University of Strathclyde Architecture

TO SHELTER PART 2

You'll investigate the fundamental need of man “to shelter”. The project concentrates on the ‘setting’ - the connection of “inside to outside” and the implications of making a mark in the landscape.

To Dwell

You're introduced to the challenges of designing to a brief within the context of the urban environment. The specific issue explored is the nature of domesticity - what it means “to dwell”.

TO SETTLE

You'll engage with real clients in order to develop a programmatic response, delivering a public building in the city.

ARB/RIBA Part 1 (Communication)

The Design Studies programme is supported by a compulsory series of associated discussion sessions and workshops in communication skills and media under the banner experiencing architecture.

This class introduces you to a broad overview of the cultural context of architecture. You'll be encouraged to develop confidence in observing and commenting on architecture of all periods, and to express yourself clearly and accurately in spoken and written communication.

The class is the first stage of student education regarding the building and environmental technology aspects of architectural design.

The course introduces an elemental understanding of:

• building structures
• construction process
• materiality
• architectural detail
• building physics
• sustainability and environmental responsibility and control

Year 2

TO BELONG

You'll investigate what it means ‘to belong’ through a series of small projects taken to develop an understanding of architectural programme in relation to context.

TO GATHER

You'll investigate what it means “to gather”, understood as a basic human need, to congregate communally in celebration of shared values. You'll be asked to design a medium scaled public facility dedicated to communal activity.

TO LEARN

The final design project for the second year studio focuses on the programmatic activity of what it means “to learn”. This allows you to examine a single building programme in-depth through a process of analysis and synthesis.

The Design Studies programme is supported by a compulsory series of associated discussion sessions and workshops in communication skills and media under the banner 'Experiencing Architecture'.

You're introduced to some of the key issues, historical movements and events that shaped and structured the modern built and cultural environment. You'll get an introduction to the origins of the modern city, from the birth of capitalism to the European avant-garde.

This class expands the knowledge base in terms of structural and construction systems introducing:

• more complex building types
• larger spanning structures
• contemporary building materials
• a variety of environmental engineering design skills relating to the design of buildings which will ensure human comfort

You'll take an elective class amounting to 20 credits total from those described in the University Class Catalogue.

For students intending to take the International Exchange programme in Year 3, and to be eligible for the BSc in Architectural Studies with International Study, we recommend 20 credits of language.

Year 3

TO LIVE/TO WORK

The class is a semester long investigation into the nature of what it means to live and work in the urban realm through the design of an urban housing project, from feasibility to detailed investigation.

TO PLAY (UNDERGRADUATE THESIS)

You'll consider the architectural implications of what it means “to play”, as a collective cultural phenomenon examined against the urban context. The emphasis is on the notion of “performance” and its association to “the city”.

You'll develop a critical evaluation of cultural theory and architectural history focusing on specific issues relating to the modern movement in architecture, its relationship to the city and the historical context regarding urbanity.

The third stage of the investigation of architectural technology aims to develop a detailed understanding of structural, construction and environmental systems. Also an ability to holistically integrate these systems and knowledge base within a complex architectural proposition.

The class introduces you to the key features of the architectural profession and the construction industry. It provides a forum for discussion on the emerging industry, profession and modes of practice.

You'll complete a digital academic portfolio in line with the requirements of Part 1, ARB/RIBA professional accreditation.

Year 4

To CARE (Part 1)

The class focuses on the design of a small programmatically complex, multi-functional urban building. The design exploration includes site and programme appraisal, the generation and systematic testing, analysing and appraising of design options with the aim of drawing conclusions in the design process.

To CARE (Part 2)

The class focuses on the design of a large programmatically simple, multi-functional urban building to be set within a specific urban character. It has to be developed to a detailed level sufficient to demonstrate the relationship between the overall architectural concept, spatial quality and related technical and environmental considerations.