Architecture with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

The study of history connects the past and present. It helps us to comprehend the way that ideas, as well as ritual and practical requirements have always been embodied in buildings. This module comprises significant examples from various periods presented in the wider cultural context in which they emerged. You will be introduced to an overview to the key design ideologies of the 20th Century - as well as some excursions into world architecture through the centuries - that identifies the way that current architecture maintains an on-going relationship with Modernism as well as earlier less familiar epochs.

This module introduces materials, structures and environmental design strategies to design robust and sustainable architecture. It involves basic calculations, explanations of science, history and culture in responding to structural and environmental issues, from site planning, forms, materials, constructions and operations to help students develop an understanding of the construction, building materials, structural systems and physical environment of buildings, associated with architectural materiality, technology and sustainability.

Design Apparatus introduces students to a broad range of skills for architectural communication and representation through the use of basic design projects as a vehicle to introduce presentation techniques and the design development process at this level. Precedent and case studies will be examined as well as techniques for essay writing, structuring written work and verbal presentation skills. The module focuses on engaging you in a range of hand and digital skills to include drawing, sketching, orthographic line drawing (2 and 3D), together with digital skills, including 2 and 3D CAD and adobe packages. The module is linked to History of Architecture and Design and Design Resolution 1.

Design Projects at Level 4 are linked by the theme of ‘principles” and form part of the broad foundation to the study of the ‘urbanised field’ of architecture and landscape architecture and the physical and ideological relationship between them. Cross-disciplinary practice is facilitated to test innovative approaches at diverse scales.

Design Resolution 1 aims to build upon skills and ideas established through Design Apparatus and draws upon knowledge and skills learned in the module Structures, Environment and Technical studies (SET).

Projects within this module explore the experience and mapping of the city and surrounding landscape, leading to a series of various scaled designed interventions, of appropriate scale, structure and complexity to the level. The module draws together principles and skills learned in the module Design Apparatus, where you will have developed basic design skills and knowledge and understanding of architectural communication and representation.

Design Resolution 1 introduces you to a ‘’dry run’’ scenario for the Design Resolution 2 module configuration in the upper years. This module prepares and equips students for Design Resolution 2 (L5) and Design Resolution 3 (L6).

In this module, you will start to explore new theoretical ideas which will stretch you intellectually and inform your studio practice.

Firstly, the module will begin to address what theory is in relation to architecture and how it is used in the formation, analysis and making of buildings, landscapes, products and art. Theory isn’t history () or critique (), although we need this knowledge to be able to theorise.  In this module you will be introduced to a way of exploring the ideas, concepts and frameworks that architects and designers use to approach their practice; theory gives practice meaning and makes it relevant and responsive to the particular time and place it operates within (Nesbitt, 1996, p.17). Making theory part of our practice allows us to challenge and speculate, understand architectural problems and propose possible solutions. 

During this module you will explore different research methods to inform, test and develop an iterative design process. Through an intensive process of research using qualitative/quantitative methodologies and design-led research, considering the technological, social, contextual and spatial data, you will test different design methods an develop independent design strategies to apply to your design projects.

This module draws upon content, knowledge gained and teachings as part of module Architectural Theory and Research Methods. The module will explore a range of design methods, in order to understand, compare and critique the process associated with each design strategy. Alongside this, you will study notable architect’s approaches to design and contrast their design processes.

Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, practiced, embodied, or realised. Praxis may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realising, or practicing ideas.

We understand that not all of our graduates will go on to become practicing Architects. An architectural education, particularly the degree course, is a well-rounded education that can lead into numerous other career paths as well as the route to professional qualification. With this in mind we have a clear roadmap for our students in terms of professional knowledge, business awareness, and transferrable skills.

'The Birmingham School of Architecture and Design occupies a distinctive interdisciplinary territory between the study and practices of the creative arts with the built environment professions.

Links with the professional context and are reinforced through alumni, renowned tutors, events and live research projects. Equally, the School’s position within ADM means that students and staff are well connected to the creative scene of the city.

CO.LAB (the Collaborative Laboratory) is a vehicle for a range of projects that seek to directly engage students with this dynamic context. It is an opportunity for students to work with individuals and groups outside of their discipline area, engaging in a broad creative network.

This module builds on knowledge and skills gained in semester 1 modules: Design Methods and Architectural Theory and Research Methods. Design Resolution 2 requires a professional resolution of the design proposal conceptually, in spatial planning, response to site and urban context and in technical intent. Through an integrated approach between design and technology, you will present a consistent rationale and well-structured design proposal in response to a complex brief and given site.

Related to the Level theme, this module traces the context of the designed environment through a detailed critical study of a case study based on a number of relevant social, cultural and political topics that influence contemporary architectural discourse.

The module is organised as a single continual investigative strand where you will generate a response by completing a number of formative tasks to lead up to a final extended piece of critical writing that is thoroughly researched, creative and develops your own theoretical agenda.

Design at Level 6 follows a meta-theme (overarching theme) of identity. You will undertake a year-long design process on a single project zooming across scales, starting with this Design Exploration module.

Here you will open up the creative exploration of a selected studio ‘approach’ before applying this knowledge, process, and skill to developing early ideas to a design project for a given brief.

Technology at Level 6 requires you to adopt an inquiry-based approach where you apply the construction of your knowledge from previous modules to formulate an understanding of technical integration in a design.

Case studies, related to the overarching theme of Level 6 modules, are used to develop questions around current systems in architectural technology. Fabrication, assembly and critical technical analysis is used to explore technology in practical, strategic and architectural terms.

Design Resolution 3 aims to develop the design process, project rationale and construct

a design response for a particular physical and cultural context following on from module Design Exploration. The process identifies and resolve conflicting demands across a range of scales.

You will be tested through a comprehensive design proposal to resolve theoretical, spatial or aesthetic concepts that explicitly inform and shape the design proposal at a strategic, building and detailed level.