Architectural Design 3: Dwelling - YSA00004I

«Back to module search

Module summary

The first Architectural Design module of Year Two further develops the student’s ability to respond to a complex brief of mid-scale projects. The module encourages experimental design approaches and focuses on developing the student’s understanding of the role of tectonics and climate in driving architectural design. The student will explore briefs that challenge/criticise some existing building typologies that are related to the theme of ‘dwelling’. The student will address the various stages of the design development process; considering wider issues such as health and safety, sustainability, technical and construction constraints as well as associated professional considerations.

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 2026-27

Module aims

This module aims to:

- further develop the student’s ability to respond to a complex brief of mid-scale projects;

- encourage experimental design approaches;

- develop the student’s understanding of the role of tectonics and climate in driving architectural design.

- encourage the critical analysis of existing building typologies;

- develop awareness of health and safety, sustainability, technical construction constraints and associated professional considerations within architectural practice.

- use live sites to develop a contextual understanding of architecture for dwelling

Module learning outcomes

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

LO1_ Design a community building, which demonstrates the integration of design strategies that consider building tectonics and respond to wider sustainable design issues;

LO2_ Conduct complementary and relevant studies that inform creative and innovative solutions to conceptual and technical design problems;

LO3_ Apply knowledge and skills from the supporting taught modules into developing and professionally communicating 3D design, modelling and design strategies.

LO4_ Integrate working within a group dynamic for a common purpose and the value of learning from peers via group activity;

LO5_ Acquire a rigorous personal design process that includes the ability to self- evaluate ideas and concepts;

Module content

In this second-year design module, students will embark on an exploration of architectural typologies at local, national, and/or international levels. The projects and themes within the module will guide students through a comprehensive study, encouraging them to conduct contextual analyses that will subsequently inform the development of design proposals. Emphasis will be placed on integrating considerations of client and user requirements, working within a specified brief, and devising creative design solutions.

The pinnacle of this module is the design of an urban or semi-urban building, requiring students to navigate the various stages of the design development process. Throughout this journey, they will engage with essential factors such as team collaboration, peer reviews, and valuable insights from professional consultants and community groups. This holistic approach aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of not only the technical aspects of design but also the importance of social and contextual considerations.

The module will showcase the advancement of skills and theories across multiple domains, including site and context analysis, climate responsiveness, strategic choices in structure and building fabric, as well as an exploration of architectural and urban design histories and theories. Additionally, students will delve into the history of ideas and the interconnected disciplines of art, cultural studies, and landscape studies.

Building upon the foundation laid in Year 1, sketching, freehand drawing, and model-making will continue to be the primary and integral means of communication and presentation. However, recognizing the evolving landscape of design communication, the module will introduce additional media, including CAD and other digital packages, broadening the students' range of communication skills and ensuring their readiness for contemporary architectural practice.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

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 12 -A2 pages or equivalent]

In Semester 1, Year 2 students will go through two/three design projects under the theme of ‘housing’. 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	100.0

Module feedback

The semester will be divided into intervals in relevance to the number of projects (2-3 sections) varying in lengths based on the project complexity. Each project will accommodate scheduled small group/individual tutorials and an interim review 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).

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

Indicative reading

Essential:

Bayliss, S. and Bergin, R. (2020) The Modular Housing Handbook. London: RIBA Publishing.

Brown, G.Z. and Dekay, M. (2014) Sun, wind & light: Architectural design strategies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Ching, F.D.K. and Shapiro, I.M. (2021) Green building illustrated. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Eckler, J. (2012) Language of space and form: Generative terms for architecture. Hoboken: Wiley.

Farrelly, L. (2008) Representational techniques. Lausanne: AVA Book.

Heckmann, O., Schneider, F. and Zapel, E. (2018) Floor plan manual - housing. Basel: Birkhäuser.

Pressman, A. (2012) Designing architecture the elements of process. London: Routledge.

Stevenson, F. (2019) Housing fit for purpose: Performance, feedback and learning. London: RIBA.

Recommended:

Dunster, B. (2018) ZEDlife: How to build a low-carbon society today. London: RIBA.

Evans, B.M., McDonald, F. and Rudlin, D. (eds.) (2011) Urban identity. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Hasman, M. (2023) Riba Climate Guide. London: RIBA Publishing.

Payne, G.K. (2022) Somewhere to live: Rising to the global urban land and housing challenge. Warwickshire, UK: Practical Action Publishing.

PUBLICATIONS, M. (2024) Biophilic architecture. S.l.: MONSA.