YEARBOOK 2018 - 2019 | XJTLU DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

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2018-2019 YEARBOOK Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Department of Architecture 西 交 利 物 浦 大 学 建 筑 系
MASTER OF
ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN
PROGRAMME
INTRODUCTION
The Master of Architectural Design (MArchDes) is a 2-year, full
time, professional postgraduate programme, delivering the learning
outcomes as defined by the General Criteria and the Graduate
Attributes to qualify for RIBA Part 2. It prepares students for two
main purposes: to work as fully qualified professional architects;
and as independent researchers, enabling them to undertake
further post-graduate studies. Upon successful completion, an
international Master of Architectural Design degree is awarded
from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
The programme was awarded unconditional RIBA Part 2 validation
and to date remains the only RIBA validated Masters programme
at a mainland Chinese university. The programme is also registered
with and recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education
(MoE). With its third cohort graduating in 2019, the programme is
steadily growing in numbers and gaining recognition both locally
and internationally. A one-semester student exchange with the
University of Liverpool was established starting from 2018.
The programme provides a rich alternative to post-graduate
provision in architecture within China, building both on its
international academic staff and extensive facilities. The Design
Building at XJTLU offers various workshop facilities and a rich
variety of digital equipment, featuring in particular a large number
of 3D printers. All students are provided with computers and
individual studio workspaces.
A wide selection of workshops and events are available for MArch
Des students, including dedicated field trips and events, such as
a field trip to Singapore focusing on sustainable construction
technology and international workshops organised in collaboration
with the architectural design studio of Doshi, Pritzker Prize winner
in 2018.
The Masters programme reflects the unique geographical situation
of our university, which is located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province,
China. Being part of the metropolitan area of the Yangtze River
delta, we continue to search for innovative ways of balancing
the conditions of a globalised economy against the constraints of
individual, local, and regional realities. The Department’s special
location stimulates students, as well as faculty members, to critically
review the ideas and habits, values and ideologies that shape our
professional identities. Embracing diversity as a key value, and
developing a dynamic and supportive studio culture is crucial for
us. The education we offer has three main concerns: state-of-theart
technical skills and knowledge; ample design practice; and a
humanities-based education that assists students in navigating
between eastern and western cultures in the development of their
creative and critical thinking skills.
Classes are delivered by predominantly international educators
and are conducted exclusively in English. The design studio is
central to the Department’s teaching practices, and encourages