Undertake a sophisticated and critical exploration of experimental research methods and forms of representation. Your work will take the form of a self-directed research project within the context of the design studio theme. You'll analyse the historical, cultural, environmental, and social values that shape architecture. By looking at past projects, stories, and contexts, you'll develop your own ideas to inform your final design thesis. Building on this, you'll create design proposals that respond to current architectural issues, show originality in applying your knowledge, and experiment with new ideas, tools, and representational methods.
Examine the professional aspects of architectural practice. You'll explore the Architects' Code of Conduct, the construction industry, the roles and responsibilities of the profession, development controls, construction law, regulation, design costs, and project and practice management. Through seminar sessions, you'll also develop a professional and ethical position, which will be embedded in your design thesis. Ultimately, this module aims to inspire a keen interest in the current issues shaping architectural practice today.
Develop the skills to critically and effectively apply knowledge within a chosen setting. This module supports a committed approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion by encouraging the design of environments that strengthen relationships between people, communities, and the natural world. Through informed, research-driven processes, you'll act as a reflective practitioner able to develop architectural briefs and narratives and communicate clearly with specialist and non-specialist audiences, while respecting diverse perspectives. The integrated technology component builds your ability to construct well-reasoned technological arguments, using principles of material and energy systems to support your thesis project.
Thesis 5 marks the final stage of your learning journey and reflects your individual interests and developing specialism. You'll design and deliver an ambitious project that demonstrates your ability to work at scale and with complexity. You'll respond to briefs, clients, users, and wider social and environmental contexts, with a strong focus on place-making. Throughout the module, you'll be encouraged to take bold, creative approaches to producing well-resolved architectural designs that consider artistic, spatial, social, environmental, experiential, and technical aspects. During the integrated technology component, you'll develop and present a self-directed research proposal that supports your design project and shows advanced technical understanding.