CE2ADE-Architectural Design 1

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Mehdi Shahrestani
Email: m.shahrestani@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn the concept of Architectural Design, through the lenses of environmental engineering. In addition, students learn the critical approach to architectural design that incorporates the aesthetic aspects of design and its technical requirements as well as its environmental impacts. Students also learn how to define the requirements of end users and project stakeholders in the architectural design. This module uses the knowledge obtained from the History of the Built Environment: Space, Design, and Technology module to learn about contemporary architectural theories, practice and ideas.

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to the concept of architectural design and provide the opportunity to learn about the critical approach of Building design.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Understand and explain the importance of defining and meeting the requirements of individual users/stakeholder Ìý


• Demonstrate an understanding of site analysis and appraisal , reviewingÌý an existing site and appraising its potential for project development


• Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of building in context, characterisation and place making, and of the importance of both building and spaces in architectural design


• Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to use various analytical techniques related to building design


• Understand the environmental strategies and the regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a design project.


• understanding of the need to critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design


• develop an understanding of architectural language and skills to communicate effectively with the design team


• Develop a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user

Additional outcomes:

• Students will have gained an insight into the environmental impacts of architectural design

Outline content:

• An introduction to architectural design


• The Environmental impact of architectural design


• Design brief and Plan of work


• Function, organisation and technological strategy of design


• Environmental strategies and the regulatory requirements


• Conceptual and critical approach to architectural design

Global context:

The skills and knowledge that students will acquire from this module have global applications.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is lecture and seminar-based. The guided study also provides students with a practical approach towards understanding the history of the built environment.