KA5000 - Architecture Project 2.1

What will I learn on this module?

Synthesising the principles, practices and theoretical motivations of the architectural design process forms the core learning journey of this module. Combining an independent appreciation and interpretation of conceptual notions with an advanced understanding of physical context, narrative and spatial awareness, the established project brief will provoke responses to specific architectural conditions and typologies relating to place, form, architectural language, material and construction. You will develop existing 2D and 3D communication skills to realise and represent architectural propositions, exploring methods of manual, digital and mixed-media representation. Working independently and collectively, you will develop critical learning skills and an evaluative and reflective attitude to the iterative process of architectural design. Where applicable, projects will include site visit to real site within the local.

How will I learn on this module?

This design project module will be delivered using a combination of individual or group tutorials, workshops and set project work. Presentations will introduce project briefs and associated thematic information, seminars will help you to develop your visual communication skills and studio-based tutorials, and studio-based tutorials support you through your learning journey. The participatory weekly design tutorial provides you with a forum to discuss personal or group progress and your associated project work. Tutors will provide you with formative feedback in a variety of forms to support you in your personal design reflection and the progression of your project work. Directed learning will allow you to research any thematic issue raised within your tutorials and independent learning will allow you to investigate your own themes in response and being situated within the design studios will help you to develop peer learning and peer support skills.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through weekly tutorials as the primary conduit for your design project discussion where you will receive formative feedback from your tutor. In addition, progress reviews at key intervals form collegiate occasions for further guidance and formative assessment of your work. Periods of self-directed learning are essential for your personal research, creative explorational and development of project work.
Direct participation in design tutorials, group discussion and associated taught content is essential to your development. The formative feedback you receive each week can be a variety of forms; verbal, written and drawn, and is provided throughout the duration of the module. Written feedback will be provided at summative assessment points to help you reflect, develop and learn. In addition, project briefs, presentations, relevant associated module information and specific reading lists will be uploaded to the eLearning Portal (Blackboard), so that you can access module content when needed. The university library offers support through its extensive physical and on-line resources, through e-reading lists. In addition, guidance on developing academic study skills, is provided by the Ask4Help facility.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU 1. Articulate the physical, cultural and theoretical context of a specific site through architectural and urban analysis

KU 2. Demonstrate an individual attitude towards the social, aesthetic and technical requirements of a brief

KU 3. Develop an architectural solution that integrates the typological, occupational, and environmental requirements of a brief


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA 1. Apply advanced research and analytical skills with consideration of the influences of architectural histories and theories.

IPSA 2. Apply advanced research and analytical skills with consideration of the influences of the physical, artistic and cultural contexts on the design process

IPSA 3. Evaluate, articulate and apply an appropriate individual application of the conventions of architectural representation for 2- and 3- dimensional graphics and of computer generated and physical models to represent design solutions.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1. Manage and appraise your working practices and problem solving within deadlines in a logical and lateral manner

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will take place within regular tutorials and at interim reviews to provide ongoing developmental guidance and reflection within each of the projects, towards all module learning outcomes.

Summative assessment is of the single submitted design project covering all MLO’s:component;

1. Architecture Project 2.1 (100%)
MLO: KU1, KU2, KU3, IPSA1, IPSA2, IPSA3, PVA1


Feedback will be offered in verbal, written and drawn forms, which will provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance. Moderation of summative assessment will take place in project reviews at the end of the module.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This project -based module advances your holistic design skills and creative processes necessary for the investigation and communication of integrated architectural design. Taught content will further advance an existing understanding of context and disciplines associated with contemporary architectural thought and applied environmental literacy. You will advance your existing design awareness will foster further exploration of 2D and 3D analogue and digital design communication skills and creative practice. Through medium scale architectural design investigations, you will advance your previously acquired creative skills, critical thought, experimentation and independent judgement at a larger and more complex setting. This knowledge will be synthesised to create meaningful architectural proposals in response to an established brief. This project will encourage you to explore specific architectural typologies and themes associated with place, architectural language, form, materials and construction. You will appraise the principles required to design socially sustainable, ethical and environmentally aware architecture solutions that employ an informed application of materials and construction methodologies.

Course info

UCAS Code K100

Credits 40

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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