HE Directory 2012-2013 - Shock of the Arts

YEAR 1Year 1: Architecture and Material Culture. Followingan introduction to key concepts and methods, you willstart by making physical models and exploring formsof representation and manipulation of architecturalform by graphic, photographic and digital means.Small scale individual and group studio projects allowan exploration of the methods of realisation, includingthe conventions of architectural drawing as a meansof communication, and methods of construction.In parallel with design projects, you will alsobroaden your understanding of both historical andcontemporary precedents in architectural design.All work is thoroughly documented and presentedin a final individual portfolio.YEAR 2Year 2: Urban Interventions. You will build onthe making experiences by exploring the issuesof building in the local urban context througharchitectural intervention projects. This willinclude the measurement, research, analysis, andrepresentation of a local site. Through an informedunderstanding of context, you will propose innovativeand thoughtful interventions to house public, convivialactivities associated with the economic and physicalopportunities of the local urban context. Theory andhistory will inform the understanding of the uniquecultural context of the region. The special technicalissues of building with existing buildings and theirrole in a sustainable city will be considered.YEAR 3Year 3: Social Practice. The year begins withexperimentation and speculation about architecturalideas. Then, through a single architectural challenge,you will explore the role of the architect in makingarchitecture. Methods and precedents of practicein shaping the built environment will focus oncontemporary issues of architecture, responding to thesocial context of architectural practice. Architecturaldesign will be explored as one of the ways in which ourbuilt environment is conceived and perceived. Therole of the architect will be considered alongside themotivations of clients, development, construction,planning, legal regulation and wider social, economicand cultural values. The vehicle for this considerationwill remain a physical proposition for built form,and include the integration of the various servicerequirements and an understanding of constructionprocesses. You will demonstrate the necessary skills inboth drawings and digital media (including CAD) andthe year will conclude with the production of a portfolioof work which will prepare you for employment or postgraduatestudy (including ARB part 2), while providinga qualification with transferable skills suitable to thewider creative industries.INTERVIEWS AND PORTFOLIOSInterviews are an opportunity for you todemonstrate to us your self-motivationand commitment to studyingarchitecture. We will be particularlyinterested in exploring how you haveresponded to a given brief from yourschool or college. We will expect to seea rich variety of work, including somewritten as well as contextual work,with samples of three-dimensionalpieces you have produced (the piecesthemselves or a photographic recordof them). We would also like to seesketchbooks that demonstrate thinkingand curiosity, and some observationaldrawing. If you can provide samples ofwork that you have produced outsideof your studies this will also helpreinforce your portfolio.WHAT WE LOOK FORThis course aims to develop highlyskilled, insightful and creativegraduates and students will needto show creativity, self-motivation,passion and enthusiasm towardsa career in architecture. You willneed to be able to demonstratethree-dimensional makingabilities, observational drawingskills, curiosity and problem-solvingskills, theoretical understandingand an interest in the design ofboth domestic and public places.MORE INFORMATIONA ‘Showcase’ has been designedto give you the opportunity totake a closer look at the facilities,studios, staff and tutors of thiscourse, together with examples ofcurrent student projects, recentwork placements, graduate careerprospects, exhibitions, eventsand awards, links with industryand other interesting facts. Thereis also further information aboutentry qualifications and the potentialcost of materials and visits.WWW.AUCB.AC.UK/ARCHITECTURESHOWCASEThe University College also plans to offer MArchstudy from 2012 (subject to validation) – further detailsmay be found on our website.