1. Identify, anticipate and prioritise a range of issues, and evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and propose creative and imaginative architectural solutions of differing scales, complexities and typologiesin response to a brief.
Problem Solving

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in architecture and demonstrate the application of the key principles of critical evaluation and reflection on the practical and related contextual issues and their impact design development.
Enquiry

3. Use a range of established techniques to initiate an effectivecritical analysis of the relationship between people, buildings, environment and context, with reference to current thinking around sustainability, reuse and related environmental issues.
Analysis

4. Understand the limits of an evolving subject knowledge, and the influences this has on research methods for the exploration and development of an individually defined response to a design brief.Learning

5. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established concepts and principles and their development, through enquiry and analysis in the design, development,and resolution of a compliant architectural solution.
Knowledge & Understanding

6. Demonstrate a range of visual, written and verbal techniques to conceptualise, represent and communicate your ideas and completed work to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.
Communication

Students will be formativelyassessed 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 inthe 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 thre criteria as 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 –Analysis.
LO4 –Learning.
LO5 –Knowledge & Understanding.
LO6 –Communication.

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

This third design module considers the role of architecture in the wider context of urban design theory and specifically as part of the ongoing transformation and regeneration of post-industrial towns and cities such as Stoke-on-Trent. Testing ideas through a series of short design exercises focused on specific sites in the city, and culminating in a more substantive intervention which will include a small public building and an associated urban space, you will be introduced to urban catalyst theory and then engage with the principle of organic regeneration through small scale local intervention by communities and small groups. Engaging with the creative community locally, you will question the social responsibilities of ethical and sustainable regeneration, as they compete with the economic considerations which drive land and property development, and the legislative (planning) frameworks in which it occurs.

This module will invite questions about context, scale, private & public space, social behaviours, materials, landscape, density, comfort & security, ethical and sustainable regeneration and livable cities and further develop your skills in the consideration, evaluation, and communication of relevant and radical design ideas in the context of making liveable, sustainable and safe, streets, neighbourhoods, communities and cities.

During this module you will be given the opportunity to utilise the school workshops, SmartZone, and the dedicated external building space to realise concepts and prototypes and to engage in the following:
The critical analysis, interrogation, and development of a project brief.
The observation,investigation, and documentation of a site and its wider urban context, including the application of key urban design theory in its analysis.
The preparation and evaluation of concepts through model making, sketching, and drawing.
The development of an architectural proposal with regard to function, brief, and context as well as specific spatial and user requirements.
The application and evaluation of the basic principles of landscape design in relation to the design of a public open space.
The application of the principles of construction, assembly, detail design, sustainability, environment, and regulatory control to the design proposals
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 5 Modules - Collaborative Project - Studio 3; Design & Representation 2; Design Cultures 2 and Materials, Environment & Technology 2.

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

In addition, Scheduled Teaching & Learning Activities on this module will include presentations by module staff and outside specialists; specialist lectures; workshops and charette sessions. Each session in studio will commence an introduction by the module tutor.Further support materials and information will be made available on Blackboard.

Sennett, Richard (2019) Building and Dwelling: Ethics for the CityHarmondsworth, Penguin
Campbell ,Kevin (2018) Making Massive Small Change:Building the Urban Society We Want: Ideas, Tools, Tactics Chelsea Green Publishing Co
Oswalt, Overmeyer & Missellwitz (2013) Urban Catalyst–The Power of Temporary Use (Berlin) Dom Publishing
Roberts, Peter & Sykes, Hugh & Granger, Rachel (eds.) (2016) Urban Regeneration (2nd edn.) London, Sage
Parker, Simon (2015) Urban Theory and the Urban Experience: Encountering the City (2nd edn.) Routledge, London
Bentley, Alcock, Murran, McGlynn, Smith (1985) Responsive Environments(1st Edition), Architectural 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.