Design Technology 1: Foundation in Building Technology - YSA00004C

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Module summary

This is the first module in a series of undergraduate Architectural Design Technology strand that equips the student to understand contemporary applications of building technologies. The module will introduce the student to the fundamental principles and key concepts related to structures, construction technologies, materials, and environmental design relevant to the design of buildings.

This module is closely related to other modules including the studio-based part of the curriculum.

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 2 2025-26

Module aims

Students will gain a working knowledge and understanding of the following core subject areas relevant to the design of buildings: Materials, Structures, Construction technologies, and Environmental science.

Topics will generally be considered in relation to the design of small individual buildings, an approach which relates to the scale of first year design module projects within the undergraduate architecture programme, and which provides an appropriate foundation for the related second year module. There is an emphasis on environmental resilience throughout this module and in the related modules which follow.

Aims will be achieved using a variety of teaching and learning methods: the module includes experimental work and ‘hands-on’ activities, site visits to provide first hand exposure to construction processes, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, and guest lectures to enrich students' perspectives, offering insights into industry trends and innovations.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

LO1- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of structural analysis for small-scale building design & the fundamental principles of structural design to simple structures.

LO2- Compare and contrast properties of construction materials

LO3- Communicate effectively construction/technical solutions to basic design problems for small-scale buildings

LO4- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of climatic design for a sustainable built environment.

Module content

The module will explore following themes:

1: Building Structural Systems

• an introduction to structural principles;

• structures in nature and in vernacular and traditional buildings;

• the design of walls, beams, columns, floors, roofs and portal frames;

• critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural components and systems for small buildings

2: Introduction to Construction Technologies

• the technologies of small buildings;

• the technologies of vernacular and traditional buildings;

• critical appraisal and selection of alternative technologies for small buildings

3: Building Materials

• physical and chemical properties and characteristics of materials generally; including the masonry, timber, concrete and steel;

• the environmental impact of specification choices;

• critical appraisal and selection of alternative materials

4: Environmental Design

• an introduction to concepts relating to light, heat, ventilation, sound, power, water supply and drainage;

• responding to climate;

• principles associated with designing optimal visual, thermal and acoustic environments within relevant precepts of sustainable design

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Additional assessment information

PORTFOLIO [100%]

The portfolio will be composed of a complete analytical study; the outcome will generally be composed of complementary connected elements, generally as follows (exact percentages will be clearly indicated by the assignment brief):

Individual Written Task

• An individual illustrated short report (1000 words/student) on the topic of individual and/or group research work (based on the nature of the assignment)

Individual Drawn Task

• Individually, based on the assignment brief, students will develop a set of 2D and 3D drawings of either assigned building construction components or structural systems (typically of existing buildings- case studies)

Individual Made Task

• A scaled physical 3D model of a building detail or a structure system

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

The work will be developed individually. There will be scheduled interim reviews (clearly announced by the assignment brief) of work in progress, and the students (individually or in groups) will receive formative feedback for the final portfolio submission.

The collective work will be submitted at the end of the semester.

Precedent work and practical examples will be used to challenge and stretch students’ understanding. Group-based tutorials will provide opportunities for regular review of and feedback on students’ coursework development.

Verbal and written formative feedback will be given on interim submissions and a summative written feedback will be given on the final submission of portfolio elements. The duration of feedback return will follow the University’s guidance.

Indicative reading

Allen, E. and Iano, J. (2019) Fundamentals of building construction: Materials and methods. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Ching, F.D.K. (2020) Building construction illustrated. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Dabby, R., and Bedi, A., (2012) Structure for architects, A Primer. Chichester: Wiley- Blackwell

Doran, D. and Cather, B. (2014) Construction materials reference book. New York: Routledge.

Edwards, B. (2014) Rough guide to sustainability: a design primer. London: RIBA Publishing.

Emmett, S., and Gorse C.A., (2014) Barry’s introduction to construction of buildings, 3rd edition. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell (Volume 1 in the series)

Gordon, J.E., (1991) The new science of strong materials or Why you don’t fall through the floor. London: Penguin Science

Gordon, J.E. (2003) Structures: Or why things don’t fall down. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo.

Hall, W. and Cruickshank, D. (2019) Brick. London: Phaidon.

Heywood, H., (2013) Rules of thumb for low energy architecture. London: RIBA Publishing.

Pelsmakers, S., (2015) The Environmental Design Pocket Book, 2nd edition. London: RIBA Publishing.

Roth, H.R., Lewis, M. and Hancock, L. (2021) The Green Building Materials Manual: A reference to environmentally sustainable initiatives and Evaluation Methods. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature.

Sanna, F. (2022) Designing timber buildings: NAG press.

Silver, P., McLean, W., and Evans, P., (2013) Structural engineering for architects: A handbook. London: Laurence King Publishing

The Building Regulations 2010: Structure: Approved Document A: A1 loading, A2 ground movement, A3 disproportion collapse: 2004 edition incorporating 2004, 2010 and 2013 amendments (2013). NBS.