AA2DS4N: Design Studio Four

Module code: AA2DS4N

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 40

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mr Sayan Skandarajah , email: s.skandarajah@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA2IPR AND TAKE AA2STC AND TAKE AA2DS3N AND TAKE AA2HTC (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This is the fourth in a series of related design modules. It provides opportunities to develop creativity and design skills within a studio environment and for students to apply skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to more complex design projects. Students will utilise skills including sketching, freehand drawing, technical drawing and model-making as well as skills related to the use of digital technologies to explore and develop their design capabilities.

The module aims to develop students’ design skills and creativity and to provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed from teaching and learning activities within other first and second year modules, notably the Visualisation and Communication modules.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively by means of visual representations, and oral and written communication, well-considered and imaginative design proposals for projects such as small/medium buildings and groups of buildings;
2. Demonstrate capability in the effective application of traditional and digital graphic and model-making techniques to more complex projects;
3. Understand and explain the importance of defining and meeting the requirements of individual users and other stakeholders in more complex design activities;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of community, locality and neighbourhood;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of building in context, characterisation, wayfinding and placemaking, and the importance of both buildings and spaces in architectural design.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to use various analytical tools and techniques related to building in a particular location.
7. 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; GC 1.1
8. Demonstrate an understanding of constructional and structural systems, environmental strategies and regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a comprehensive design project;GC 1.2
9. 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; GC 1.3
10. Prepare designs that will meet building users' requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriate performance standards and health and safety requirements; GC 10.3
11. Demonstrate ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to design proposals clearly and effectively. GA 1.2
12. Demonstrate understanding of strategies for building construction, and ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques; GC 8.2
13. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices. GC 8.3

Students will also increase their awareness of the value of visualisation to support design development, evaluation and decision making, and their appreciation of the value of design studio in relation to teaching and learning activities.

Module content

Students will undertake the design of projects, typically rel