Graduate Diploma in Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) – (Grad.Dip.)

Contents

Syllabus (11/12*)

Stage 1

In the first year of the course students undertake a number of tutor-led studio design projects. Lecture and seminar series are interwoven with studio design projects and inform their content.

* Research and design, unit 1: shifting fields - Shifting Fields are the contexts in which architectural production occurs. These will include processes of globalisation; urbanisation; climate change; human migration and the consequent growth and shrinkage of urban centres; etc. Project briefs introduce intellectual approaches to design, involving the evaluation of relevant data and the construction through mapping of complex tools for understanding and transforming space.
* Research and design, unit 2: contested territories - this design project begins with a study visit to sites relating to the research theme established for the year. You undertake comprehensive site works, exploring techniques of analysis and investigation.
* Research and design, unit 3: emergent urbanisms - having developed complex mappings of the contextual fields in which the built environment is produced, and specific models to understand the contested nature of constructed geographies, the focus now turns to the role of the masterplan in the design of places. Lectures and seminars on urban design and urban studies will support design studio activity and a programme of readings will support individual urban proposals.
* History and contemporary theory - a structured reading programme as a way of introducing you to contemporary architectural theories.
* Research and design, unit 4: synoptic - you are set a brief for a building of suitable complexity within the context of the year's research theme.
* Technology and environment - examines the integration of sustainable approaches, structure, environment, and construction in building design, and you are encouraged to learn how to research and evaluate the principles and developments in each field by using Building Information Modelling tools.

Stage 2

In stage two you develop your own research agendas, drawing heavily upon the issues and methodologies introduced in stage one.

* Design thesis phase 1 - you are asked to produce a design thesis which is understood as an inquiry by design. Each student develops specific research methods, subject matter and questions, which are relevant to the nature of your proposed thesis design project.
* Technical dissertation - you are required to apply their understanding of technical knowledge to the resolution of building design problems.
* Management practice and law - evolves professional, industry and practice issues, with a series of lectures and workshops upon key components required by the professional bodies ARB and RIBA.
* Design thesis phase 2 -development and presentation of the design thesis project which may include the production of models, drawings, installation, video, photography and text.
* Research, design and practice - provides the opportunity for self-initiated research work which can be taken out of the academic context and into the public domain. It is supported by a seminar series that examines contemporary architectural practice critically and provides a forum in which students and staff members can debate the nature of possible alternative models of practice.

* Please note the syllabus content is for the academic year indicated and is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.