Through the introduction to the main themes of architecture, you will start to develop key skills and knowledge in:
Architectural Design Studio 1A
This studio-based module introduces you to basic design, drafting, model making and drawing skills.
There are two dedicated days of studio tutorials per week.
The semester finishes with the design of a small building that will test your understanding and application of the knowledge gained on this module.
People, Buildings, Landscape
The overall aim of this module is to give you an understanding of the impact that the built environment has on those who inhabit its space.
Through a two-hour lecture each week you’ll broaden your awareness of built environment design issues, illustrate how design decisions impact more broadly on environmental, economic, social and experiential issues and study behavioural psychology and its influence on built environment design.
Integrated Design in Architecture
This module introduces you to the principle of a holistic and integrated approach to building design.
Firstly, you’ll learn about the notion of thinking architecture, the fundamental principles of design and drawing skills and typologies as key areas of study.
Then you’ll focus on methodology and approaches relevant to the studio comprehensive design project with a more intensified examination of topics such as light, narrative and sustainability.
For this module you’ll have one, one-hour lecture per week.
Tectonics 1 (Structures and Construction)
This module introduces you to the technology, materials and techniques used in constructing buildings. It aims to help you understand how these elements form an integral part of the design process. Through two-hour weekly lectures you’ll conduct practical structural modelling exercises. This will help you develop a basic understanding of the qualitative behaviour of structures and the interaction between structural form and the loads that they have to carry.
Architectural Humanities 1: History of Architecture
This module offers you an introduction to the history of architecture from ancient times to the present day. A two-hour weekly lecture aims to familiarise you with major architectural typologies and the social and technological changes that brought them into being.
Architectural Design Studio 1B
This studio-based module develops your basic design, drafting, model making and drawing skills. Through the two dedicated days of studio tutorials per week, you will be introduced to historical precedents and computer-aided drawing programmes. These exercises will feed into a small comprehensive design project of a public building.
Environmental Science for Architects 1
Introducing you to the environmental agenda as it applies to the architectural profession, you’ll explore the key bioclimatic strategies used to maintain appropriate conditions for the occupants of buildings, thus tying together occupant comfort, building schedule and climate. You’ll have a two-hour lecture per week using both physical modelling and computer simulation techniques to gain a better understanding of the strategies involved and their relationship with building design.