AA1DS2-Architecture and Design - An Introduction to Site

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AA1HTI History and Theory of Architecture: an Introduction AA1IPI Industry and Practice - the Business Context of Architecture AA1VCI Visualisation and Communication in Architectural Design ô€€– An Introduction AA1STI Construction Technology: an Introduction and AA1DS1 Architecture and Design - An Introduction to Studio
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Penelope Plaza
Email: p.plaza@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Ms Amy Butt
Email: a.v.b.butt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the second in a series of related design modules. It provides an introduction to architecture and the idea of the site and placing architecture in context. It provides opportunities for the creative application of skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to simple design projects. Students will further develop skills including sketching, freehand drawing, technical drawing and model-making to explore and develop their design capabilities.

Aims:
The module aims to develop studentsô€€’ design skills and creativity and to provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed from teaching and learning activities within other first year modules.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity, and type in a variety of contexts, using a range of media, and in response to a brief

2. Describe through drawing and models the way in which buildings fit into their local context

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems and the environmental im pact of specification choices

4. Communicate effectively by means of visual representations, and in oral and written communication, well-considered and imaginative design proposals for design projects at a range of scales such as artefacts, rooms/spaces and simple buildings;

5. Demonstrate capability in the effective application of traditional graphic and model-making techniques

6. Demonstrate ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to d esign proposals clearly and effectively

Additional outcomes:
Students will also gain an awareness of the value of visualisation to support design development, evaluation and decision making, and an appreciation of the value of design studio in relation to teaching and learning activities.

Outline content:
Students will undertake the design of small scale building design projects, related to a range of scales and complexity.

In addition there will be an emphasis on understanding user needs; anthropometrics, comfort, access and scale.

Global context:
The skills and knowledge which the student will acquire from this module have universal application.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will predominantly be taught within the studio environment by tutors working with small groups of students over the duration of a project. Students will generate design proposals in studio, making use of workshop facilities and technical support. Such activities are supported by lectures, and tutorials which will incorporate 􀀑crit􀀒 sessions . The module will involve experimentation and the development of design proposals and visual representations both by individual exploration and kn owledge - sharing and collaboration, providing extensive opportunities for peer to peer learning.