Credit Points: 45
Study Time: 450

This unit is designed to give an opportunity to demonstrate advanced levels of creative investigation and application of knowledge. Alongside the design of a public urban building, a small theatre in Weymouth (300 seats), various technical and environmental issues will be introduced. The project is a vehicle for exploring how design is informed by empirical forces, technical means and regulatory issues. Notions of reflective practice are stressed to grasp the opportunities as well as the limits of design. The result is a medium scale comprehensive design demonstrating the integration of knowledge gained. Combined with this study you will extend your knowledge and ability in representational techniques, including 2D and 3D digital representation. You will also explore how other disciplines might inform architecture and the city.

Aims

A1 Develop and enhance ability to make well founded and informed architectural propositions.
A2 Develop and enhance a design methodology based on critical reflective practice.
A3 Knowledge of the building technology issues for the realisation of an architectural proposition.
A4 Extend knowledge of the environmental control issues for the realisation of an architectural proposition.
A5 Apply the accumulated and new skills of communication and representation.

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

LO1 Ability to make an informed architectural proposition reflecting an architectural brief and how it can inform design.

LO2 Ability to research, analyse, reflect and make judgements through a design methodology.
LO3 Knowledge of principles and detailing of building technology, and construction methods and how they inform an integrated architectural design.
LO4 Knowledge of principles of environmental design for human comfort and how they inform an integrated architectural design.
LO5 Knowledge and understanding of appropriate visualisation and communication skills, from architecture and other disciplines.

Method of delivery
Lectures, seminars, studio projects, field trips, visits, individual and group tuition.

Reference Material

Key
Koolhaas, Rem (1995, 1997) S,M,L,XL New York: Monacelli Press
Laurice, M and Macdonald, E (2006) The Urban Design Reader London: Routledge
Rodgers, Richard (2000) Cities for a Small Country London: Faber and Faber
Santamouris, Mat (2006) Environmental Design for Urban Buildings London; Earthscan
Schittich, C. (ed.) (2006). Building skins. 2nd enlarged ed. Basel: Birkhäuser Verlag AG.

Detail In Practice
Brandi, U. and Geissmar-Brandi. C. (2006). Lighting design Basel: Birkhäuser
Burger, E.B. (ed.) (2004). Translucent materials. Basel: Birkhäuser
Hugues, T., Steiger, L. and Weber, J. (2005). Dressed stone Basel: Birkhäuser
Hugues, T., Steiger, L. and Weber, J. (2004). Timber construction Basel: Birkhäuser
Peck, M. (ed.) (2006). Concrete Basel: Birkhäuser
Reichel, A., Hochberg, A. and Kopke, C. (2005). Plaster, render, paint and coatings Basel: Birkhäuser

Recommended
Rodgers, Richard (1997) Cities for a Small Planet London: Faber and Faber
Brayer, Marie-Ange (2007) Future Cities London: Thames and Hudson
Coates, Nigel (2003) Guide to Ecstacity London: Laurence King
Fampton, Kenneth (2003) Steven Holl Milano: Electa

Website
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Haworth Tompkins architects