Advanced Architectural Design MA

In this module, you address a complex problem for an architectural project or building, to produce an integrated solution with a high standard of design based on a sound theoretical approach. You will consider building systems and construction technologies as generators of creative design ideas (spatial, formal, tectonic, etc.) as well as their realisation. Building systems and construction technologies will be explored. The module will also enable you to explore in depth and critically a design philosophy – both in theory and in practice – that is empathetic to your own ideals and aspirations.

Cities are changing in dynamic, complex ways. In the long term, the urban fabric and urban form will continue to be re-shaped: by unpredictable patterns of climate change; by rapid changes in various technologies of movement and communication; by shifts in geo-political relations and cultural centres of gravity; by erratic swings in real-estate investment trends and in the very concept of value; and by demographic surges and large-scale migration patterns. As importantly, city-making is shaped by us – our visions as stakeholders and designers who seize their right to reimagine the city after their own desires. This module gives you the opportunity to explore visions of urban futures for urban settlements in the UK North and/or beyond in well-considered phases. You will carry out a survey and analytical study of an existing urban context and prepare strategic proposals for the further development and/or regeneration of the site in relationship to broader social, economic, technological and environmental issues. You will then develop an urban design project at an appropriate scale for further exploration and resolution of a group of buildings and/or public spaces.

The research methods module introduces students to a variety of methods, approaches and practical issues involved in conducting academic research. It will give you the chance to become familiar with the key elements involved in designing, carrying out and assessing research relevant to a range of built environment disciplines. The objectives of this module are: to define a topic which is both researchable and manageable within the bounds of a Master’s dissertation/project; to conduct a preliminary literature search and synthesis, providing a background and justification to the research project; to establish clear aims and objectives for the research to specify the detailed plan to be carried out; and to produce a structure for the research which indicates the sources and methods to be employed and a feasible working programme.

This module gives you the opportunity to undertake a major, in-depth piece of work along with other This includes a largely self-directed study, of what you have gained from the course and, often, to integrate it with elements from previous studies or professional experiences. It gives the opportunity for you to develop your research skills and abilities, allowing exploration of a particular and complex area covered in the taught elements of your course of study. The major project represents a study of a specified topic based on the gathering and analysis of primary and secondary data, contextualised within existing knowledge in the field and drawing conclusions to a defined research question.

This module prepares students for the practical application of advanced building technologies as well as issues of ecology, sustainability and the ethical use of resources. It investigates the integration of different technologies: environmental, material, structural and construction systems, into creative design strategies. The module explores emerging, advanced technologies in context of their historical and cultural developments and philosophical associations. It balances the exploration of hi-tech systems with appropriate applications of building technologies. The module examines how sustainable and advanced construction technology can reduce the effects of global warming, resource depletion, building-related health issues, and air, land and water pollution, through careful design. Students gain an understanding of how buildings and occupants interact and how occupants’ needs for comfort can be satisfied. It enables understanding and application of concepts from first principles and how to make design decisions on use of both passive and active technologies and techniques, to produce buildings of high quality and functional capability. Students are expected to develop analytical skills to understand the impacts of design decisions and subsequently to utilise those skills in designing buildings and their surroundings, and to evaluate the outcome critically and self-reflectively. This module is closely integrated with module TMA1896 Advanced Architectural Design.

The aim of this module is to enable you to enhance your understanding and knowledge of: the organisation and administration of architectural practice; the responsibilities and obligations of an architect to clients and other parties involved in the building design and construction process; collaboration, information management and Building Information Modelling (BIM); building control and planning legislation; the legal and contractual procedures involved in building procurement; estimating and cost control of the construction process; the personal and team management skills appropriate to architectural practice; and the responsibility of the architect towards the health and safety of those employed in the construction industry, the well-being of building users and the effect of building development upon society at large. This module is closely integrated with module TMA1896 Advanced Architectural Design.

In this module you will examine a range of contemporary currents in architecture theory, including: modern and postmodern theories; deconstruction; critical regionalism and its critiques; form-finding, computation and the digital turn; post-humanism and post-Anthropocene; post-colonialism; and environmental concerns and their implications for architecture. The module addresses issues of representation as formative of one’s conceptual thinking process; its agenda involves graphic exercises to practice the formulation of ideas through different media. Through this focus on contemporary movements and ideas, you would revisit historical works and movements that shaped the built environment across multiple scales, from the architectural detail (e.g. a building corner) to the large-scale urban intervention (e.g. an urban block or a high-rise). This broad coverage positions architecture at the intersection of social, cultural and environmental influences on one hand, and architecture’s own inherent motivations as a discipline and its own principles as an artefact on the other hand. Besides offering this overview of contemporary architectural thought, the module probes in depth the focused themes of your interest. All this provides an informed background against which your own theoretical approach to design and your own position on contemporary socio-cultural and conceptual issues can further develop.

Working alongside other students within 3D Design, this module is intended to prepare you for the practical application of advanced digital capture and manipulation technology as well as the techniques of visualisation and immersive representation. As 3D design utilises more immersive forms of product development and testing it is vital that designers are familiar with advanced techniques that facilitate the integration of fully digital workflow through the use of virtual and augmented capabilities. The module will utilise the advanced digital capture and visualisation technologies available within the Department utilising 3D scanning, photogrammetry, motion capture, 3d modelling software and the CAVE. It will examine various approaches to the capture and manipulation of real-world data within a virtual / augmented environment and look at how these can be manipulated as part of a wider design strategy. Specialising in your chosen area of practice, you will work to develop personal interests through the acquisition of advanced skills in design software, fabrication and representation that will further enhance your abilities as a 3D designer.

This module aims to discuss Lean Construction theory and practice, including its application in Building Information Modelling (BIM) enabled projects. The module discusses traditional approaches to project management and presents Lean as an innovative waste and value-based approach to managing construction projects.

This module aims to address BIM at the project level. The aim is to provide understanding and support the critical evaluation of the key issues in collaborative, integrated BIM based projects. It includes a broad understanding of process change needed to enable the achievement of BIM benefits in practice.

Delivering construction projects in time, within budget and to the required quality standards is not only the key measure of global construction project success, but also the ultimate responsibility of all the construction project managers. Managing construction contracts and procurement arrangements appropriately is key to achieve such success in construction projects. This module aims to impart clear knowledge and the skills necessary to understand and apply approaches to achieving this goal.