Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Architectural Technology 3
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BSV09105
Module leader: Bernardino D'Amico
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module is structured around two key components: a Group Precedent Study and a Design Project for a workplace. In the first part of the module, students collaborate in small groups to investigate and analyse the operational processes within a selected architectural precedent. This task is student-led, allowing each group to choose a building of interest. The study focuses on understanding how the architectural design accommodates specific processes, examining technology solutions, material strategies, environmental performance, and technical systems. Building on insights gained from the precedent study, students undertake on the development of an architectural design project. This phase requires students to critically evaluate the given design brief, assess contextual constraints, and generate a unique architectural solution. Emphasis is placed on integrating technical design solutions, addressing structural, technological, environmental, and material considerations while ensuring that proposals are both innovative and contextually grounded. Technical Skills and Sustainable Design Integration: throughout the module, students are introduced to parametric design tools through tutorials, providing them with the skills to develop computationally-driven architectural solutions. These tools enable exploration of lightweight architectural systems and technologies, fostering an understanding of material efficiency, structural optimisation, and responsive design strategies. Additionally, the module strongly emphasizes low-carbon design solutions, encouraging students to incorporate passive design strategies, sustainable material selections, and energy-efficient systems into their projects. By the end of the module, students will have developed a comprehensive design proposal that demonstrates critical thinking, technical proficiency, and an awareness of sustainable architectural design.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Develop an understanding of parametric design workflows, including their implementation and application, to generate architectural design solutions.

LO2: Work collaboratively throughout the design process, evaluating team workflows, and present design outputs as a cohesive group.

LO3: Interpret the requirements and provide a rationale for brief development.

LO4: Provide a rationale for the design approach taken and justify the building solution in its context.

LO5: Utilise a problem solving approach to create technical detail design solutions.

LO6: Develop and present a portfolio.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Bernardino D'Amico
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 100 Independent study focuses on developing skills and knowledge in computer-based architectural design software, as introduced during in-class tutorial sessions. Students are expected to refine their proficiency in these tools to support their design work. Additionally, independent study involves researching relevant technical information and case studies to inform their approach to the module assignments. All independent study activities are expected to be carried out within a collaborative design
Face To Face Lecture 60 The module includes frontal lectures where students are introduced to key technical information relevant to architectural design and analysis. These sessions provide foundational knowledge on structural systems, material strategies, environmental performance, and technological solutions, equipping students with the necessary theoretical background to inform their precedent study and design project.
Face To Face Tutorial 18 These hands-on sessions introduce students to parametric modelling software through guided technical instruction, tailored to generate relevant design solutions for the module assignments, the tutorials follow a learning-by-doing approach, allowing students to actively engage with the tools while developing practical skills.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 22 Special emphasis is placed on team-based working methodologies, with guidance on how to implement effective collaborative workflows. This approach replicates the dynamics of a professional design studio, preparing students for real-world architectural practice.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 25 2~6 Week 5 , WORDS= 8-10 minutes The Precedent Case Study Presentation is a team-based assignment designed to analyse and learn from an existing architectural project. By investigating a relevant case study, students will gain insights into material choices, construction technologies, environmental considerations, and design strategies. The findings will be presented in a recorded group presentation, helping to inform and strengthen the approach to the remainder of the assignment.
Technical Drawing 50 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 HOURS= six A1 boards The Design Project assignment is a team-based task focused on developing a non-domestic building project using a parametric (computational) design workflow. It involves creating concept and technical drawings while integrating lightweight architectural solutions and sustainable design strategies.
Project - Written 25 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 3000 Words This assessment involves writing a technical report that accompanies the technical drawings for a non-domestic building based on a parametric (computational) design workflow. The report will describe the key technical aspects of the design, including technological solutions, material choices, and sustainability strategies integrated into the project.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BSV09105 Architectural Technology 3
 

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