An architect synthesises a complex range of issues, design aspirations and inspirations within the design of a project. The successful integration of ethical, social, regulatory, contractual and procedural issues within a developing design process, alongside an awareness of building economy, is fundamental to making a successful work of architecture. This process of synthesis requires discipline, critical self-reflection, iteration and team work.
This module integrates such professional issues within a final thesis design project, a capstone project, and prepares students for their initial period of professional practice.
A thesis design project is a design portfolio with a theoretical foundation that demonstrates a critical and individual line on inquiry that results in a unique architectural proposition. This capstone project is the culmination of learning throughout the course.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module has two supportive/contextual based elements (Coursework) and one design based element (Design Portfolio). The Coursework and the Design Portfolio parts of the course are taught in relation to each other through a combination of studio based projects, lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and study visits.
The School employs various learning technologies to support the teaching and learning strategies. Canvas is used to support teaching and learning in all modules, and other aspects of the courses and School as a whole. It is used at a modular level as a repository for all module documentation, such as the module guide, briefs, lecture handouts, support material, and links to web-resources. It is also used for tutorial and workshop sign-up lists and discussion forums where appropriate. Students should check this site on a daily basis.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Studio-based projects, lectures, workshops, study visits, tutorials, seminars. | 75 |
| Guided independent study | 225 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment for this module has three elements of assessment. The Coursework consists of two assessed elements and these are 'Coursework Assessment 1' and 'Coursework Assessment 2'. The 'Design Portfolio' is a separate element and is synoptically assessed across all 4 modules.
Within the Coursework elements, feedback/feed forward is given in different forms depending on the nature of the work. However all will offer the opportunity for at least one group or individual tutorial and formal written feedback following submission, within the prescribed timescale.
Within the Design Portfolio element ie. in Studio the following strategies for feedback/feed forward apply:
Coursework Assessments (30% in total):
The Coursework consists of two elements and these are 'Coursework Assessment 1' and 'Coursework Assessment 2' which are reflected in Learning Outcomes
1-3. The 'Coursework Assessment 1' element on this module is a group project which consists of a Planning and Regulatory Context study, which includes a 12-minute presentation and a 1.5 minute lumière film (15%). This assignment is carried out and is assessed as a group. The 'Coursework Assessment 2' element on this module is a Value and Management Report (15%). This assignment is carried out and is assessed individually.
Design Portfolio (70%):
The assessment for the Design Portfolio element of this module is a Workbook which relates to the iterative development of the Thesis Design Project and its integration into wider professional and regulatory issues. This illustrated and graphically presented submission relates to aspects of professional architecture practice. This is reflected in Learning Outcomes 1-6.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Articulate the professional, social and ethical responsibilities which inform the practice of architecture , including relationships with other members of the design team; | Coursework Assessments (Planning & Regulatory Context study and a Value and Management Report) and Design Portfolio (Workbook) |
| 2) Apply an understanding of the regulations, procedures and the professional and practical stages of a process of procurement, in relation to a design project; | Coursework Assessments (Planning & Regulatory Context study and a Value and Management Report) and Design Portfolio (Workbook) |
| 3) Demonstrate an ability to critically appraise and reflect upon their own working practices and those of others, whilst working individually or as part of a team; | Coursework Assessments (Planning & Regulatory Context study and a Value and Management Report) and Design Portfolio (Workbook) |
| 4) Analyse and critically appraise a brief for a design proposal, establishing programmatic and end user requirements in relation to a given site and context; | Design Portfolio (Workbook). |
| 5) Critique propositional work through a number of iterative cycles, representing and evaluating these and reflecting upon the reasons for change; | Design Portfolio (Workbook). |
| 6) Respond to the professional, regulatory, social, environmental and ethical issues within the context of a design project. | Design Portfolio (Workbook). |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework Assessment 1 (Planning and Regulatory Context study) | Practical examination | 15% |
| Coursework Assessment 2 (Value and Management Report) | Coursework | 15% |
| Design portfolio (Workbook) | Coursework | 70% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It is a requirement that the elements of assessment for Coursework are passed on aggregate and it is a requirement that the element of assessment for the Design Portfolio is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
RIBA Plan of Work 2007 & 2013
3DReid, 2008, Architect's Job Book. 8th ed. London: RIBA Publications
RIBA, 2009, A Clients Guide to Engaging and Architect: Guidance on hiring an darchitectur for your project. London: RIBA Publications
ARB Code of Conduct
HSE, 2007. Managing Health and Safety in Construction. London: HSE Books
Studios will provide specific recommended reading lists relevant to each project.
Speaight, A. 2010. Architect's Legal Handbook. 9th ed. Oxford: Architectural Press
Halliday, S., 2007. Green Guide to the Architect's Handbook. London: RIBA Publishing
Polley, S., 2011. Understanding the Building Regulations. London: Spon Press
Tricker, R. and Alford, S., 2012. Building Regulations in Brief. 7th ed. London: Routledge
Dijksman,K., 2008. The Planning Game. Ovolo
Sinclair, D., 2011. Leading the Team: An Architects Guide to Design Management. London: RIBA Publishing
Cave,A., 2007. Legislation Maze: Inclusive Accessible Design. London: RIBA Publishing
Barker,A., 2006. Improve your Communication Skills. London: Kogan Page
RIBA Good Practice Guides - various
Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) guides - various
Planning portal (planning and building regulations)
Gov.uk (planning and building legislation)
HSE (Construction, Design (Management))
Architects Registration Board - (code of conduct)
Royal Institute of British Architects
Professional Experience and Development Record
Studios will provide specific recommended reading lists relevant to each project.