Studio and professional skills 1– Demystifying York Analogue communication - YSA00006C

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  • Department: York School of Architecture
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

Module summary

This is one of 3 modules that introduce professional skills through introduction to key issues impacting the profession of the architect .These modules will consider the RIBA criteria related to Ethical and professional practice and at each level will introduce key design processes and communication skills.

The first level will introduce aspects of professionalism and a debate around the role of the architect . This will be complemented by an introduction to professional communication skills related to analogue drawing and model making – using York as the context , and oral communication skills related to design presentations simulating a professional environment.

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. This module is part of an set of nodules that will evidence RIBA themes and values criteria

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

This module aims to equip students with a good understanding of the development and management of architectural practice, with a focus on the modern architectural firm. An introduction to the Architecture profession. Also the construction industry and roles within.

Key communication skills will be introduced in terms of drawing , model making and observation. This will include an introduction to the conventions of drawing presentation and using a sketchbook

Module learning outcomes

Upon the completion of this module, the student will be able to:

LO1_ demonstrate an understanding of the architect’s responsibilities to clients, users, constructors, co-professionals and society.

LO2_ demonstrate an understanding of the architect’s integral role in the construction industry and how architectural decisions shape and are shaped by economic factors.

LO3_ employ a diverse range of 2D representation techniques to effectively communicate architectural ideas

LO4_ demonstrate proficiency in model-based representation methods essential for exploring, testing, and communicating spatial architectural ideas with a commitment to environmentally conscious design processes.

Module content

  1. Professionalism in Architecture: The students will explore the social, economic, and environmental significance of the built environment. Concepts of professionalism and ethical duties are at the forefront of this topic. We explore the architect's responsibilities to clients, users, constructors, co-professionals, and society. Critical discussions on the status and role of institutions and organisations contribute to an understanding of contemporary debates surrounding professionalism in architecture.

  2. Architect's Role in the Construction Industry: This topic focuses on the architect's integral role in the construction industry, a vital sector of the economy. The students will examine the mutual relationship between architects and the construction industry, exploring how architectural decisions influence and are influenced by economic factors. Through discussions on collaboration, project management, and case studies, we aim to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of their role in shaping the built environment.

  3. 2D Representation Techniques in Architecture: This topic introduces students to diverse 2D and graphic representation methods essential for architects. Starting with freehand techniques for 2D-representation and composition, they progress to the art of project representation. The topic covers a range of graphic techniques, including technical drawing, orthographic projection, diagramming, sketching, and digital tools for design and representation. Through hands-on exercises and practical applications, students develop a versatile skill set in communicating architectural ideas effectively.

  4. Representation Techniques in Architecture: This topic introduces students to model-based representation methods essential exploring, testing and representing spatial architectural ideas and projects. The topic covers a range of physical model-making techniques, including sketch models, study models and final models; using a variety of materials, with an emphasis on using recycled materials.

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%]

This module aims to equip students with a good understanding of the development and management of architectural practice, with a focus on the modern architectural firm. An introduction to the Architecture profession. Also the construction industry and roles within. Hence within the module, a group work environment is employed to mimic architectural practice and the integrated interdisciplinary work environment. Yet, the assessment will be individual..

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

Individual Critical Report

A short written report (500-1000 words) on the work development and outcome in relation to the professional practice and guidelines (individual)

Individual Drawing(s)

The main professional communication of architectural ideas is via 2D and 3D drawings. Depending on the assignment’s focus, an individual student will create a professional architectural drawing for an assigned project.

Individual Model

The students will build a scaled 3D model of the drawings they developed (scale may vary, and can be of life scale, depending on the project).

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

The work will be developed in a group work environment, mimicking typical professional context. It will be the group’s responsibility to explore and decide on the work progress, task distribution, and general time management.

There will be announced guiding key milestones with scheduled groups tutorials are scheduled for work development review and formative feedback for the final portfolio submission.

The collective work will be submitted at the end of the 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

Chappell, D., and Willis, A., (2010) The architect in practice, 10th edition. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell

Green, S., (2011) Making sense of construction improvement. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell

Morton, R., (2008) Construction UK: introduction to the industry. Oxford: Blackwell.

Ostime, N., (2013) Handbook of practice management, 9th edition. London: RIBA Publishing

Schmalz, .B. (2014) The architect’s guide to writing: for design and construction professionals. Victoria, Australia: Images Publishing

Waldrep, L.W., (2014) Becoming an architect. Chichester: Wiley

Ching, F.D.K., (2012) Architectural graphics, 5th edition. London: John Wiley and Sons Delaney, M., Gorman, A.,(2011) Studio craft and technique. London: RIBA Publishing Dernie, D., (2010) Architectural drawing (Portfolio Skills). London: Laurence King Publishing

Dunn, N., (2010) Architectural modelmaking (Portfolio Skills). London: Laurence King Publishing

Farrelly, L., and Crowson, N., (2014) Representational Techniques for Architecture (Basics Architecture) 2nd edition. London: Bloomsbury

Hobbs, J., (2014) Sketch your world: drawing techniques for great results on the go. London: Apple Press

Yee, R., (2012) Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods. London, John Wiley and Sons (e-book)