Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) module details

Year one (Level 4)

Block 1: Sustainable Building Principles

This module will provide you with a fundamental understanding of sustainable and regenerative buildings. It introduces the concept of sustainable development in relation to the technical design of buildings and planning of the built environment, and the impact of current design trends in reducing the environmental footprints. It explores the main reasons behind sustainable principles, including relevant regulations, standards, technologies, materials, users’ comfort and assessment tools. It also introduces you to a range of key concepts in physical and social sustainability principles that you can apply within buildings. In addition, the module highlights the role of the built environment professions in producing guidance for sustainable and regenerative buildings.

Block 2: Architectural Communication and Detailing 1

This module introduces you to fundamental communication concepts applied by professionals in architectural technology. You will develop a critical understanding of basic elements and techniques used in digital architectural drawings and detailing. It guides you to learn about the conventions of architectural drawings, which will enable alternate ways of conceiving, communicating and evaluating projects. The module emphasises digitally derived visualisation and graphic design, using various tools to provide you with a skill set that will enable you to confidently utilise a variety of software packages (AutoCAD and Revit). Practical exercises are designed to introduce you to the technical design process and detailing, illustrating specific construction details, processes and concepts. The module places particular emphasis on technical construction elements such as joint and structural elements details.

Block 3: Building Technology 1

This module explores sustainable construction technology concepts within the built environment. This includes an introduction to technological themes in relation to construction, structure, materials and environment. These themes inform the practice of architectural technology and quantity surveying. The module introduces a range of concepts and intuitive levels of understanding in building science. Concepts of structural principles will be discussed by drawing on case studies. Various forms of structural systems will be investigated. Energy rating together with basic structural principles and construction materials are to be introduced as applied to small scale buildings.

Block 4: Building Project 1

The module will introduce you to the basic concepts of regenerative building technologies and develop your knowledge of and skills in technical design processes including how to test and communicate sustainable technical and environmental (built and natural) building solutions. Through analysis of a design brief of an existing building, you will identify key aspects of the project that need to be adapted, altered, removed or extended to produce a small-scale building project that acknowledges the need to reach net zero carbon in construction. You will be guided to take responsibility for the technical design, planning, organisation, implementation and evaluation of the various components required for successful completion of the project.

Year two (Level 5)

Block 1: Project Management Practice

This module introduces topics related to the principles of project management practice and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the construction industry. The module explores knowledge areas in project management, building economics management, quality control, resource management, risk management, project procurement and professional practice. You will contextualise these practice-based concepts to develop understanding of everyday issues related to professional practice within the UK construction industry. You will also develop an understanding of construction terminology, applications and requirements related to planning, building regulations, professional practice, professional ethics, social and environmental obligations of professionals; industry regulations, codes of conduct and practice, legal requirements and registration of building professionals practising in the UK. You will explore the implications of employment laws and industrial relations on construction organisations and examine the impacts of internationalisation, globalisation, global economy, and cultural diversity.

Block 2: Architectural Communication and Detailing 2

This module challenges you to creatively think through principles in computer-aided modelling and technical design communication. You will learn about and engage in specific methods to produce and represent both current and future-proofed construction details, processes and concepts between digital environments and projects to achieve net zero buildings. You will learn, explore and apply new platforms and software for the digital engagement of architectural detailing and fabrication methods. You will learn how to visualise buildings through 2D and 3D computer models, both at concept and resolved stages of the design process. In addition, by integrating 2-dimensional with 3-dimensional communication techniques, you will learn how to use codes, standards and conventions required by the construction industry for detailed design packages of work.

Blocks 3 and 4: Building Technology 2

This module will extend your understanding of how buildings perform environmentally, through drawn analysis and proposal of buildings. The module introduces a range of concepts related to the technology of construction and sustainability, providing you with a full understanding of current and innovative building technologies, materials and systems used in high performance buildings. Particular emphasis is placed on the understanding of basic building design, construction standards, surveying and environmental issues often related to sustainable building principles, both for new build and adaptive reuse. The module introduces the role that construction technology and surveying have in the design and construction process. It will develop the ability to make an ethical, environmentally responsible and holistic response to a client brief, integrating technical decisions with design solutions.

Blocks 3 and 4: Building Project 2

In this module you will propose solutions to reduce embodied energy in construction and achieve net zero in the built environment through responding to a design brief for an existing, medium sized building. Proposals will need to integrate sustainable (passive and advanced) technical and building science principles within architectural design that respond to user requirements. You will develop a wide range of visual literacy, technology and communication skills through the application of design and construction strategies.

In the first part of the module, you are introduced to design strategies that respond to site conditions, including a physical site appraisal, analysis of specific planning policies and the user requirements of the individual brief. You will learn how to outline strategic design proposals with explanations as to the rationale underpinning your decisions in order to achieve net zero. In the second part, the module focuses upon the production of a building project with due consideration for the user and client needs and requirements. It explores the ways in which environmental concepts and requirements inform architectural design through a series of studio-based exercises.

Year three (Level 6)

Block 1: Contract, Law and Procurement

The module introduces the general principles of the administration of construction-related contracts and their application to industry-related situations. You will learn about the legal framework within which the construction industry sits, relevant legislation, legal processes, contracts, procurement routes, and statutory applications necessary for ethical practice. You will further explore and differentiate the principal types of procurement systems and associated contracts and contract law used in the building industry; the use of standard-form contracts; the influence of procurement methods on roles and responsibilities of stakeholders; and the multi-disciplinary nature of procurement. The module continues the concept of professionalism, responsibilities to the client and the public, communication and negotiation.

Block 2: Building Information Technology and Modelling

This module focuses on capabilities required by the profession to operate effectively at different levels in the architectural technology design and construction process. The module responds to current requirements and methods in practice developing your ability to observe and reflect upon trends and emerging technologies that may change how professionals select and apply information and communication technology and computer-aided design (CAD) in future design and construction projects. It provides you with practical experience in designing, creating, and developing aggregated models through cloud-based Common Data Environment.

Blocks 3 and 4: Dissertation

This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in a detailed independent study of a self-chosen topic that is relevant to the built environment. The dissertation will develop your ability to manage a project with predetermined objectives; pursue it with logic, rigour and depth; and present the study in an appropriate manner. The final submission may take any of the following formats: written dissertation; written analytical case studies (with supporting material drawings, photographs etc.); drawings and/or models with written explanation; video or multi-media presentation with written explanation. You will receive guidance on how to approach your dissertation in tutorials and you will be given an individual supervisor to support you.

Blocks 3 and 4: Integrated Project

This module is designed to develop your understanding of the key professional relationships between the various disciplines involved in the management of construction projects. This will be achieved and tested through responding to a design brief for adaptation and extension of an existing building. The design proposal will require you to synthesise your previous learning in one major project that combines core areas of architectural technology, quantity surveying and construction, embracing sustainability and regenerative design principles, technological and environmental, innovation and ethical material specifications, balancing affordability with quality control and future resilience. This will develop further your ability to independently and collectively investigate concepts, tools, and techniques relevant to sustainable and regenerative buildings that can achieve net zero carbon.

Please note that these modules are subject to review each year so may vary.