Program Overview

University of Edinburgh Program Information

Introduction

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of degree programs, including the Architectural Design: Elements course.

Course Overview

Architectural Design: Elements (ARCH08001)

The course introduces students to the foundational knowledge and skills appropriate to the practice of architectural design. Design is seen as a process involving imagination, representation, and communication, analysis, and research, iteration, and reflection.

Course Details

• Credit level: SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate)
• Availability: Available to all students
• SCQF Credits: 20
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Summary: The course focuses on the essential elements of architecture, such as path, threshold, opening, membrane, and enclosure, and their role in the experience of architecture and the built environment.

Course Structure

• Studio exercises are supplemented by a series of lectures on practical and theoretical issues associated with the design process.
• Students work on a series of design exercises and projects, which require individual and group submission of maquettes, models, and drawings.

Entry Requirements

• Pre-requisites: Not applicable to Visiting Students
• Co-requisites: It is recommended that students also take Technology and Environment: Principles (ARCH08002) and Architectural History 1A: Introduction to World Architecture (ARHI08009) and Architectural Design: Assembly (ARCH08004) and Architectural History 1B: Revivalism to Modernism (ARHI08004) and Art and Design (ARCH07001)
• Prohibited Combinations: None
• Other requirements: This course is only available to students undertaking MA (Hons) Architecture or Architecture-related programs, or by express permission of the course organizer in other instances.

Additional Costs

• Occasional field trip travel contribution
• Processes and materials involved in the presentation of work: printing and reprographic charges, photographic costs, drawing and modeling materials, digital storage, etc.

Course Delivery Information

• Academic year: 2021/22
• Quota: 190
• Course Start: Semester 1
• Timetable: Total Hours: 200 (Lecture Hours 10, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 11, Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 77, Fieldwork Hours 4, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 2, Formative Assessment Hours 1, Summative Assessment Hours 14, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 77)

Assessment

• Written Exam: 0%
• Coursework: 100%
• Practical Exam: 0%
• Continuous formative assessment through design coursework
• Final summative assessment through portfolio presentation

Feedback

• Students receive feedback regularly through informal studio weekly reviews
• Mid-semester formal review for formative feedback
• Second formal review in the last teaching week of the course for feedback
• Portfolio review feedback session prior to submission
• Written feedback at the end of the course following the assessment

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate awareness of basic architectural elements and issues that inform their disposition in architectural designs
2. Demonstrate awareness of different dimensions of the design process, from analysis and research individually and in teams to iteration and reflection in the formation of architectural designs
3. Demonstrate awareness of appropriate representational and communication methods, to prepare and present design proposals

Additional Class Delivery Information

• 8 hours per week for 12 weeks
• 2 main studio days structured according to the design projects being undertaken
• A mixture of methods used, including supervised learning, directed learning, and independent learning

Keywords

• Studio
• Path
• Place