1. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to identify, anticipate and prioritise
a range of issues, to explore alternative possibilities and to realise creative and
imaginative architectural solutions of differing scales, complexity, and typologies, in
response to a brief.
Problem Solving.

2. Effectively evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data showing an
awareness of the key principles of contextual issues and their impact design
development.
Enquiry.

3. Develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories
and concepts for the exploration and development of an individually defined response to
a design brief.
Learning.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles of theoretical and
practical learning, enquiry, and analysis, in the design, development and resolution of a
compliant architectural solution.
Knowledge & Understanding.

5. Communicate the results of study/work accurately, reliably, and with structured and
coherent arguments to conceptualise, represent and communicate your ideas using a
range of visual, written, and verbal techniques.
Communication.

Students will be formatively assessed throughout the module, with periodic reviews of work considering progress on Design Process, and Design Resolution & Design Communication, respectively. The areas assessed in this module can be summarised as follows:

Design Process considers the appropriateness of research carried out in terms of precedents studies, (including historical and technical precedents), the creative interpretation of the client’s requirements, a detailed understanding of the site through analysis and contextual study and the extent to which alternative proposals have been considered and explored as part of the students reflection on their own
work. The use of hand drawn sketches, workbooks and models is encouraged at this stage.

Design Resolution considers the extent to which the final proposal responds to the context of the site, the needs and aspirations of the client and their brief and reflects the students developing architectural identity and their interpretation of the project in the context of the module.

Design Communication considers the clarity and completeness with which the design is documented and illustrated. It assesses how a student has articulated their design ideas graphically, physically, and verbally.

A final formative assessment will consider the project against these three criteria as a whole and comprise of a pin-up and verbal presentation / critique of the project.

The summative (marked) assessment for this module will comprise of the submission of a curated portfolio of work for the project, including finished drawings, photographs of models and prototypes, sketch books (workbooks) and evidence of independent research and study.

This assessment is worth 100% of the module mark and will assess the following Learning Outcomes:
LO1 – Problem Solving.
LO2 – Enquiry.
LO3 – Learning.
LO4 – Knowledge & Understanding.
LO5 – Communication.

All learning outcomes have to be met in order to pass the module.

This second design module will engage in the creative consideration of a current issue, in the specific context of the terraced streets surrounding the University. In response to a pertinent proposition made by the module tutor and relating to the futureproofing of the existing housing stock in the city, you will be challenged to propose a small-scale, but radical intervention into an existing terraced house,
its garden or its street, and which is capable of wider implementation.

This module will invite questions about, scale, security, privacy, light, social behaviours, sustainability, materiality, and comfort, investigate key ideas around reuse, adaptation and retrofit, and further develop your skills in the consideration, evaluation, and communication of relevant and radical design ideas using a range of techniques, materials, and scales.

During this module you will be given the opportunity to utilise the school workshops, SmartZone, and the dedicated external building space to experiment at different scales with construction and structural techniques and to engage in the following:

- The critical analysis of the brief.
- Observation, investigation, and documentation of a site.
- The preparation and evaluation of architectural concepts through model making, prototyping, sketching, and drawing.
- Development of a design proposal with regard to function, brief, and context as well as spatial and user requirements.
- The application and evaluation of basic principles of construction, structure, and assembly in relation to a design proposal.
- The verbal and graphical presentation of your ideas.

Outputs for this module will include, physical models and large scale / full scale prototypes, digital models, collages, sketches,photographs, and hand drawings.

This module will be supported by input in the following Level 4 Modules:

Exploratory Design Studio 1; Design & Representation 1; Design Cultures 1 and Materials, Environment & Technology 1.

Guided Independent Study will include a full day each week in studio for ‘crits’ (project reviews); individual and group tutorials; and site or building visits.

In addition, Scheduled Teaching & Learning Activities on this module will include presentations by module staff andoutside specialists; specialist lectures; workshops and charette sessions.

Further support materials and information will be made available on Blackboard. Each session in studio will commence an introduction by the module tutor.

Simitch, Andrea, & Warke, Val, The Language of Architecture (2014) Beverley, MA., Rockport Publishers
Matthew, Frederick (2007) 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School Cambridge, MA., MIT Press

Access to architecture studio, wood metal and plastics workshops and the SmartZone with drawing and model making equipment – details will be identified at the beginning of the module. Access to outside build space. Access to computers with 3D modelling, image editing and Microsoft 365 software. Access to Blackboard VLE, Microsoft Teams, and physical and remote access to Staffordshire University library resources including LinkedIn Learning.

None.

Co-requisites Exploratory Design Studio 1; Design & Representation 1; Design Cultures 1 and Materials,
Environment & Technology 1.