AAMAT: Architectural Technologies

Module code: AAMAT

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr John Harding , email: j.e.harding@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have an ARB Part-1 qualification. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AAMAD1 AND TAKE AAMAD2 AND TAKE AAMSPR (Compulsory)

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

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 May 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is a first-year compulsory postgraduate module to be provided within the Part 2 architectural programme. The module aims to provide the core principles of architectural technology and their application in practice, exploring the environmental and socio-cultural implications of design and specification. With a particular emphasis on environmental, social, economic, and cultural resilience, the module aims to equip students with necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to address climate change. 

Set over several key themes, students will develop a wide knowledge and understanding of architectural technology and its implications via individually driven research projects, tutor-led workshops, and evidencing direct integration into studio work in Architectural Design 2 (AAMAD2). The skills gained in this module will be applied and evidenced in an integrated project developed in Architectural Design 3: Design Thesis (AAMAD3) in year 2. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Understand and be able to describe, using appropriate vocabulary, aspects of the subject areas outlined below, and will be able to demonstrate the application of this knowledge and understanding in experimental work and assignments. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC10.1; GC10.2.
2. Demonstrate in assignments skills that show an understanding of the wider implications of architectural technology. Such skills underpin a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrate and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a design and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user within the precepts of sustainability and ethical practice. GC5.2; GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2.
3. Demonstrate in assignments the development of their understanding of novel materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction using modern developments in digital technology. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3; GC10.1; GC10.2.
4. Demonstrate in assignments an ability to undertake investigative work, and critically evaluate suitable precedents using modelling and a range of evaluation techniques. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigation, critical appraisal, and selection of alternative structural, constructional, environmental, and material systems relevant to architectural design. GC 8.2, GC 8.3.
6. Develop their awareness of the needs and aspirations of building users in relation to the science and technology of architecture. And this understanding will be applied to their own individual research projects. GA2.3.
7. Evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design. GA2.4.

Additionally, students will be expected to have developed an understanding of relationships between science and technology and the history, theory, and practice of architectural design; and relationships between people, buildings, and the environment. GC9.1; GC9.2; GC9.3.  They will also have developed an understanding of the wider implications of architectural technologies, and the duties of architects and designers to clients, users and wider society. GC10.1; GC10.2.

Module content

The module is struc