Module manager: Sally Shahzad (Wyville)
Email: s.shahzad@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
BA/BEng Architecture, Architectural Engineering or related degrees
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module aims to promote a holistic approach in architectural design to address contextual and global challenges in the built environment towards a resilient future. Students will investigate and develop purpose-based design proposals with considerations for the end user, spatial requirements, building performance, connections to the immediate and the larger context, and aesthetics. Students will explore and develop architectural design frameworks towards developing a professional and critical stance.
The aim of this module is to prepare students to address architectural challenges by balancing aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. It fosters innovative, context-driven design, effective communication, and critical self-reflection to create purposeful and impactful contributions to the built environment. The following objectives will achieve this aim:
1. Analyse contextual and global challenges and their impact on the built environment and architectural design
2. Optimise aesthetics, performance, and sustainability in architectural design through innovative ideas, technologies and approaches
3. Develop a holistic purpose-based and contextually informed design proposals to achieve cohesive, functional, and tailored designs to meet the specific needs and conditions of the site and its users
4. Develop effective communication and presentation skills to articulate design ideas with clarity and critical insight via multiple mediums
5. Commitment to professional and ethical practice with the ability for critical self-reflection to contribute positively to the built environment and society.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Identify and critically analyse the key contextual and global challenges and evaluate their implications on architectural design
2. Explore the interplay between aesthetics, performance and sustainability factors in architectural design, fostering an appreciation for both visual appeal and practical performance
3. Create a holistic architectural design proposal according to the vision, purpose, contextual research, spatial and end user requirements embedding innovative design ideas and technologies
4. Develop advanced skills in articulating design ideas and proposals through diverse mediums, such as oral, visual and written work
5. Critically reflect on design decisions and their broader impact on society and the environment with clarity, coherence, and critical insight, demonstrating professional communication, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ethical awareness
6. Exhibit a clear understanding of one's suitable professional pathway, strategic planning and application
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Critical thinking
b. Creativity
c. Digital creation
d. Decision making.
f. Personal/self/career management
- Introduction to Sustainable Development and Climate Emergency
- User-Centred Design and Behaviours
- Thermal and Light Performance in Sustainable Architecture
- Energy, Building Resilience, and Resource Management
- Building Structures – A Bottom-Up Approach
- Materials for Sustainable Architecture
- Renewable Energy Integration
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Lecture | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Practical | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Seminar | 12 | 3 | 36 |
| Independent online learning hours | 50 | ||
| Private study hours | 170 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 80 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Discussions and oral formative feedback on the coursework will be provided during weekly studio tutorials (12 x 3-hour sessions), as opportunities to improve the work. Additional formative feedback will be provided during the interim and final reviews, as an opportunity to improve the work before the final submission.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team