Module manager: Justin Lunn
Email: j.s.lunn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module develops a concept scheme into a more fully resolved design, demonstrating technical as well as creative mastery.
Knowledge developed in this module includes appreciation and understanding of advanced theoretical design concepts as applied to practical design consideration; further development of an understanding relating cultural and technological context to the built environment; a wider understanding of building types and precedent. There is also knowledge gained relating to statutory regulations including the processes of planning policy and building control, as well as a critical appraisal of structural, building physics and construction approaches.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
ARB Outcomes are shown within curved brackets: (xxx)
Students will:
1. Prepare and present a complex architectural design project, responding critically to a defined context and to a given outline brief, using a range of media (D1). The project will critically consider ways in which diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture and urban design (CK1)
2. Show an understanding of the consequences of design decision making on value to clients and communities over the life-cycle of built projects and the costs to the environment (D7) using techniques of research, enquiry and experimentation to develop effective solutions to architectural problems from sometimes uncertain sources and to broaden their knowledge base (RE1), showing an understanding of the needs of stakeholders in the development of appropriate briefs for projects (RE2 part) alongside the principles of sustainable, responsible and ethical practice (M1 part), adopting a committed approach to equity, diversity and inclusion in designing environments (PE2 part)
3. Demonstrate a critical and creative approach to architectural design (D3) and prepare, appraise, refine and engage with a building brief, accounting for client, user, site, environmental and contextual requirements (D2), producing designs that integrate the artistic, spatial, environmental, social and experiential aspects of a building with the technical requirements of its construction (D4) including strategies and solutions for structure, construction technology, materials, services, ventilation, thermal environment and lighting and acoustics that are appropriate to the project’s brief and context and at the forefront of current knowledge (D5)
4. Propose a design solution that achieves or exceeds relevant performance standards and requirements (D8), locating, evaluating and applying relevant legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and policies related to the development of the built environment (RE4) including the principles of building construction, services, structure, materials use, assembly and manufacture (CK5); of building physics and environmental design (CK6)
5. Show understanding of the architect’s obligations to the health and safety of the public and building users and building constructors (PE4) through an understanding of building safety and risk management principles to construct, inhabit, use and maintain, refurbish, re-use and deconstruct (CK7) and demonstrate appropriate consideration of fire safety, life safety and wellbeing and inclusivity of users, the public and building constructors (D11) in the context of current legislation (M9 part)
6. Produce a design that considers the relationship between people and built environment, between buildings and their context, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs, inclusivity, user experience and scale (D6), critically evaluating a diverse range of architectural precedents in order to inform design thinking (RE3)
7. Use appropriate digital systems for creating, modelling, processing, presenting, and sharing design, building and project information (D12), discussing the limitations of techniques communicating effectively with both specialists and non-specialist audiences through a range of media (M11 part) including physical modelmaking to investigate complex problems
Skills Learning Outcomes
a. Academic Skills in collection, analysis evaluation and synthesis of data sources.
b. Digital skills to assemble, collate and organise information in technical and graphic communication.
c. Identification of key issues within a diverse set of contexts and ability to develop themes from these.
d. Individual working showing initiative and collaboration.
This project studio is a comprehensively integrated building design. A typical brief suggests a community resource building of around 2,000m2 in a restricted urban setting. The project is designed to allow students to develop and explore their architectural design skills, while at the same time applying and demonstrating the learning they have gained from other modules in this and previous years.
Students develop their analysis of a site and surroundings, including historical development, social and economic context, architectural and urban design issues, planning and policy guidance, as well as physical conditions such as ground conditions, flood risk and development hazards from adjoining uses. Precedent studies allow an understanding of the building type to be developed, with a critical interpretation of its definition. Students use this process to create their own more detailed version of the project brief.
From this detailed vision of activity on the site, a concept scheme is developed further and then taken forward to become an integrated design, demonstrating a synthesis of creative spatial, aesthetic and technical aspects as a unified architectural scheme. This includes a strategic structural scheme with material choices, general arrangement and stability strategy. A strategy for building services provision and operation is included as an integral part of the design concept.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Lecture | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 268 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Through regular small group and individual (1-to-1) tutorial sessions. Also through an interim review of the student's work carried out by the supervisory team of staff and students.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Design report | 50 |
| Practical | Physical scale model of building | 10 |
| Poster Presentation | Presentation Boards | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 07/05/2025
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