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ARCT10010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Architectural Design I (ARCT10010)

Subject:
Architecture
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
15
Module Coordinator:
Mr William Dimond
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

Module Description
First Year Architectural Design provides a foundation in the study of architecture and seeks to unlock the creative and intellectual potential of each student. This core programme introduces students to ways of observing, representing, making and thinking about architecture and the environment. Via a series of design projects students explore ideas of space and environmental design. The trimester begins with a close-up investigation of spaces, objects, places, and events and gradually introduces a wider range of constructional, social, cultural and environmental concerns. The work is supported by the development of a broad range of technical and representational skills through a combination of studio work and independent but related Drawing and Making skills workshops. There is a focus on establishing a clear design work method and an understanding of the social and environmental issues posed by the project, including developing an awareness of factors affecting climate change and how the agency of architects has the potential to impact positively on climate.

Structure
A series of set projects invite design responses across a range of scales employing different media, offering each student the means of developing a work method. These projects involve a combination of both individual and group work. A supporting cultural programme may include a variety of visits to buildings and cultural events during the trimester. Attendance at these events and at all studio sessions is mandatory. The module requires all students to make a collective exhibition of their work at the end of the semester.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Key modes of teaching in this module; studio work to include active/task-based learning, enquiry-based learning including unstructured reading, peer and group work, case-based or precedent study, lectures, reflective writing and student presentations. Emphasis is placed on developing an iterative work method through which variants of a design are projected, investigated and evaluated through drawing overlay and test models. The range of representation skills required include drawing, model, collage and digital techniques. Students will work to reflect, collate, edit and compose their research and design work for presentation and exhibition. The use of AI is not permitted in this module.

Submission
At the end of module each student is required to submit individual collated and organized physical and digital portfolios. The portfolios include drawings, models, sketches and other studies with a view to demonstrating the required outcomes as well as a critical self-evaluation of the student’s work.


Feedback
Students are in weekly contact with their tutors in small group meetings and individual tutorials. At these sessions the student's work is discussed and formative feedback is provided that is focused on positively developing project ideas - it is not intended to grade ideas which are in the process of taking shape. Reviews are scheduled during the trimester at which students will be given an indication of what development is required where a project is underdeveloped. Written feedback is given after the final assessment.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. demonstrate through drawing and model-making an ability to observe and record objects and environments (Survey and Precedent)
2. demonstrate an understanding of scale and measurement and the ability to use them appropriately and methodically (Scale and Measurement)
3. demonstrate an understanding of three-dimensional space and the ability to use spatial thinking creatively (Spatial Exploration)
4. demonstrate an understanding of materials and their assembly and apply this understanding to simple and resilient design solutions (Materials and Assembly)
5. demonstrate an understanding of the making of indoor and outdoor environments and apply this to the development of comfortable and functional spaces (Indoor/Outdoor Environments)
6. demonstrate an ability to communicate, discuss, critique and reflect on their own work and the work of their peers through a variety of visual media (Communication and Engagement)

NB: through all learning outcomes work is expected to demonstrate:

a. a knowledge of the broader subject and processes of architecture through research, reading and recording (notebooks, sketchbooks etc.)
b. an awareness of issues relating to climate change and the built environment, and an ability to take measures through design work to mitigate the impact of design decisions on climate.

Indicative Module Content:

Studies in space, material and structure.
Introduction to the design and making of indoor and outdoor environments.
Developing an understanding of social and cultural dimensions in architecture and learning from precedent.
Developing drawing and modelling skills and other forms of representing and communicating the built environment.
Recording and representing existing contexts and designing in context.
Introduction of knowledge base on climate and the environment.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Studio

252

Autonomous Student Learning

50

Total

302


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Studio work to include active/task-based learning, enquiry-based learning including unstructured reading, peer and group work, case-based or precedent study, lectures, reflective writing and student presentations. Emphasis is placed on developing an iterative work method through which variants of a design are projected, investigated and evaluated through drawing overlay and test models. The range of representation skills required include drawing, model, collage and digital techniques. Students will work to reflect, collate, edit and compose their research and design work for presentation and exhibition.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
ARCT10160 - Drawing & Making


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Portfolio: individual collated and organized physical and digital portfolios, to include drawings, models, sketches and other studies with a view to demonstrating required outcomes and critical self-evaluation Week 14 Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes
100
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are in weekly contact with their tutors in small group meetings and individual tutorials. At these sessions students' work is discussed and formative feedback is provided focused on positively developing project ideas. It is not intended to grade ideas which are in the process of taking shape. Reviews are scheduled during the trimester at which students are given an indication of development that is required in the case of a project being underdeveloped. Written feedback is given after the final assessment.

Name Role
Ms Alice Clancy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Paul Durcan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Romey Edwards Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Tiago Faria Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Eileen Fitzgerald Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Fiona McDonald Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Eibhlin Ni Chathasaigh Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Emer O'Daly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Michael Pike Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ellen Rowley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Nasrin Seraji Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Joe Swan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Simon Walker Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Ruairi Finucane Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 09:00 - 17:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 14:00 - 17:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 17:50