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ARCT41330

Academic Year 2025/2026

Comprehensive Design Project (ARCT41330)

Subject:
Architecture
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
20
Module Coordinator:
Mr Marcus Donaghy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Studio Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Module Description
The Comprehensive Integrative Design Studio is carried out in the Autumn trimester of MArch 1. As a means of starting the year’s work the students are asked to design a significant building to a comprehensive level of detail. This will require them to think both conceptually and contextually in relation to organisation, function, materiality and structure. This project is seen as an opportunity for the students to set out, define and elaborate their architectural position, as well as to demonstrate their skill. The purpose of the semester is for the student to exercise and demonstrate their capacity through the design of a complex architectural project from outline and site design through iterative stages to a well resolved project. The design is to be represented with a high degree of detail and integrated understanding of technical, environmental, constructive architectural imperatives in a holistic project.

This work will begin with an initial design phase where the students will be asked to look at the urban intention and general organisation. For the second phase of work the students are asked to develop the building design at a range of scales, considering the relationship to context as well as the detailed making of parts of the project.

Students will be expected to develop clear individual positions within the overall studio. The studio will consist of structured individual and group tutorials, lectures and seminars and student led discussions. The Comprehensive Integrative Design Studio may also include tutorials and seminars by visiting and guest tutors.

Structure
Working individually, in assigned groups, and as a collective, students will carry out project development and research. Student activities are studio based and attendance in studio is mandatory.

Submission
At the end of module each student is required to submit an individual, collated and organized physical and digital portfolio of work. The portfolio must include all drawings, models and sketches that must demonstrate the required outcomes. In addition, both portfolios should include a portfolio book, a collated guide that succinctly describes and reflects on the work the student has made over the trimester with reference to the work of their peers. For educational purposes, the use of Generative AI is not permitted in this module or in the collation of the portfolio. Please consult with the module coordinator if you have any queries about this

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On Completion of the Module each student is required to submit an individual, collated and organised portfolio of work, including all drawings, models and sketches that must demonstrate the following:

1. Critical thinking;
2. The use of design as a means of investigation and research;
3. An understanding of the structural, tectonic and material aspects of architecture;
4. Evidence of the ability to pursue an architectural problem from strategy to a high level of detailed resolution;
5. Evidence of a clear understanding of the architect’s role and value to society;
6. An ability to communicate clearly and with commitment verbally and via the written word and via drawings and models and architectural media;

On completion of this module it is anticipated that students will also be able to;
Discuss implications of material and structural choices in terms of environmental impact, performance and regulations.
Assess site potentials and identify appropriate organisational or material strategies in reference to site and brief to optimize environmental and energy performance, Demonstrate understanding of structural principles and environmental/building physics in schematic design and to extend this understanding into detail realisation in the comprehensive design project

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

180

Autonomous Student Learning

180

Lectures

12

Small Group

24

Studio

12

Total

408


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key modes of teaching in this module will include: studio work to include active/task-based learning, enquiry-based learning, peer and group work, case-based or precedent study, lectures, reflective writing and student presentations. Representation skills are emphasised in drawing, model, collage and digital techniques. Students will work to reflect, collate, edit, and communicate their research and comprehensive design work for presentation and exhibition. There is a specific and particular emphasis on the consideration, research, testing, and integration of design technologies within your comprehensive design project.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ARCT30010 - Architectural Design V, ARCT30040 - Architectural Design VI


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Portfolio: Your Portfolio is to contain your Comprehensive Integrative Design Project presented in a manner reflective of the Module Learning Outcomes, Module Intro Criteria, and Design Research Studio briefs. Week 14 Graded 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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are in weekly contact with their tutors in small group meetings. At these, 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 semester at which students will be given an indication of what development is required in the case of a project being underdeveloped. Feedback is given after the Interim Review and after the final assessment

Name Role
Dr Tabassum Ahmed Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Christophe Antipas Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Rose Bonner Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Gary Boyd Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Emma Campbell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Anna Cooke Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Sarah Cremin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Tiago Faria Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Elie Harfouche Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Fiona Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr David Leech Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr James Martin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rebecca McConnell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Rae Moore Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Ruth O'Herlihy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Finola O'Kane Crimmins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Oran O'Siochain Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Emmett Scanlon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 09:00 - 12:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 14:00 - 17:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 14:00 - 17:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 14:00 - 17:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 17:50