The module aims to explore in detail a current issue in contemporary architecture to develop a design discourse based on a critical position.
By understanding a reciprocal relationship between research and design, the module equips students with tools to develop their design thesis and to formulate their architectural design discourse in the form of an original design thesis proposal.
Research Leads engaged in professional practice or academia bring a subject specific perspective to the area of study. A theme of exploration is driven by students and guided by one of our existing research strands and can be associated with a specific building type, urban issue or a theoretical agenda. Research through spatial exploration is developed in groups to determine the focus of the design agenda. Students submit drawings, reports and models/constructions that are presented to review panels for open forum discussion.

(LO1) Knowledge and awareness of important contemporary architectural and urban design issues and precedents.

(LO2) The ability to prepare design discourse, concepts, strategies that relate to and satisfy the ambitions of the project.

(LO3) The ability to select and utilise appropriate visual, oral and written methods that will effectively communicate complex architectural theories, concepts and designs.

(LO4) The ability to establish a productive and strategic relationship between design and research.

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

(S2) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S3) Interdisciplinary information skills - Information accessing: Locating relevant information, identifying and evaluating information sources across disciplines.

(S4) Research skills - All Information skills

(S5) Personal attributes and qualities - Initiative

(S6) Critical and strategic thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S7) Research dissemination and Communication: Ability to strategically communicate and disseminate research findings verbally and in physical and online forums (website, social media)

The precise study focus will vary depending on agenda of the research. However, lectures, seminars and group project work will be used to explore the theory and practice of a contemporary issue of importance. Past themes have been centred around conservation, climate change, representation of marginalised communities, housing and urban flow. Visiting tutors from esteemed professional practice or academia alongside the research groups will bring critical agendas to lead the focus of the project.

*An original design thesis needs to be both experimental and rigorous, responding to
-an actual problem(s): Topical
-or by developing solution that anticipates certain problem(s): Speculative

After selecting a research group, students will study and assess ongoing and past projects and develop their own agenda, a “new research by design project” that would fit in with the interest of their respective RG.
In research by design methods, the experimental p rocess is ensured by finding the right design tool(s). The design tool is a medium through which the thesis is represented and by which the discourse is constructed.

The methodology in the context of the module ensures a rigorous, analytical design process. The process allows:
-gathering and producing relevant data/ information through a series of experiments.
-assessing them through design tests and by doing so, developing an experimental iterative process, tests and feedback loops. The design tests are essential in ensuring the relationship between the theoretical research and its design possibilities, relevance.
-through the process the students will be choosing various design techniques and tools that will be instrumental in the design process and its representation.
-Applying these techniques/ methods will allow them to further articulate their hypothesis.

To develop their own design methodology, relevant to their chosen topic, students will be offered a series of workshops. Each workshop will introduce a different medium through which spatial, social, political, environmental relationships can be analysed and represented.
Each workshop will employ a set of design tools, which might align with methods employed by their research groups or complement them by offering a different lens through which the research can be assessed.
Workshop leads have a unique interdisciplinary research-based practice with an experimental design/artistic process.

Tutorials take place at weekly intervals. Occasional presentations or lecture might take place as part of the workshops. Three critical reviews take place during the duration of the project. Formative assessment presentation takes place towards the end of the project but several weeks prior to final submission.

Teaching Method 1 - Seminars and Reviews
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Seminars Description: The studio will include reading seminars workshops introducing key topics in the module. Punctual lectures and presentations will be given by tutors, guest or students. These will be followed by a seminar session.
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be directed to reading lists and additional sources and information on Canvas and other digital online material.
Review Description: The studio will include two critique sessions with external reviewers. These sessions will help analyse the students’ proposals; students’ presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be encouraged to keep track of comments and follow up with discussions with their peers.

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Description: Most weekly sessions through the semester will be structured as tutorials. The one- and a half hour session will be formatted as workshops, in which the students will discuss their project and presentation, including topics, methods, locations and other related issues. One of these workshops might include a visit to a selected site inside or outside the UK (depending on circumstances). In addition, professional experts will be invited to discuss real-world related cases/issues with the students in some of these workshops. Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be directed to reading lists and additional sources and information on Canvas and other digital online material. Students will be encouraged to choose and develop their own case studies for the coursework and presentation.

Teaching Method 3 - Workshop
Attendance Recorded: Yes
To develop their own design methodology, relevant to their chosen topic, students will be offered a series of works hops. Each workshop will introduce a different medium through which spatial, social, political, environmental relationships can be analysed and represented.
Each workshop will employ a set of design tools, which might align with methods employed by their research groups or complement them by offering a different lens through which the research can be assessed.
Workshop leads have a unique interdisciplinary research-based practice with an experimental design/artistic process.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.