Architectural Design

Core modules:

Live Project 1

This is a core module for all MAAD students. Students work together in Live Project groups with students from other Masters courses for the first six weeks of the Autumn semester. Live Project groups with a range of clients including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities. Live Projects include design/build, masterplanning, building feasibility studies, sustainability strategies, online resources and participation toolkits. In every case, the project is real, happening in real time with real people. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop student's skills in design, team building, briefing, client liaison, community engagement and project management. The projects in these modules are entirely group based, with students working mostly in teams of 13-15 people.

15 credits

Design Project 1

This module is the first in a sequence of two studio based design modules. It allows students to develop a design project. The development of advanced design skills is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Students choose to follow one studio from a range that are offered. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students skills in design - in combination with design research methodologies, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental, social and cultural issues. The different studios each have their own teaching patterns and assessment methods.

15 credits

Design Project 2

This unit is the second in a sequence of three studio based design modules. It allows students to develop a design project. The development of advanced design skills is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Students choose to follow one studio from a range that are offered. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students skills in design, in combination with design research methodologies, and along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental, social and cultural issues. The different studios each have their own teaching patterns and assessment methods.

30 credits

Reflections on Architectural Design

The unit introduces the history, theory and application of design methodologies in architecture

It provides a space for students to reflect on their own architectural design approaches and how they may relate to research, as well as reflecting on their identity as designers by engaging their critical thinking and developing decolonial and environmental awareness. Students will be able to reflect on their Design Studio work as the immediate context of application of this module.

 

15 credits

Environment and Technology in Design

An advanced course in environmental design technologies and techniques developed around a sustainable framework. The course is grouped around broad environmental and natural themes to encourage an integrated and holistic approach to technology within the design process. The module focuses on research and investigation as a tool for developing students’ understanding of complex technology concepts, including how technology integrates with the wider building and how it interacts with and is used by building occupants and users.

15 credits

Theory and Research in Design

This module aims to develop the student's overall understanding of contemporary matters and theories pertinent to architectural design and built environment issues, such as climate change and social justice. Students will develop an interdisciplinary and contemporary understanding of architecture, design, society and environment, with an emphasis on theory as a tool to open debate and provoke designerly thought and activity on alternative views and approaches to architecture and design.

The module consists of lectures that introduce and describe contemporary concepts and theories applicable to built environment, architecture, and design research, in tandem with seminars through the Theory Forum, a conference hosted annually by the Sheffield School of Architecture, focusing each year on a theme of contemporary relevance for architectural theory and practice.

The aim of the module is to develop the student's ability to write in a way that deals with complex issues, and that addresses the outcomes of the module.

15 credits

Architectural Design Thesis Project

This module allows students to develop their own in-depth project based on an individual research theme and the synthesised knowledge and skills gained from all previous units required for this programme.

60 credits

Optional modules:

Conservation and Regeneration Principles and Approaches

This module introduces a range of theoretical and practical approaches to architectural design interventions in the historic built environment. It will explore conceptual and philosophical debates within architectural conservation and heritage studies, addressing the conflicting and complementary approaches that have historically been employed. You will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of conservation and built heritage issues and to evaluate the role of architectural conservation in historical rural and urban regeneration.

15 credits

Participation in Architecture and Urban Design

The unit introduces the history, theory and application of participation in architecture and urban design. Based on a critical analysis of precedents, students will be expected to develop their own participatory methods for use in urban design

15 credits

Parametric Architectural Geometry

This module aims to support an emerging need to better understand concepts and skills for architectural geometry construction using parametric modelling processes. In particular, the course emphasizes computational schemes that can assist designers in managing geometry data and propagating designs. Students are introduced to both the theoretical framework and implementation of architectural geometry construction. This module is delivered through a series of lectures, hands-on workshops and individual assignments/projects. As a result students will learn contemporary parametric modelling techniques for customizing generative design systems, navigating design variations, analysing design artefacts and exploring design manifestations.

15 credits

Power, Space, Society

The unit focuses on socio-political, economical, ideological and cultural factors shaping and influencing buildings and cities. In a tradition of critical theory, this module analyses hidden aspects of built environment causing social exclusion / inclusion and oppression / emancipation. Through lectures and group seminars, the module will provide an introduction to critical analyses of built environment in a global context. Each session is organised around a particular issue analysed in diverse contexts.

15 credits

Behaviour in the Built Environment

The urban/built environment influences the behaviour of people; equally, people’s behaviour can shape the environment. Understanding the interaction between people and their environment promotes the design of spaces and buildings that meet the needs of the people who occupy them. This module will discuss principles of behavioural and environmental psychology in the context of the design and management of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the application and interpretation of behavioural research methods. A key objective is for students to be better equipped to deliver a sustainable environment that meets user requirements.

15 credits

Building Environmental Simulation and Analysis

The course unit aims to provide a general understanding of, and practical experience in computer modelling software systems. This involves the following: Thorough understanding of basic concepts of computer simulation, develop the ability to apply these concepts in real life situations. Understanding the use of computer simulation and the need to use the appropriate software to answer a specific enquiry. Understanding the relationships between the required outcome of a simulation exercise and the input details necessary to produce a valid answer.

15 credits

Southern Urbanisms: Decolonial Perspectives on 'Global South' Cities

This module aims to decolonise architectural and urban theory by engaging with Southern perspectives currently relevant in contemporary urbanisation to understand cities both in Global South and North. Built environment professionals need more awareness of the diversity of cultures and values in relation to how cities are being shaped, and thereby generate a 'pluriversal' sensitivity. Given that Northern theories often fail to articulate southern urban contexts due to difference in empirics, this module engages with both canonical and emerging conceptualisations from/on Global South cities, and Southern positions in/on Global North through lectures, seminars and a reflective essay. The module provides the necessary research skills to navigate across multiple disciplinary discourses (urban studies, geography, international development), analyse and draw insights for informing architectural and urban design processes in Global South / Southern contexts.

15 credits

Spaces of Feminism

The module aims to introduce students to the relationship between space and feminist frameworks  to include questions of intersectionality, care, displacement, development, and environment. 

Starting from a feminist perspective of space developed in the Western context, the module expands to distinct geographies to engage nuanced approaches to the question of otherness - including feminist perspectives on 'other modernities' (socialist, 'Eastern', 'Southern' and so forth). Through lectures and group seminars, the module explores contexts of geographies of the Global East and Global South to discuss their intersecting histories of feminism and space. The focus will be on postsocialist and postcolonial contexts to address wide-ranging themes, debates around embodiment and lived experience as the basis for a conception of space that examines questions of the gendered, political, racialized, and so forth dimensions of spatial experience and their intertwining. Each session is organised around a thematic lecture and followed by group discussion around a number of prerequisite text readings.

15 credits

Narrative Futures: Architecture and Society

Narrative Futures explores the history and practice of speculative thought in architecture. It reviews the genealogy of architectural projects and practices that have used temporality, especially futurology, as their main methodology and output. Narrative Futures aims to equip students with an understanding of the way that architecture has been and continues to be used as a form of narrative to imagine, caution, motivate and stir conversations on critical social issues. With readings, lectures, and seminars, the module follows a series of historical and contemporary case studies of speculative and critical architecture, contextualising them in their social and political context and performing a close analysis of their narrative and communication tools. Historical awareness is used to support students in understanding the potential of narrative and futures in their own design projects.  

15 credits