This module is designed as an introduction to the creative processes and the skills required by Architecture and Construction professionals. The module complements the work undertaken within other Level 4 modules. The module complements the work undertaken in the associated module entitled; Design Studio A2, and is the start of the creative process that is stimulated by studying both the history of architecture, and history of fine arts. You will develop a range of physical model making skills, graphic communication techniques, including freehand and technical drawing skills, and the interchangeable use of software and hardware. The ability to understand and produce simple professional technical drawing will be refined, as well as the development of an appreciation of the extent of information required in the process of planning, designing and constructing a building. The module will provide an introduction to and broadening of the basic concepts and techniques of architectural design applied to small scale buildings. You will have the opportunity to investigate; space and form, materials, structure, safety, environmental consciousness, construction and technology. Throughout this module drawing skills are developed and issues relating to scale, proportion and the human body are explored. The knowledge and skills required to successfully complete this module relate directly to the relevant professions. The module is project-based with studio teaching and as such requires you to develop the project work week on week over the entire trimester, in order that regular individual and group tutorials can occur. You will work individually and in interdisciplinary groups, reflecting the demands of the profession. There will be formal lectures during the trimester; however, teaching will be predominantly in the studio, where regular reviews and presentations will occur.
View the full module definitionEssential Skills is a core module you will attend in your first trimester at ARU. The module focuses on developing your visual and verbal observational, representational and communication techniques through the introduction of various genres of fine art and architectural theory. The ‘Essential Skills’ gained on this module include the key skills you need to be successful at Higher Education and specifically on an Architecture course where consistent development of work is crucial for your success. You will be introduced to the requirements and expectations of higher education, and you will develop good time management skills, adopt a professional attitude, and take firm responsibility for your work. You will be set a series of small tasks to complete which guide you in developing your creative assignments while providing plenty of opportunities for formative feedback. By the end of the module, you should be confident in using analogue and basic digital media techniques in a conceptual and creative way, exploring links between architecture and fine arts. You will be introduced to architectural theoretical concepts, academic research, academic integrity and writing at HE, skills that you will continue to develop in your second trimester and throughout your course.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed to give you the basics in building technology, which will provide the Technology related knowledge to support you in modules Design Studio A1 and A2. It will provide you with an array of technical concepts supporting you in your first year towards designing sustainably, structurally sound and safe projects to be developed in your Design Studio modules. In this module you will understand the principles of circular economy on the built environment; you will also investigate how to achieve high levels of environmental performance of domestic scale buildings , through material properties and their potential, construction detailing towards a more environmentally friendly design approach, principles of health and safety and the fundamentals of structural design. The module introduces issues and design processes associated with the design of sustainable domestic construction. You will learn and compare sustainable methods of construction of both new and traditional domestic buildings and analyse suitable applications for each method. In particular: foundations, external walls, flooring, roofing are discussed in the module. The module also provides you with an opportunity to examine health and safety issues within the construction industry and their integration throughout the processes of design, tender award and construction. The roles of all parties involved are explored from both moral and legal viewpoints. The safety record within the construction industry and identify health and safety legislation aimed at reducing accident rates will be identified. The module focuses on construction materials such as timber, concrete, steel, glass, masonry. You will become familiar with the consistency, production and manufacturing techniques, thermal properties, structural behaviour and use of these materials. You will also be introduced to the role they play in a building and will appreciate the broader spectrum of interrelations between architecture and structural design through the exploration of basic analytical concepts and processes involved in the design of structures. The issue of ethical sourcing and deployment in relation to sustainability and environmental performance (Life Cycle Analysis) of each project will be key. The module puts an emphasis on the drawing conventions of construction details. Architectural working and technical drawings will be produced and annotated using commercial CAD software. This will allow you to effectively interpret and produce technical drawing and will give you the skills which can be applied to your specialist discipline area in your Design modules.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed to provide an introduction to the history and theory of architecture in its cultural, social and technological aspects. It is delivered through: monographic lectures on a specific period, style, architect, locale or building; seminar discussions on key texts and projects; your presentations of precedent case studies; study site visit(s) and tutorials in preparation of coursework submission. Typically, each session will include teacher-led lectures (including guest-lecturers) and collective seminar discussion in the sessions’ main topics. You will be asked to prepare for each session by reading assigned texts and/or researching assigned precedent projects/architects. Through an understanding of the challenges faced and modes of representation used in the past, you will begin to think critically about your own studio work and how it integrates aspects of tectonics, aesthetics, functionality, socio-political responsiveness, technology and social and environmental sustainability. You will begin to understand the evolution of the key ideas that have shaped the discourse of architecture as a discipline by reviewing and appreciating both buildings (built and unbuilt) and the key texts of architectural history and theory. The module aims to offer a wide understanding of the built environment’s complexity and richness. It sets the foundations for further, more focused study of modern and postmodern architectural in the subsequent modules, Cultural Context B and Cultural Context C. You will develop skills of critical analysis in written and oral form through the exercise of comparisons, contrasts and in-depth reading. You will also develop understanding of academic ethics and gain the necessary skills to accomplish basic academic research that is rigorous, fact-based and original, whilst also understanding the parity of the written and drawn word for the development of architectural reasoning.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed for students of Architecture and Architectural Technology as an introduction to the creative processes embodied and the skills required within these related professions. The module completes the first introductory round to the work undertaken in the associated module entitled Design Studio A1, it is a continuation to the creative process that requires curiosity and imagination, and technical competence and understanding of structures and construction methods in order to build at real scale. The module continues on developing an appropriate rational, strong concepts that are stimulated through the study of precedents both from the history of architecture and the history of the technology of buildings and their materiality of 1. a full-scale building and 2. the design of the first enclosure with the anticipation of environmental, structural, technical and construction considerations. The rigour and discipline that dictate a composition are a focus of this module, that is translated to a construction method of a full-scale building. Students will develop a range of physical and digital model making skills at various scales from 1:50 to 5:1, graphic communication techniques, including freehand and technical drawing skills, software and hardware. The ability to understand and produce simple professional technical drawing will be refined, as well as the ability to appreciate the extent of information required in the process of planning, designing and constructing a building. The module will provide an introduction to and broadening of the basic concepts and techniques of architectural design applied to small scale buildings. Students will have the opportunity to investigate; space and form, materials, structure, construction and technology. Throughout this module drawing skills are developed further and issues relating to scale, proportion and the human body are explored. The knowledge and skills required to successfully complete this module relate directly to the relevant professions. The module is project-based with studio teaching and as such requires the student to develop the project work week on week over the entire trimester, in order that regular individual and group tutorials can occur. Students work individually and in interdisciplinary groups, reflecting the demands of the profession. There will be formal lectures during the trimester; however, teaching will be predominantly in the studio, where regular staff/student reviews and presentation will occur.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
This module, together with Design Studio B2, has been designed to give students an opportunity to confront the complexity of an architectural project aimed at integrating within a coherent whole: the wider social, political and cultural context shaping the project’s agenda; the technical and technological aspects of construction and their influence on the formal conception of the project; the response to the needs of inhabitation and the occupant’s specificities; the mutual relations between buildings and site; the obligation towards environmental awareness, building safety and the sustainable technical underpinnings of a design proposal including reduction of carbon footprint and optimisation of land use giving priority to considering building on the built, brownfield sites, and infill sites. The module offers the students a first stage of understanding of such integration by building on the skills learnt in previous design modules at Level 4 as well as on the knowledge therein gained of architecture’s cultural context (history and theory of architecture) and fundamental technologies. The design briefs confront the students with small-scale architectural projects that increase in scale and scope through the year. They also offer the students a chance to deal with the complexities of a real site and help them develop skills of site analysis and understanding of the mutual influences between buildings and their surroundings. Engagement with external bodies such as local authorities and community groups contributes to the definition of live briefs for the module. Learning in the module develops through a combination of: lectures by the module tutors and/or invited guests on aspects of design at different scales from urban to building to detail scale; precedent case studies analysis; site studies, mapping and analysis; formal explorations of design solutions through a range of different media including 2D and 3D drawings and physical models; and various opportunities for formative feedback in the form of presentations, pin-ups, interim reviews and group and individual tutorials. Students will work both in groups and individually, thus also developing fundamental skills of workload balancing and teamwork. As with other studio-centred modules, this module is based on studio engagement, site visits (as appropriate), tutorials, and joint staff/student reviews. This module encourages the development of core employability skills especially those related to design development and presentation in the field of architecture practice.
View the full module definitionThis module will help you understand the principles of climate science so that you can make informed and responsible decisions to actions and inaction that may affect this issue. You will also be given an insight into application of sustainable strategies in the design process to achieve thermal and energy efficiency, which will provide the Technology related knowledge to support Design Studio B1 (Architecture). Environmental performance and sustainability are central in this module. The module is designed to develop understanding of the impact the building sector has on the environment, in the context of such as sustainable development goals and the key legislation, regulations and policies in respect of the climate and ecological crisis. The module introduces the environmental science relating to temperature, humidity, sound and lighting and the principles of human comfort and indoor air quality in relation to energy use. Design strategies to minimise the environmental impact such as, Fabric First, design to achieve net-zero buildings, Passive design techniques for energy efficiency are also introduced. The module introduces sustainable and low energy design solutions to design problems. Both the passive and active design features for energy efficiency are explored and exploited to produce an environmentally friendly building design and the use of onsite renewable energy generation or further offsetting to achieve decarbonisation will be explored. The following passive strategies are introduced: solar gains and orientation; natural lighting; natural ventilation; natural cooling and circulation. Whilst the following active design strategies and renewable technologies to optimised energy performance in buildings are introduced: solar thermal collectors; photovoltaics; wind energy; mechanical systems; efficient lighting. The module also introduces to the different approaches to create 3D Geometry and designing building forms in a BIM environment. Once the design is finalised you are showed how to generate integrated models which allows you to perform Solar Radiation Analysis, Daylight Analysis. You are also shown how to improve visualization to communicate virtual design features with clients by showcasing how they look in real life; and by being able to produce adequate detailed designs to allow for airtightness and thermal integrity.
View the full module definitionThis module, together with the module entitled Design Studio B1, has been designed to give you an opportunity to confront the complexity of an architectural project. We’ll explore the wider social, political and cultural context shaping the project’s agenda, with reference to how architects should strive to minimise the negative impact of their practice on the environment; the technical and technological aspects of construction and their influence on the formal conception of the project. We’ll also cover an architects obligation towards environmental awareness and zero carbon culture (Retrofit First, Passive Design), understanding the principles of climate science, health and safety in buildings including consideration of fire safety, and the sustainable technical underpinnings of a design proposal. The module builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the module Design Studio B1 by confronting the you with a higher level of complexity in terms of design scale and brief. It integrates knowledge gained in the history and theory and technology modules and allows you to understand the influence of contextual and technological aspects and requirements on architectural design. You will be given a design brief for a medium-scale architectural project that mixes aspects of residentiality with civic and public purposes. You will tackle issues of utmost socio-political relevance through the engagement with external bodies (such as local authorities and community groups) that contributes to the definition of live briefs and confronts you with a real site. The module allows you to further develop skills of site analysis and understanding of the mutual influences between buildings and their surroundings. Learning in the module happens through a combination of: lectures by the module tutors and/or invited guests; precedent case studies analysis; site studies, mapping and analysis; formal explorations of design solutions 2D and 3D drawings and physical models; and various opportunities for feedback form presentations, interim reviews and group and individual tutorials. You will work both in groups and individually, developing fundamental skills of workload balancing and teamwork. As with other studio-centred modules, this module is based on studio engagement, site visits (as appropriate), tutorials, and joint staff/student reviews. This module encourages the development of core employability skills especially those related to design development and presentation in the field of architecture practice.
View the full module definitionThis module focuses on reviewing and critically discussing the debates on modern, post-modern and contemporary trends in architecture. Whilst the focus is on the 20th and 21st century, the module builds connections with previous periods in the development of architectural history and theories, enabling you to further develop knowledge and skills gathered in the module, Cultural Context A. The general background of the module is the development of urban territories triggered by technological and social change since the Second Industrial Revolution and the module seeks to explore how architects responded to such changes through a range of ideas, visions, manifestos and projects at different scales and sizes. You will be offered the opportunity to review and appreciate the successful and failed attempts for the construction of a brave new world where technological, industrial, and social reform aim to happen simultaneously. This implies raising awareness of the inter-relations between the fine arts, engineering and architecture. The module provides you with the opportunity to address the theme of the architect as designer, writer and reader by paying attention to the manifestoes that dominated the theorisation of architecture. The module is delivered over one trimester as a combination of lectures, seminars, debates, study site visits, and student presentations on specific case studies. The lectures are constructed around a selection of key themes, setting out the historical and intellectual contexts from which they emerged. The lectures are coupled with student-led seminars and/or presentations of case studies, in which key architectural texts and projects are critically presented and debated. Coursework includes group and individual assignments aimed at exercising critical thinking, reading and writing skills. By the end of the module you will be able to develop your own capacity to locate your own interests and develop your own critical position in preparation for the final year dissertation project.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed to develop your technical knowledge and skills to support your learning in Design Studio B2. Leading on from Technology A and B1, the module will elaborate and increase complexity in the appreciation of technical choices to achieving a high level of environmental performance in buildings. You will investigate some of the issues and design processes associated with the design of sustainable construction. You will learn to consider the functional requirements and compare sustainable methods of construction and analyse suitable applications for each method. In particular: foundation, cladding systems, internal walls, structural flooring, and roofing will form key construction element of the module. The module will also cover knowledge and skills required within the designing of components, their performance specification, life-cycle and cost analysis, value for money; production processes, quality control, and associated trades, together with an appreciation of their on-site buildability within a strategic framework related to sustainability and energy performance. In addition, the effects of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety on the construction process are examined. You are explained the principles of building energy modelling and are shown how BIM enables designers to improve environmental performance in different stages of the design process. BIM considers the entire life cycle of a building, from its conceptualization to analysis, construction, maintenance and demolition. By using complementary BIM tools you will be encouraged to take a holistic approach to the buildings design, allowing use to study different design alternatives, achieve more accurate results and make more effective and sustainable decisions earlier in the design process. This approach will give you the opportunity to collaborate to get interconnected data within a model to design, simulate, and visualize a project and share building performance data to raise industry awareness and encourage the growth of a zero-carbon culture. The module introduces to the different approaches to create 3D Geometry and designing building forms in a BIM environment. Conceptual energy modelling using masses will be introduced to allow evaluation of schematic concepts and preliminary designs in the early stages of a project, which can then drive design decisions that improve sustainability. Once the design is finalised you are shown how to generate integrated models which allows you to perform Building Energy Analysis and Heating and Cooling Analysis. You are also shown how to improve visualization to communicate virtual design features with clients by showcasing how they look in real life; and by being able to produce adequate detailed designs to allow for airtightness and thermal integrity. In addition, the application of Building Regulations and the associated Approved Documents is explored and the effects of the latest legislation in relation to energy, carbon reduction, fire and health & safety on the construction process are examined.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
This module examines 20th-century architecture; its context and historical development. It develops skills of critical argument, which are applied within the context of an architectural design of a medium complexity building. Critical appraisals and appreciation of theoretical issues such as quality in building are explored. The architectural design developed within the module not only has a theoretical base related to context, historical development and critical argument but also emphasises practical solution. You will be given a design brief is based on a multi-storey public building of medium complexity. Although the building must be functional in its planning and its construction, particular emphasis will be placed on the building’s sense of place and its architectural development. Design issues, design generators and concepts must be declared. Your ability for architectural design is developed with an emphasis on technical solution, building technology and internal planning and management. Employability skills - you will acquire knowledge related to current construction issues and special forms of construction. You will also demonstrate an understanding of alternative forms of construction related to sustainable strategies to address climate change. The module requires your continual development of design directed through regular weekly studio teaching sessions. Teaching is by studio tutorials supported by lectures.
View the full module definitionThis module has been designed as both the third and last component of the Cultural Context delivery across the three years of studies. The module builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in previous years of the course about the histories and theories of architecture addressed in its broad nature integrating socio-political, technical, aesthetic, and functional aspects. It aims at enabling the you to accomplish a critical reflection about topics of utmost relevance about the construction of healthy, safe, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive environments. You will further develop research and academic skills that will be of use for the continuation of their studies at Masters level. The delivery of the module happens through thematic lectures, student-led seminars and presentations, open discussions, and tutorials towards the accomplishment of the module assignment. The thematic contents expose the students to the research-expertise across the teaching staff and include: critical and sustainable responses to the growth of urban territories; healthy and inclusive communities; environmentally sustainable environments; urban farming; co-inhabitation, live-work and collaborative environments; civic facilities for contemporary society spanning education, culture, government and major public services. The module places emphasis on enabling you to develop an active role and tackle a specific research interest that can support your design projects whilst also allowing the development of a personal line of intellectual enquiry that will prove valuable for further study at Masters level. The module enables the you to: identify and analyse appropriate precedent case studies and relevant literature; formulate a research question and hypothesis; develop research through individual study and collective discussion/reading seminars including peer-review. The first part of the delivery alternates lecture-based sessions with seminars and reading groups discussions, setting the main research topics in collaboration between the module tutors and the design tutors. At the end of this stage, you will be expected to be able to produce an abstract of their proposed research, articulating a clear topic, research question and hypothesis, which will be discussed collectively in the class for formative feedback and peer-review. The second stage of the module alternates additional collective seminars with individual tutorials aimed at supporting you in the development of your research and the final writing-up of the dissertation that is both submitted for summative assessment and presented orally for plenary discussion.
View the full module definitionThis module aims to develop design and technical skills approximating to those required by practice as closely as possible. You will be asked to select a client, site and project, which is developed to scheme design with selected aspects explored more fully. Your ability for architectural design is also developed with emphasis on the integration of the technical solution and its building technology. The contextual success of the design will be examined as will its internal planning and management. To complete this module successfully you must demonstrate a confident familiarity, detailed knowledge and appropriate application of design processes and the technologies required to realise built form. The communication of the project should likewise be confident and clear. Teaching is by studio tutorials supported by lectures. The module requires continual development of design by the student directed through regular weekly studio teaching sessions.
View the full module definitionBuilt environments affect and concern everyone in society. The built environment is both a public and a private matter. All facets of the built environment - ecological, cultural, aesthetic, technological, economic, historical need to be evaluated in terms of values and ethics, so that what is 'good' and 'right' can be judged. The conceptual basis of value-systems and ethics is debated. This module relates mainly modern - but some older - building scenarios to some ways of values/ethics analysis and thought. There is much emphasis on discussion, in which your own views are welcome and can be tested against both theory and the experiences of others. Many building scenarios are presented and discussed with scrutiny of ecological, aesthetic, technological, economic, historical, and similar factors. Justification of choices made in planning, architecture and design are discussed in terms of goals, actions and outcomes. Underlying values/ethics are explored: is what is being done 'good' or 'right' in terms of practical results, fundamental principles, or other objective criteria? This leads on to developing one's own views on built environment values/ethics, both as a person and as a future professional.
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