The module is intended to familiarise students with principles and information on various aspects of technology relevant to buildings of moderate complexity. These aspects refer to: 

• Construction & Materiality 

• Structural Strategies 

• Building Physics and Science 

• Building Services 

The course is designed where possible to foster students’ ability to apply respective knowledge and principles to actual architectural design problems. 

• Critically evaluate and appraise technological design approaches to buildings of moderate complexity in terms of their use of site, structural strategy, materiality, construction techniques, building performance and services, and impact on the broader environment. (GC1.2, GC7.1, GC8.1, GC8.3, GC9.1, GC9.2, GC9.3, GC10.3) 

• Critically evaluate and identify user needs, local context, environmental demands and architectural aspiration and systematically transform them into technological design strategies. (GC5.1, GC5.2, GC5.3, GC9.1, GC9.2, GC9.3, GC10.3) 

• Propose and present design strategies and detailed solutions related to buildings of moderate complexity, considering the appropriate use of site, structure, materiality, construction techniques, building performance and services, and impact on the broader environment, in accordance to relevant regulatory frameworks. (GC1.1, GC1.2, GC1.3, GC8.2, GC8.3, GC9.1, GC9.2, GC9.3, GC10.3) 

Where circumstances allow, the module will be delivered through a blend of online learning and lectures, critical reading of literature, self-learning from prepared materials, exercises, analysis of precedent and application to design 

The module follows a student centred learning approach where students study self-guided and independently according to their particular interests and learning preferences: 

First, the students select and critically analyse an exemplar architecture with a focus on technical aspects.  

Later, the students apply and integrate technological aspects into comprehensive design resolutions.   

 Material will be available through the course of the module; it is the student’s responsibility to work through this material in a timely manner.  The material will relate to: 

Readings: Students will be expected to work through set texts, either supplied through our VLE, or through the book(s) listed as Reading, below and / or provided during the development of the module.  

Lectures. A number of lectures will cover the key areas.  

Seminars.  Particular issues will be explored in group seminars. Students will have the opportunity to articulate and discuss their ideas.  Students will have the opportunity to exchange of their ideas, discuss with peers and/or tutors.  

Access to the material for this module will be offered to students through the Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE); Learning Central, as relevant. 

*Module will be delivered face to face with some online elements

• Research and understanding of technical facts from precedents, literature or other resources. 

• Utilisation and critical review of relevant literature and other sources 

• Preparation and presentation of technical resolution, data and findings in various media 

• Development of integrated design solutions involving potentially conflicting variables integrating arts and technological techniques. 

Technological Analysis portfolio (35%): The students work during the first semester will be assessed through the submission of a portfolio demonstrating the students understanding of the key aspects of architectural technology by analysing exemplar architecture. 

Technological Integration (65%): In the second semester, the students’ ability to apply aspects of architectural technology to architectural design will be assessed through a design project proposal. Students are expected to support their design proposal with diagrams, calculations and drawings, demonstrating architectural technology as part of their design thinking.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students would usually be reassessed on the failed component during the resit exam period. The usual resit and repeat rules would apply. 

Building Physics and Science:           

• User comfort 

• Thermal performance 

• Room and building acoustics 

• Daylight and artificial lighting 

Building Services:               

• Fire safety 

• Ventilation            

• Circulation 

Structural Strategies: 

• Multi storey structures 

• Longer span structures 

• Structural typology and structural strategy 

• Innovative structures 

Construction & Materiality:  

• Materiality and material processes 

• Fabrication and construction methods 

• Facade systems 

• Modular systems