Module manager: Justin Lunn
Email: j.s.lunn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
The standard qualifications (or equivalent) set by the School of Civil Engineering for entry to any of its JBM accredited UG programmes.
CIVE3850 - Architectural Engineering Design Studio 3.1 (Concept Design)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Knowledge developed in this module includes appreciation and understanding of 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 this module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject (contributing to the AHEP4 outcomes in brackets and ARB competences in square brackets):
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 consider ways in which diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture and urban design [CK1] (M7)
2. Use simple techniques of research, enquiry and experimentation to develop effective solutions to architectural problems and to broaden their knowledge base [RE1] (M4),
3. Develop 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 part]
4. Produce designs that integrate the artistic, spatial, environmental, social and experiential aspects of a building with the technical requirements of its construction (D4 part) including outline consideration of structure, construction technology, materials, services, ventilation, thermal environment and lighting and acoustics that are appropriate to the project’s brief and context [D5] (M6)
5. 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]
6. Communicate effectively with both specialists and non-specialist audiences through a range of media [M11 part] (M17 part) including workshop skills to produce physical models (M12 part)
7. Work constructively as an individual and within a broader team, exercising leadership, effective communication and personal responsibility, reflecting on own and the team’s performance [PE3] (M16)
Team working and collaboration in a creative context, individual graphic presentation skills, hand drawing, CAD modelling, building information modelling (BIM) and physical modelling skills. Site appraisal and precedent research skills.
This studio project explores urban design issues through creative building designs. It begins with a residential study visit to an historic European city, where investigative analyses of buildings and urban spaces are carried out in collaboration with a local university school of architecture. The study and design exercises are used as the basis for further design projects when the students return.
The subsequent design studio is organised around two projects, set in the study area. The design briefs are for two buildings, one which defines an urban space by defining an edge, and another being positioned within an urban space. The design study allows students to develop their understanding of the importance of the volumes between buildings in the urban environment in a practical way. Students prepare drawings, models, illustrated reports and sketchbooks of their investigations and conclusions.
The studio runs in parallel with Architectural History & Theory 3, which is concerned with the origins and development of urbanism. Knowledge from this module has direct relevance to the design studio.
The module will include a number of lectures on ethical issues related to the themes of this module and overall programme of study.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group learning | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Tutorial | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 272 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Individual and group research for background studies, including: Informal site surveys, precedent gathering from online, journal or book sources. Group and individual collation, analysis and critical evalulation of information. Group and individual development of creative design ideas, presentation materials.
Through regular small group tutorial sessions, interim review with staff and peers.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Design Project | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Study trip report (drawings, sketches, written analysis) 20% Design project 1 (drawings, physical models, illustrated design report) 40% Design project 2 (drawings, physical models, illustrated design report) 40%
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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