Architecture and Landscape BA

Core modules:

Introductory Environmental Design Studio

This unit is designed to introduce students to architectural and landscape design in a studio context. The module will be structured through a series of short design projects, which students will be asked to respond to in an imaginative and critical manner. Methods of representation will be introduced, including model-making, technical drawing and sketching. Students will study a limited palette of native trees and shrubs. They will study freehand and three-dimensional abstract design as a means of evaluating, creating and representing designs. Experimentation, subjectivity and objectivity will enhance the learning process. An integrated project brief for the final semester studio project is taught jointly across the department of Landscape Architecture and Architecture and reviewed and assessed jointly. This integrated project enables students to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired in Architecture and Landscape Architecture to a single project site.

30 credits

Architectural Design (Landscape) 2

A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: widen perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design.

20 credits

The Dynamic Landscape

This unit is designed to further develop the landscape design skills and knowledge gained in the 1st semester. The module runs over 12 weeks and will be largely studio-based, but there will be field trips and visits. Based on one site students will work through all the stages of design development from site analysis through to final presentation. Precedent will be used to inform practice and students will undertake self-directed study to build knowledge of the theoretical basis of the design approach in such settings. Students will further develop their understanding of and use of landform manipulation, vegetation and other built structures to create a variety of space and experience. Studio exercises and seminars will be central to the learning process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction with water and approaches to the 'water's edge' in the landscape. Graphic skills, freehand and technical, needed to convey ideas at both the design development and the presentation stage (essential to the landscape architect ) will be developed with further teaching in the area of digital design communication. Development of the knowledge of vegetation, particularly native trees, and its use and place in the landscape will take place through taught sessions, field study and individual research.

20 credits

Environment and Technology 1

The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of planet and place including:

-  climate literacy and climate justice, building in the era of the climate emergency

-  principles of regenerative design and ecology

-  historical overview of solar architecture

10 credits

Environment and Technology 2

The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.

This module (ALA104) and the preceding module (ALA103) are paired thematically and present principles of planet and place, including in this module:

- designing with site and context

- designing with climate and microclimate

- designing with passive solar principles

- designing with air and water

- designing with materials and layers

10 credits

Humanities 1

ALA105 explores the reciprocal relationship between architecture, the built environment and society, introducing a broad range of inhabitations and domestic settings across the world and across time. Through a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach lectures will examine how humans have approached their needs for shelter and inhabitation, and the relationship between domestic types and public life, both in the past and in the present. The course seeks to establish that architecture is socially contextualised through style, symbolic references, typologies, use, materiality, meaning, structure, layout, and form, and also through the framing of human activities and rituals. By adopting a global approach the course engages with broader questions of locality, exchange, and architecture's adaptability.

10 credits

Humanities 2

ALA106 examines how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to its wider contexts - in particular, climate breakdown. Neither architecture nor climate are simply technical phenomena: both are social, political, and cultural; both raise questions about resources, land, economics, labour, policy, infrastructure, and more. We will explore these entanglements starting from a series of building case studies, and moving outwards to explore the wider material and immaterial networks that constitute architecture and climate. You will begin to position yourself in relation to these and other networks, and reflect on how you might encounter them in your future. Lectures will relate the physical making of the modern world to political, social, and other constructions.

The module will introduce histories and theories of architecture yet emphasise an interdisciplinary approach that mobilises knowledge and methods from across the humanities. It aims to contribute to your development as a critical thinker and researcher and help you both define your own personal agendas and tools and evolve informed and rigorous arguments in both words and images.

10 credits

Reading the Designed Landscape

This module introduces students to the full scope and diversity of landscape architecture and the role of landscape architects in tackling contemporary social and environmental issues, presenting and giving examples of the areas of practice known as design, management and planning, with particular reference to the Sheffield area. The role of the Landscape Institute is also introduced. The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the range of work undertaken by landscape architects and the challenges the profession seeks to address.

10 credits

Core modules:

Architectural Design (ALA) 3

A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the experience of the first year design studio. The scale of projects addressed increases from those encountered in the first year, with more complex briefs. Consideration is given to issues of sustainability, the relation of buildings to their urban context and the design of outside spaces. The technical aspects of the work aim to further develop an understanding of building structure, construction, materials and services in relation to the overall design concept.

30 credits

Architectural Design (ALA) 4

ALA222 follows on directly from ALA221. Together they form an integrated sequence of projects for the second year architectural design studio course. ALA222 continues the practical architectural design work of ALA221, but concentrates on the design of a medium-sized public building, including the integration of technical and environmental elements.

30 credits

Urban Ecological Planting Design

This module will focus on fundamental principles related to designing with plants in urban environments. The emphasis will be on natural processes and the interrelationship between planting and various landscape components in the design process. The module introduces the use of plants in urban and landscapes to develop designed plant communities that are successful in supporting biodiversity, human richness of experience and specific functional needs. By the end of the module students will be familiar with a basic palette of plants for use in design, their botanical names, visual and use characteristics familiar with key aesthetic, functional and ecological principles underpinning planting design: have practised the basic principles of plant selection according to site conditions: have developed stimulating, creative, attractive and easily interpreted planting plans and sections - elevations based on colour, textural and structural characteristics: have evaluated the structural role of plants in defining landscape spaces at a range of scales.

20 credits

Cultural Studies - urban landscape

The series of lectures, presentations and discussions explores the history, forms and meaning of urban environments. The main objective is to provide inspiration and motivation for both the intellectual and creative facets of design activities in cities. The insight into landscape culture and practices will provide the basis on which to develop thought patterns and solutions for design issues at the landscape scale.

10 credits

Environment and Technology 3

The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. 

This module (ALA203) and the following module (ALA204) are paired thematically and present principles of building and resources, including in this module:

-  principles of building structures and foundations, materials for structure

-  embodied energy (embodied carbon) in structures, structural design using low-carbon, low-environmental-impact, recycled and renewable materials

-  barrier free design (accessibility) and design for fire safety

10 credits

Humanities 4

This module covers a wide-ranging cultural and political history of architecture and its relationship between changing states of society, the development of urban culture and institutions, and the growth of knowledge and ideas. The module pivots between scientific knowledge and artistic and cultural development, and is intended to help students from both scientific, social sciences and arts and humanities backgrounds to begin to make connections and understand the broader context within which architecture is set.

10 credits

Materials of Landscape - Construction Design

The module gives a broad introduction to different approaches to designing and detailing a typical range of landscape structures in different design contexts. It introduces a basic understanding of the properties of different construction materials and how appropriate detailing can support sustainable design. The project is integrated with the architecture design studio and students are required to produce a design solution and accompanying construction details for an area of open space related to their architecture. All drawings are produced using computer aided design software.

10 credits

Core modules:

Architectural Design (Landscape) 5

A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, and in particular to the landscape and urban design context. Students are encouraged to make connections between their architectural design and landscape design. A wider range of building types is introduced that require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.

30 credits

Architectural Design 6

A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.

30 credits

Advanced Planting Design

This module builds on the understanding of plants and planting design gained through ALA215 Urban Ecological Design and Planting. It develops understanding of plant selection, establishment and management on landscapes sites. Planting design skills are further developed by a more complex project that provides students with the opportunity to explore the latest issues in planting design.It is integrated with ALA307 Integrated Urban Design Project, in that it follows the same overall development brief and site.

10 credits

Environment and Technology 5 (ALA)

This module is a sister-module of the main Environment and Technology 5 module (ALA348) and has been designed specifically for students undertaking a dual-honours programme combining studies in Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

ALA304 is delivered jointly with ALA348. In addition to the principles presented in ALA348, the ALA304 module contains principles of Management, Practice and Law specifically for Landscape Architecture students that explore and develop understanding of architectural practice in relation to legal, economic and contractual scenarios.

The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.

The ALA348 module and the following module in the year (ALA311) are paired thematically and present principles of people and comfort, including in this module:

- human comfort, human experience and architectural spatial qualities regarding lighting, daylighting and thermal perception

- an understanding of passive heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings considering operational energy (operational carbon)

10 credits

Humanities 5

ALA306 is the final module in a sequence of humanities courses over the three years of the architecture degree. ALA306 specifically focuses on urban history and theory and integrates architecture and related issues with a wider urban context. ALA306 presents key factors and principles of urban development, historical and contemporary urban design and planning theories and exemplifies these through a series of urban case studies.

10 credits

Integrated Urban Design Project

ALA307 Integrated Urban Design Project is part of the dual degree architecture and landscape integrated final project. The module explores urban characteristics and potential strategies for urban regeneration. It focuses on the initial urban analysis, the strategies required to provide an informed rationale for the setting of the new building and the more detailed planting and construction design part of the final submission of the integrated project. Throughout this module, students will be asked to apply the knowledge and skills that they have acquired in architecture and landscape to date and to develop a more detailed appreciation of issues relating to urban design at a strategic level.

10 credits

Landscape Construction Design

The module aims to further develop knowledge and skills in detailed construction design. It focuses on developing the ability in students to demonstrate appreciation and knowledge of landscape/architecture materials and assembly. It will enable students to:
- determine a materials and construction strategy in response to site conditions and design framework;
- demonstrate technical and design proficiency in exploring the interaction and material assembly for a selected area of architecture and landscape through the production of models, diagrams, integrated sections and construction documents.

10 credits

Site Planning for Housing

This module will introduce the context and requirements of sustainable housing provision with a particular emphasis on how this might be achieved through a holistic landscape vision. It will provide the opportunity to explore different approaches to the sustainable development of a housing site, socially, ecologically and economically. By the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate: an understanding as to how different housing theories and typologies affect sustainability; an awareness of the political and financial issues surrounding the provision of housing; their ability to challenge conventional ideas about living and housing; how a specific housing strategy contributes to social, economical and ecological sustainability; an understanding of the design process from addressing a brief through to strategic design, along with skills in communicating design proposals.   

10 credits