AA3DS5N: Design Studio Five

Module code: AA3DS5N

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you鈥檒l be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Miss Michelle Tomlinson , email: m.tomlinson@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA3HTAN AND TAKE AA3REA1 AND TAKE AA3REA2 AND TAKE AA3DS6N (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module aims to develop students鈥� design skills and creativity and to provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed from across the Architecture curriculum.

This is the fifth in a series of related design modules. It provides opportunities to develop creativity and design skills within a studio environment and for students to apply skills and knowledge gained across the undergraduate curriculum to design projects of increasing complexity. Students will utilise traditional skills as well as skills related to the use of digital technologies to explore and develop their design capabilities.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Define user requirements and prepare briefs for complex architectural design projects;
2. Demonstrate a well-developed understanding of various analytical tools and techniques related to complex architectural projects, and an ability to use such tools and techniques effectively;
3. Prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity, and type in a variety of contexts, using a range of media, and in response to a brief; GC 1.1
   Demonstrate an understanding of constructional and structural systems, environmental strategies and regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a comprehensive design project; GC 1.2
4. Develop a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user; GC 1.3
5. Apply appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach; GC 2.3
6. Demonstrate an appreciation of the way in which buildings fit into their local context; GC 5.3
7. Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals; GC 7.1
8. Appraise and prepare briefs of diverse scales and types, to define client and user requirements and their appropriateness to site and context; GC 7.2
9. Prepare designs that will meet building users' requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriate performance standards and health and safety requirements. GC 10.3
10. The ability to generate design proposals using understanding of a body of knowledge, some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture; GA 1.1
11. The ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to design proposals clearly and effectively. GA 1.2

Module content

Students will undertake the design of a complex architectural project, such as:

1. A mixed-use development;
2. A complex building and/or a building of some complexity and size.

Students will develop design proposals at various scales, ranging from masterplans to building details. Opportunities will be created through associated lectures at various points in the course to introduce key issues around developing the client brief and understanding the site.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will predominantly be taught within the studio environment by tutors working with small groups of students over the duration of a project. Students will generate d