AA3RXM-Reflective and Explorative Making in Architecture

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: AA1VCI Visualisation and Communication in Architectural Design $£ An Introduction and AA2VCC Visualisation and Communication in Architectural Design $£ Digital Media
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Sayan Skandarajah
Email: s.skandarajah@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module encourages students to develop their own critical stance towards the design process in architecture, allowing the act of making to inform and develop ideas rather than simply convey them. We will explore how a creative attitude towards the use of media, techniques and narratives drive an architectural process that contains iterative rigour. The module will build on and extend ways of physical model making through applied skills and ask the student to respond imaginatively through their own unique sustained outcome. Students will be asked to situate their approach within the broader context of theoretical and architectural design practice.

Aims:

1. Build on practical techniques of architectural modelling and making using a variety of materials, media and equipment through training and practical workshops.


2. Develop attitudes and critical thinking towards design as an iterative, intuitive and experimental process.


3. Enhance and demonstrate a variety of skillsets to be found in student’s portfolio

Assessable learning outcomes:

Through a singular sustained and extended project, the student will be able to demonstrate:

1. An application of advanced making and drawing skills using a range of media that have been developed iteratively throughout the module.


2. An understanding of conceptual and theoretical drivers for the creative development of their own design process.


3. An ability to develop a critical stance to the project through a written evaluation.

An ability to document and communicate both the process and the outcome of the extended project, through sketches, diagrams and a considered use of Photography.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also demonstrate:

1. Creative rigour in the development of their own project and in the resolution of their ideas.


2. Portfolio making skills and the ability to prepare a crafted and curated output.

Outline content:

Students will undertake a sustained and extended modelling project throughout the term developing skills and processes as the module develops. Students will engage in a process built on variation and iteration, building on and experimenting with conceptual drivers for ways of developing architectural design.

Each week the students will be introduced to ways of working and allow these techniques and processes to have an impact on their project. Using a range of media and an application of appropriate graphic conventions to drive the design of their project, the final outcome will be developed and refined throughout the sessions as a whole, and be documented through photography. Alongside this, a curated output of progress work, process documentation and a written evaluation will follow the project as it grows and develops.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be structured across four strains of teaching:

1. Lectures on thematic approaches and critical underpinning to module, including aspects of theoretical approaches and an overview of key precedents.


2. Skills workshops on specific techniques on making, involving practical engagement with students.


3. Working sessions, conducted both at the workshop on London Road and within the students dedicated studio environment, where students will continue to develop their own project under supervision.


4. Tutorials and feedback sessions to help steer and define the strategies and direction of the output.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials	10
Practicals classes and workshops	15
Supervised time in studio/workshop	20
Guided independent study:	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (independent)	10
Ìý Ìý Completion of formative assessment tasks	20
Ìý Ìý Reflection	5
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term		0	0
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 final portfolio submission, 100%

Formative assessment methods:

This module will include formative assessment through feedback sessions and sign-up tutorials.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed by August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023