Architectural Design 1: An introduction to Architecture [self-space-presence] - YSA00001C

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Module summary

This module will introduce aspects of Architectural space and form and is the first in a series of related design modules. It provides an introduction to architectural design and the studio . There will be opportunities for the creative application of skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to a range of 3D design projects. It will introduce students to three dimensional thinking around form, space and presence as principles for architectural design. Students will develop skills including sketching, freehand drawing, technical drawing and model-making to explore and develop their design capabilities.

Professional requirements

Students studying this architecture degree will need to evidence a portfolio demonstrates a response to the RIBA themes and Values validation and that the course has 50% design components and 20% professional practice components

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

The module aims to:

- introduce students to the principles of architectural design and the design studio culture

- develop students’ design skills and creativity

- provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed from teaching and learning activities within other first year modules.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

LO1_ Prepare and present a small scale building design projects of a limited complexity, and type in a local context, using a range of media, and in response to a brief.

LO2_ Compare the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices.

LO3_ Demonstrate the way in which buildings fit into their direct context.

LO4_ Communicate effectively by means of a range of visual representation and communication methods, well-considered and creative design proposals for 3D design projects.

Module content

This module will accommodate at least one local/national study day-trip

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Additional assessment information

Rationale of 100% Portfolio Assessment

The adoption of portfolio assessment reflects the contemporary nature of Architecture practice. This approach encourages the students to view their work as complementary and interconnected rather than segregated and separate. It also helps them to continue improving the work until one assessment point.

For all 100% portfolio assessments, students will be informed of the weightings of constituent parts of the portfolio in the project briefs.

If a reassessment is required, students will be tasked with addressing major elements that were absent in their initial submission or reworking elements that did not meet the required standard. Subsequently, students will be required to resubmit these revised components as part of their full portfolio for re-evaluation.

For all multimedia written work, an indicative word length - or equivalent - has been provided. Artefacts, architectural drawings and illustrations would contribute to this word count, based on work quality.

Group Work

Group work is very important in architecture education to develop essential teamwork professional skills. As part of module learning, students will work collaboratively in groups and learn from one another. Portfolios will, however, be assessed on an individual basis.

The learning environment within a module will involve group work, but assessments will be individual.

PORTFOLIO [100%]

[Final Design Project should not exceed 9 -A2 pages or equivalent]

In Semester 1, Year 1 students will go through a number of short design projects (3-4) of spatial configurations and/or small structures to understand basic architectural design fundamentals. The portfolio will demonstrate the work done throughout the semester. The portfolio will be composed of the following:

MAIN COMPONENT:

Final design for all design projects

[percentages of marking weighting will be clearly indicated in projects’ briefs]

SUPPORTIVE COMPONENTS:

• Design development of all design projects

• Research/study work that drove the design decisions

• Sketchbooks used for design development

• Online media produced in support of the design projects (QR codes)

[The Portfolio marks are mainly granted to the final design project. All supportive components are to evident and showcase the student’s thinking process and trajectory throughout the semester]

The quality and efficiency of communication is essential. Short and efficient portfolios are highly encouraged. Maximum number and size of panels may be forced by projects’ briefs.

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

The semester will be divided into intervals in relevance to the number of projects (3-4 sections) varying in lengths based on the project complexity. Each project will accommodate scheduled small group/individual tutorials for formative feedback and to conclude by a final review in front of a group of colleagues, tutors (and typically an external reviewer). The students will receive a formative and peer feedback and guidance on work development for the inclusion in the final portfolio submission at the end of semester). In case of complex projects, the project phase may include one or more interim reviews for phased design development.

Verbal, drawn and written formative feedback will be provided on interim and final reviews and a summative written feedback will be provided on final submission of portfolio. The duration of feedback return will follow the University’s guidance.

Indicative reading

Essential:

Ching, F.D.K., (2007) Form, Space and Order, 3rd edition. London: Wiley

CHING, F. (2019) Design drawing. JOHN WILEY & Sons.

Derix, C, ed. (2014) Empathic space: the computation of human-centric architecture. London: Wiley

Littlefield, D., and Buxton, P., (2012) Metric handbook: planning and design data. London: Routledge

Tilley, A. R.,(2002) The measure of man and woman: Human factors in design, 2nd edition. New York: Wiley

Unwin, S., (2014) Analysing architecture, 4th edition. London and New York: Routledge

Recommended:

Ching, F. (2024) Architectural graphics. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

JEANETTE , B. and BRANDFORD, P. (2022) City sketching reimagined ideas, exercises, inspiration. S.l.: BATSFORD LTD.

Sawyer, A., and Bright, K., (2014) The Access Manual: Designing, auditing and managing inclusive built environments 3rd edition. London: Wiley-Blackwell

Unwin, S., (2012) Exercises in architecture. London and New York: Routledge