Architectural Technology BSc(Hons)

This module aims at introducing students to practices in the design and construction of facilities in the Built Environment. It focuses on the practical application of materials, components and systems to small-scale structures and buildings. It also provides you with an opportunity to apply technology to the design process along with developing understanding of the importance of architectural detailing in conjunction with appropriate construction methods. The module will facilitate the development of presentation skills in all forms from spoken presentations at tutorials to the preparation of suitable drawings and models of carefully detailed components. You will be encouraged to integrate practical, technical and theoretical skills from adjacent modules.

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles and practices of building technology, digital technologies, communication and representation in the context of architecture and construction. This module consists of four parallel strands: Structures; Buildings Fabric Design; Environmental Design and Digital Communication.

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop your understanding of architectural technology and construction techniques and aims to provide an integrated approach to design with particular emphasis on the relationship between forms, structures, building fabric and environmental science. The project-based nature of the module provides you with an opportunity to explore construction law, regulations and procurement options along with the related contractual arrangements. You will appreciate the influence of different client priorities on the construction procurement process and will also observe the roles, responsibilities and contractual obligations of the stakeholders of the construction industry, and related legislative frameworks. The module also introduces you to the relationship between cost and specifications through an examination of industry’s standard method of measurement, and how to specify materials for tender and construction purposes. The module takes an analytical approach towards the production and communication of production information.

In this module, you will be given an introduction to the legal framework and approaches associated with the conservation of buildings. The module will introduce the causes and nature of building defects likely to occur in a range of contemporary and traditional buildings. Supplemented by a substantial amount of background reading, you will develop the skills needed to understand problematic material-based issues that arise in various types of construction.

Accordingly, this module will aim to further develop your skills and knowledge of digital technology and develop detailed designs that comprehensively recognise the principles of sustainability in construction and the application of digital tools in design and construction.

Advice on construction procurement and contract administration is a major responsibility that comes under the job profile of Quantity Surveyors. At the same time, procurement systems and contractual arrangements often have major influences over the strategies used to design and manage a given construction project. As such, it is important that the future Quantity Surveyors, Building Surveyors and Construction Project Managers have a deep insight of various construction procurement systems and standard form of contracts (JCT and NEC forms of contracts). Accordingly, this module introduces the principal types of procurement systems and associated standard form of contracts used in the UK construction market and internationally. In addition, it explores the fundamental procedures related to construction contract administration using the commonly used standard form of contracts.

This module provides you with an opportunity to lead an investigation into an area of the Built Environment that is of interest to you. You will choose and define the topic, research relevant information (either primary or secondary), set that information in the context of an appropriate intellectual framework, draw relevant conclusions, and write up and submit the project in an approved format. A support lecture programme and an individual research supervisor are provided.