AAMRM1-Research Methods 1

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AAMAD1 Architectural Design 1 and AAMAD2 Architectural Design 2
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Flora Samuel
Email: f.b.samuel@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Research and innovation should be central to architectural practice. A key ambition of the school is to give students the research skills to advance the cause of architecture as a research discipline in the workplace, and in doing so, to promote innovation and the development of a knowledge base for the field. This module will therefore provide students with an important grounding in research methods (theory) and their development through recent history while offering an opportunity to reflect on the nature and meaning of creative practice. It will also provide students with an introduction to the research activity of the school and to their role as co-researchers with the staff team, an essential element of the research led learning curriculum at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø. This module will prepare students to deliver a sustained and rigorous piece of work in the form of the next module AAM RM2.Ìý

Aims:

To provide a foundation in research methods relevant to contemporary issues related toÌý Architecture and the built environmentÌý , as well as an understanding of their development and relationship to the history of the field of architectural practice.Ìý

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Intended learning outcomes:Ìý

1. Understanding of a range of research methods applicable to architectural practice;Ìý


2. Knowledge of the history of research, innovation and creativity within the field of architecture;Ìý


3. Ability to develop a robust well researched research project proposal;Ìý


4. An understanding of research impact and its measurement.ÌýÌý


5. Critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design; GA2.4Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will:

1. Have ability to frame a research project articulating: aim, methodology, research context, research plan, dissemination, pathways to impact, cost and timeline.


2. Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of a range of research methodologies (including art practice), their appropriate usage and their place in the history of architectural knowledge; GC3.1


3. Demonstrate knowledge of the cultur al, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC2.1


4. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC2.2


5. Acquire knowledge of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach; GC2.3


6. Demonstrate knowledge of how the theories, practice s and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC3.1


7. Demonstrate knowledge of the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC3.2


8. Demonstrate knowledge of theories of urban design and the planning of communities; GC4.1


9. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment; GC4.2


10. Critical unders tanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design; GA2.4

Additional outcomes:

1. Employability skills: written, visual and verbal communication, research, project planning, ethical good practice, interviewing and data management.


2. An understanding of a range of research methods applicable to architectural practice;


3. Demonstrate knowledge of the creative application of such work to studio design projects, in terms of their conceptualisation and representation; GC3.3


4. Knowledge of the history of research, innovation and creativity within the field of architecture;


5. Ab