Architectural Technology and Practice
BSc (Hons)

This module invites you to prepare, modify and enhance designs using CAD software as the principal platform. You will be able to explore various features and functions of CAD software and apply them in the design process. It provides you with an introduction to the knowledge and skills required to use appropriate computer software as an aid to design in the built environment industry.

You will be introduced to the free hand drawing and physical modelling techniques and to the principles of axonometric and perspective drawing. Simple concepts of spatial layout and organisation and three dimensional designs will be investigated. You will be developing your professional skills throughout the module with the support of embedded Personal Development Planning.

The effect of legislation on building design and layout will be explored alongside basic concepts of design and design methodologies as well. You will be introduced to design theory through practical experimentation in 3D form and space. You will be developing your professional skills throughout the module with the support of embedded Personal Development Planning.

This module introduces students to fundamental materials concepts that will enable them to understand and choose materials for practical applications within the construction industry. Use will be made of materials selection software and the module will have a practical applications-based slant. The environmental aspects of materials are also considered including sustainability, and the health and safety aspects related to the handling and use of construction materials.

This module aims to develop a broad understanding of the environmental criteria that contribute to the creation of a healthy environment within a building without imposing more than necessary on natural resources and the local environment.

The learner will study health and safety requirements within a design and construction context. Designers’ concerns in choice and specification of components are considered along with assembly methods, against a background of regulatory controls and safety issues in the approaches and equipment deployed in construction operations. Sustainability and environmental concerns are considered throughout the module wherever appropriate, by looking at the different methods, materials and/or better practices. An illustrative approach is used to support learning, supplemented by site visits.

The evolution of CAD software was even more significant in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, where simple two dimensional drafting programs have been developed into integrated building information modelling (BIM) applications in the past three decades.

This module extends the skills and competencies gained in CAD I module and enables them to prepare, modify and enhance detailed designs using BIM software as the principal design platform.

The student will be encouraged to creatively explore, analyse, synthesise and technically evaluate elemental aspects of building design. The effect of legislation and specification of materials will be explored alongside concepts of design and design methodologies. The student will be guided and supported to practice personal development planning activities, including reflection and targets set; these activities are embedded inside the learning, teaching and assessment of this module.

This is achieved by a clear demarcation between substructure and superstructure elements which is an essential element of the assessment strategy. In addition, you will develop recognition that the construction industry is moving towards greater use of prefabricated components and processes at the expense of traditional craft categorisation to meet the demands for buildings in the future.

The module will discern the choices available for extending a building’s useful life and identify the processes in carrying out the work. The challenges of ensuring a sustainable future for listed buildings will be considered.

In addition, over recent years, the advent of greater knowledge of resource use and carbon emissions to and from buildings has led to better design in their reduction. Hence, the module shall be structured in such a way that the existing services technology will be delivered with examples of developing technologies / models of sustainable design.

The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation. This module also gives you the opportunity to relate your academic knowledge to the work environment.

During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.

The module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop a project that will explore all the main design and technological issues raised by other modules. The project will be rigorous and challenging, and will fully develop and test your ability to critically analyse the issues arising from a specified brief. You will be expected to critically appraise a given brief and produce an appropriate response, demonstrating the awareness of aesthetic, functional and regulatory requirements. This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop a strategic approach to design work.

During the design crits sessions and on completion of the project you will be expected to give a visual presentation of your proposals using appropriate materials and media.

The study encourages in-depth, detailed study of a topic derived from the student’s own area of special interest in order to expand understanding of cultural, managerial, technological, scientific, or design aspects of the built environment. Topics are selected from subjects included on the programmes and are therefore an extension of the learning experienced on the mainstream curriculum. 

The method of working aims to develop a range of related skills: the discovery, acquisition and searching of relevant information, persistence, determination and organisational ability in the use of study time; the administrative control and production of a substantial document; your powers of perception; and communication.

You will be provided with a Preparation Pack which lays down guidelines for the production and presentation of the study. At the outset, you are encouraged to propose subject areas which are of especially personal interest. Where you are unable to propose a subject area of personal interest, a list of suitable study topics will be suggested. You will develop a theme at individual tutorial sessions until the aim, objectives, and methodology have been clarified in outline. Initial tutorials begin during the latter part of the second semester of Stage 2 of the programme so that you can commence background reading in advance. Professional skills, such as communication skills and advanced professional standards are monitored and developed by following embedded Personal Development Planning procedures.

It will enable you to assess the skills, knowledge and experiences gained from your programme and bring these to an interdisciplinary team environment in order to collaborate successfully with other professions to produce a complete design and build solution for a set brief. It further aims to allow you to reflect on the experience of working in an interdisciplinary team and evaluate your professional performance in this scenario.

During study on this module you will become more proficient in advanced technical design and detailing and be able to critically reflect on the analysis findings, interpret the results and apply them within the context of your integrated project design exercise.

During study on this module you will become proficient in analysis of sustainable designs using building simulation software, in areas as diverse as whole building energy analysis to thermal, solar, acoustic, visual impact and lighting studies aspects. You will also be expected to reflect on the analysis findings, interpret the results within their context and demonstrate this in a design exercise.