Develop a critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction.

Develop technical knowledge and awareness about the environmental performance of buildings.

Develop technical knowledge and awareness of current and emerging technologies and their application in construction.

Develop an understanding of contemporary construction practice techniques such as prefabrication.

Develop skills in detailed design and presentation through the process of analysing contemporary construction and digital practices.

Develop basic knowledge about contemporary digital practice and its application in architecture and construction.

Develop the ability to represent/communicate technical solutions in appropriate ways and media.

(LO1) Develop a critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction.

(LO2) Develop technical knowledge and awareness about the environmental performance of buildings.

(LO3) Develop an understanding of contemporary construction practice techniques.

(LO4) Develop skills in detailed design and presentation through the process of analysing contemporary construction and digital practices.

(LO5) Demonstrate an ability to represent and communicate technical solutions successfully, at different detail scales and in appropriate ways and media in order to communicate ideas to clients and other professionals.

(LO6) Understand and use intermediate, current and emerging design technologies in architecture.

(LO7) Understand and be able to employ different materials, processes, methods and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction by investigating and analysing architectural precedents.

(LO8) Be able to reflect holistically on design and materials, structure and environmental strategy choices as well as the proposed construction methodology.

(LO9) Learn to work collaboratively on a group assignment that mimics real-life architectural practice and, in the process, develop ownership and individual accountability, a sense of collegiality, critical thinking, self-questioning and negotiation.

(S1) Problem solving skills.

(S2) Teamwork.

(S3) Communication and presentation skills.

(S4) IT skills.

(S5) Time management.

Key topics and subjects covered in the module include:
• Intermediate Technologies
• Current Technologies
• Emerging Technologies

This module covers constructional options, environmental technologies and digital techniques for contemporary design. It emphasizes the nexus between design intentions and construction choices through the discussion of built examples which make use of technology as a point of departure in the design process, rather than as an add-on or afterthought.

Students will gain an understanding of strategies for building construction and develop the ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques. Students will also gain knowledge of principles associated with designing visually, acoustically and thermally comfortable environments, strategies for building services, and an ability to integrate these into a design project.
Working at a variety of scales students will investigate alte rnative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design.

Content is available to students via lecture notes and recordings accessible through Canvas, as well as additional reference material and key learning resources. A list of recommended readings is available online via Reading List@Liverpool.

Students are expected to review lecture notes, lecture recordings and reference material in preparation for the coursework as well as the exam. Students are also expected to find additional specific resources on the coursework assignment.

Teaching Method: Lecture (60 minutes, 12 weeks)
Description: Lectures on intermediate, current and emerging design technologies.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method: Drop-in (60 minutes, 12 weeks)
Description: Interactive sessions to discuss content, ask and answer questions
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method: Tutorial (4 weeks)
Description: Group tutorials on the coursework assignment
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-directed Learning: Research for coursework, review of teaching material.