COURSE CURRICULUM

In Year 1 of the architecture program, students explore the foundations of architectural design and theory. Block 1: Studio 1 introduces architectural thinking through creative briefs that emphasize human-scale design and experimentation with drawing and model-making, while highlighting cultural studies and architectural history. Block 2: Studio 2 focuses on the relationship between subject, object, space, and place, encouraging students to explore sensory experiences and time-based architecture through media like animation and film, while considering ethics, inclusivity, and environmental impact. In Block 3: Studio 3, students develop their first architectural proposal, applying design strategies to real sites and users, with an emphasis on climate literacy, ethical practice, and user needs. Block 4: Studio 4 introduces architectural history, theory, and tectonics, helping students develop academic writing and reading skills, analyze case studies, and reflect on how theory informs design practice. Together, these blocks provide a comprehensive foundation in architecture, blending practical skills with critical and theoretical understanding.In Year 2 of the architecture program, students deepen their design skills through a focus on ethical, climate, and contextual literacy. In Blocks 1 and 2: *Exploring Ethical and Climate Literacy*, students integrate these concepts into architectural design, addressing issues of site, community, and environmental responsiveness. The module emphasizes the application of climate-responsive strategies, user inclusivity, and the integration of material and structural choices at a meso scale. The *Contextualizing Architectural Humanities* module offers historical and theoretical insights into global architectural movements, comparing Western architecture with other significant cultural contributions like the Golden Age of Islam and the Song Dynasty. In Blocks 3 and 4: *Practicing Ethical Design*, students tackle the design of small to medium-sized buildings that respond to climate, accessibility, and ethical considerations, incorporating local context and urban planning requirements. In the parallel *Applying Climate Literate Design* module, students learn to blend technical and environmental decisions with design principles, addressing low-energy, sustainable, and circular economy solutions through practical proposals, digital diagrams, and physical models. Together, these modules foster a holistic, ethical, and environmentally-conscious approach to architectural practice.In Year 3, architecture students advance their design and critical thinking skills through a series of in-depth modules. In *Blocks 1 and 2: Design Enquiry and Strategy*, students join thematically diverse studios that foster a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design, addressing ethical, cultural, technical, and aesthetic issues. Students are taught to craft cohesive design briefs while considering legislation around fire safety, health, life safety, and post-occupancy issues. *Critical and Cultural Thinking* builds on previous knowledge, guiding students to plan and conduct research for a dissertation that explores socio-economic, political, and cultural topics impacting architecture. In *Blocks 3 and 4: Design Proposition and Synthesis*, students integrate technical, environmental, and professional practice decisions into a comprehensive building design proposal. They also explore how people interact with spaces over time and design for adaptability. The culmination of this module is a Degree Show, where students present their work. In *Blocks 3 and 4: Design Resolution and Professionalism*, students develop zero-carbon architectural projects, resolving technical, environmental, and construction issues at both strategic and detailed scales. The module also introduces students to professional practice, including legal and contractual procedures, multi-disciplinary teamwork, and career development within the architecture industry. Together, these modules equip students with the skills necessary for professional practice and sustainable, ethical design in architecture.