The module aims to introduce you to contemporary construction methods and technologies, focussing on sustainable technologies, the climate emergency and advanced tools to investigate the relationship between architecture, the environment and people to inform architectural design practice. Work will interface with Research Institutes across the University including Data and Material Sciences.

You will initially work as a group to produce a precedent study evidenced via a 1:20 facade model, then work individually to produce an integrated technology report, analysing strategies and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements which will align with your studio design for a public building. Specific reference will be made to fire spread, compartmentation and material specification as part of the 1:20 facade model.

The module aims to provide you with a set of new tools and concepts embedded into the design process introducing ideas around population and policy (challenges of global population rises, migration and UK population changes against a backdrop of UK policy and regulations) and sustainable thinking and how these ideas can be integrated into architectural design with an emphasis on creativity as problem solving.

You will initially undertake a series of projects around sustainable thinking, which may include one of the following themes: lean construction, urban master planning, use of local/re-using materials, CO2 cycles and the innovative use of technology. You will then go on to work individually on a 'live project' that will be locally based with scope to use sustainable/local materials.

This module will introduce ideas around the city and urban design, bringing together physical, digital and social aspects of living in city and urban environments in order to address the complex challenges related to health and wellbeing, sustainable behaviours, safe and security. You will be working individually to a given design brief for a 1500-2500 sqm public building with an associated public, external space in the middle of a city/urban setting. The selected site is intended to be in a European city, contrasting with the local theme of the previous term’s design project. The module, where applicable, will feature live briefs, external visits, collaborations, and opportunities for site visits and field trips.

The module is designed to consolidate your understanding of professional practice, in the context of ‘professionalism’ and ‘activism’ as key drivers. This module will consider theories of urban design, aspects of planning including the legal basis of planning and governmental policy, statutory instruments, National Planning Policy Guidance, how neighbourhood planning works and the effects of regeneration on communities and how social justice and economic inequities arise from policy decisions. The module will go on to explore contract law and regulatory frameworks in addition to exploring the roles of the design team, client and contractor.

Selecting a case study, you will first produce a planning report, followed by an open book test on contracts and procurement, and the regulations and legislation that govern building design. You will then undertake group work to establish a mock architectural practice and explore the inter-relationship of roles.

The module aims to introduce you to a broad range of research methods than can be successfully applied to architectural research questions, helping you to understand the distinction between 'research for design', 'research about design' and 'research through design'. A range of established methods will be explored ranging from quantitative through to qualitative approaches, as well as research ethics and different application domains.

You will first write an essay outlining your broad area of interest and develop a draft research proposal outlining a realistic programme of research in order to investigate this topic. This module is delivered through a variety of means, including lectures, seminars and tutorials.