Architecture: Collaborative Practice

First year core modules:

Live Project 1

This is a core module for 5th Year MArch students and MArch Collaborative Practice students. Students work in Live Project groups with a range of clients including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities. Live Projects include design/build, master planning, 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 students' 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. The Y5 Live Project module is closely integrated with the Management, Practice and Law Y5 module ALA309.

15 credits

Architectural Research Methods

The module is an introduction to a broad range of research methods in architecture. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of students in a department of architecture that encourages an interdisciplinary, integrated and ethical approach to research. It also introduces students to the idea of design as a research method and encourages them to start to develop their own praxis through their ongoing coursework, particularly through the dissertation and design manifesto modules. Lecture content is delivered via the Theory Forum - an international conference hosted annually by Sheffield School of Architecture, focusing each year on a theme of contemporary relevance for architectural theory and practice. It provides an intense introduction to the theory, history and contemporary discourse around the theme, through engaging with national and international researchers. Students  are asked to write an academic essay in which they describe, compare and critique the methods used by two of the presentations or papers at the Theory Forum.

10 credits

Management and Practice 1

This module introduces students to aspects of briefing and team-working within an architectural project, together with an overview of factors related to the running of an architectural practice. Built around lectures and seminars, the 3-day module is designed to provide candidates with entrepreneurial skills and develop their understanding of multi professional collaborative working to help them in in dealing with both clients and users and the implications of a multidisciplinary teamworking. The focus of the module is on understanding, managing and improving the briefing process.

10 credits

Reflective Design Practice

Emphasis is placed upon the development of research by reflective design where practice based learning becomes a tool to rigorously investigate lines of enquiry. The aim is for students to research, analyse, and reflect on their current practice project and develop alternative outline proposals. Specific programmes and projects will vary on an annual and individual basis. The projects are chosen in liaison with the student's Practice Mentor and Course Leader to develop research by design skills. There is an emphasis on students being able to participate in a meaningful dialogue with design methodologies used in contemporary practice.

45 credits

Environment and Technology in Practice 1

The module is delivered entirely through distance learning to students based within architectural practice covering the following:1. The global context of climate change and the role of architectural practice in terms of mitigation and adaptation.2. The principles and skills of building environmental simulation, analysis and design and their integration into practice based design.3. The principles and application in practice of advanced architectural construction and materiality.4. A critical understanding of the application of integrated technology in architectural practice.

10 credits

Dissertation Proposal: Collaborative Practice

This module develops a critical written study. It is an opportunity for students to investigate an aspect of architecture in which they are interested and would like to explore in more depth. There is an option to relate the subject to a current or future topic that could have relevance to the practice. The dissertation may involve original research and contribute to the subject area through reasoning and critical analysis. Topics usually fall within one of the following subject areas: architectural theory, architectural history, technology/environment, structures, management and practice, CAD/digital realm, landscape and urban design.

15 credits

Reflections on Architectural Practice

This module develops and consolidates the critical written study instigated in Year 5 (Dissertation Proposal: Collaborative Practice). The module assimilates and concludes the initial work towards a critical reflection and conclusion through the production of the written dissertation or research document.

15 credits

Second year core modules:

Design 3

The module is the third of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop student skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.

15 credits

Design 4

This module is the fourth of 4 sequential modules that make up the course of studio based design projects that form the core of the MArch course. The development of advanced design skills in the MArch is based on a 'studio' system, with different tutors setting agendas and projects that encompass a diverse range of themes. Specific projects vary on an annual basis, but are chosen to develop students' skills in design, along with an integrated understanding of technological, environmental and cultural issues.

30 credits

Live Project 2

This is a core module for 6th Year MArch students, MArch Collaborative Practice and MALA students. Students work in 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 Manifesto

The Design Manifesto is a part of the Y6 thesis project and is integral to the development of Y6 studio design work (i.e. Design 3 and 4, ALA411 and ALA401). 

The Design Manifesto presents the processes, decision-making and ambitions that have informed the development of the thesis project to date and will continue to inform and define the development of the project.

Although the spatial design may be at a preliminary stage, the manifesto should engage with both spatial design and research in order to envisage a provocation or clear ambition for the development of the thesis project.

15 credits

Environment and Technology 2

This module is a course of advanced construction, environmental design and technology. It includes the preparation for and completion of an integrated technology report on a major 6th year design project.

15 credits

Management and Practice 2

The module is designed through comparative analysis in a seminar and a workshop format, and will focus on innovative building procurement and project funding. A range of procurement routes will be discussed, including collaborative procurement (PPC2000 contract, NEC Partnering contract, NHS Estates procure 21, PFI, Supply Chain Management and collaboration, MoD Prime Contracting), self building and cooperatives. Dispute resolution mechanisms - Adjudication, Arbitration and Mediation - inherent within some of these procurement systems discussed will also be covered. The module will also discuss broader economic issues with regards, in particular, to social enterprising.

15 credits

Dissertation 2

This module is for those students taking the MArch Architecture: Collaborative Practice programme. This module involves student reflections on their experience in practice and comparing it to their experience of design within a School of Architecture. The module will be broad ranging, looking at the influence of factors including: briefing, design philosophy, design development, budgets, sustainability and regulatory requirements. Assessment will reflect student's individual experiences and situations through a personal Reflective Journal. The work will also relate to the Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR) as required by the RIBA.

15 credits