Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit is designed to give an introduction to the relationship of architectural realisation to architectural design. The material and physical properties of materials, their structural properties and the ecological context of architectural works are all explored, in relationship to the studio projects.

Aims

A1 To reach a general level of understanding of the materials, techniques and site procedures used for simple structures.
A2 To introduce students to natural forces and their physical properties and to the methods and processes by which these forces are controlled in buildings.
A3 To introduce the relevance of global issues of environmental design within a context of sustainability.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate:

LO1 Awareness of the characteristics and properties of common building materials and how this knowledge can influence design decisions.
LO2 Awareness of the principles of structural action and an appreciation of how equilibrium and natural forces are utilised in developing architectural form.
LO3 Awareness the global context of sustainability within which architecture operates.

Method of delivery
Regular lectures, seminars, one day workshops, studio projects, visits, individual and group tutorials.

Return of Work
Work will be returned to you no later than four weeks after the deadline.

Reference Material

Key
Deplazes, Andrea (2005) Constructing Architecture, Basel: Birkhäuser
Everett, A. (1994), Mitchell’s Building Series – Materials Harlow: Longman.
Francis, A.J. (1989 2ed.), Introducing Structures Chichester: Ellis Horwood.
Farrelly, L. (2009) Construction and Materials, Lausanne, AVA
Gauld, B. (1996), Structures for Architects Harlow: Longman.
Hegger, M. et al. (2006). Construction Materials Manual. Basel: Birkhäuser
Lance Lavine (2004), Constructing Ideals Dubuque IA: Kendall/Hunt.
McDonald, A.J (2001), Structure & Architecture Oxford: Butterworth.
Schittich, C. (ed.) (2005). In detail: building simply. Basel: Birkhäuser
Wines, J. (2000), Green Architecture Cologne: Taschen.

Recommended
Barry, R. (1999), The Construction of Buildings Vol. 1 & Vol. 2: Blackwell.
Herzog, T. et al (2004). Timber Construction Manual. Basel: Birkhäuser
Hunt, Anthony (2003 2ed) Tony Hunt‟s Structures notebook Oxford: architectural Press
Kind-Barkauskas, F. et al (2002). Concrete construction manual. Basel: Birkhäuser
Pfeifer, G. et al (2001) Masonry Construction Manual Basel: Birkhäuser
Schulitz, H. et al (2000). Steel Construction Manual. Basel: Birkhäuser

Journals
Architects Journal (weekly)
Architectural Review (monthly)
Building Design (weekly)
Detail (bi-monthly)