Technical Studies 2 consists of three nested subjects: Passive Environmental Design Systems (A), Structural and Construction Systems (B) and Planning and Building Regulations (C).
‘Passive Environmental Design Systems’ presents energy and environmental issues faced in the field of architecture and provides an introduction to the design of passive environmental systems for buildings, their integration into building fabric and structural systems, and selection of appropriate equipment and materials. Both the fundamental theories and presentations of case studies (including lessons from the vernacular) are used for applied understanding of environmental solutions to climate requirements. The module is delivered as a lecture series and assessed using a report on vernacular architecture and the application of passive strategies.
‘Structural and Constructional Systems’ marks the point at which students begin to integrate structural, material, environmental, and construction systems within architectural design. Building on foundational knowledge, it introduces coordinated thinking across systems, façade engineering, resilience, and carbon-informed decision-making at an intermediate level of complexity. The module is delivered as a lecture series, including a site visit, and assessed through a two-hour examination designed to test students’ ability to analyse, synthesise, and apply technical principles to integrated design scenarios.
‘Planning and Building Regulations’ is a reflective exercise where a work of architecture is presented and examined through the lens of planning policy and the building regulations. Students explore planning policy and key Approved Documents, and how these can inform, constrain and enhance architectural designs. The module is delivered as a short lecture series alongside seminars, and is assessed as a design report to allow examination and testing of key policies and regulations for a work of architecture.