combine your creative and technical strands with a view to compiling a comprehensive and coordinate package of information as required and expected by industry professionals. You will be presented with a live site and building with real constraints and encouraged to investigate, research and provide solutions to the utilitarian, technical, functional, performance related and aesthetic aspects of refurbishment and/or extension.
You will work in a small group to generate an outline design in response to a client brief, and individually to identify, detail and specify certain key elements of that brief.

Course info

UCAS Code K230

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Building Surveying BSc (Hons)

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support