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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Architectural Design Studio 1
Reference	AC1001	Version	12
Created	June 2022	SCQF Level	SCQF 7
Approved	July 2002	SCQF Points	30
Amended	November 2022	ECTS Points	15

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to understand the nature of architecture, and apply processes of architectural analysis and investigation.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Understand the basic principles of research and investigation and apply them to studio tasks.
2	Analyse a brief and identify contextual issues to inform an appropriate design response.
3	Create designs which show consideration of scale, space and composition.
4	Apply basic principles of structure and environment to a studio design project.
5	Communicate design intentions verbally and in 2D and 3D using basic techniques.

Indicative Module Content
Students undertake a series of exploratory studio projects to analysis a brief and to investigate process, physical, perceptual, performance and sustainability criteria in relation to design, architectural ethos and building elements. These explorations are carried out through a mixture of graphic and model media as well as some full scale experiments and will include: - Explorations of human proportions - Experiments in the nature of shelter - Measuring and recording of elements in existing buildings - Studies in space, volume, materials, light and interior and exterior spaces - Basic spatial composition in relation to building function and human welfare needs. - Design work to form a small space freestanding or as an extension to serve the defined needs of a client through a brief prepared by the student. - Basic understanding of constructional and structural systems in response to a brief. - Recorded critical analysis and reflection of studio design work and precedent study. Each project programme has a clear format to define the task, aims, objectives, introduction to relevant philosophy and technology together with details of presentation, assessment, timetable and bibliography.

Indicative Module Content

Students undertake a series of exploratory studio projects to analysis a brief and to investigate process, physical, perceptual, performance and sustainability criteria in relation to design, architectural ethos and building elements. These explorations are carried out through a mixture of graphic and model media as well as some full scale experiments and will include: - Explorations of human proportions - Experiments in the nature of shelter - Measuring and recording of elements in existing buildings - Studies in space, volume, materials, light and interior and exterior spaces - Basic spatial composition in relation to building function and human welfare needs. - Design work to form a small space freestanding or as an extension to serve the defined needs of a client through a brief prepared by the student. - Basic understanding of constructional and structural systems in response to a brief. - Recorded critical analysis and reflection of studio design work and precedent study. Each project programme has a clear format to define the task, aims, objectives, introduction to relevant philosophy and technology together with details of presentation, assessment, timetable and bibliography.

Module Delivery
Architectural design is delivered by studio project work organised in a tutorial unit system. Studio projects commence with a formal briefing supported by contextual studies, site visit and survey prior to regular group or individual tuition, together with private study, to develop design ideas and intentions, to realise project aims and aspirations and to advise on communication and presentation. Students normally have the opportunity to undertake an architectural study tour to experience in situ examples of contemporary architecture.

Module Delivery

Architectural design is delivered by studio project work organised in a tutorial unit system. Studio projects commence with a formal briefing supported by contextual studies, site visit and survey prior to regular group or individual tuition, together with private study, to develop design ideas and intentions, to realise project aims and aspirations and to advise on communication and presentation. Students normally have the opportunity to undertake an architectural study tour to experience in situ examples of contemporary architecture.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	168	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	132	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	300	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description:	'Portfolio' generated from all tasks related to studio projects, activities, lectures, tutorials and independent study, worth 100% of Module Grade. The portfolio consist of: A2 portfolio: to include the complete Design Studio projects. Reflective journal: this should be a graphic presentation of the 'design journey' that communicates the learning and process that took place throughout the semester. Digital submission: this should include all the images presented in the above pieces of work in 2 PDF documents.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The overall module grade is based on 100% weighting of Component 1 (portfolio). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	A
B	B
C	C
D	D
E	E
F	F
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	Each studio project programme includes a detailed bibliography related to the specific subject area and context.
2	Ching, Francis D.K. : Architecture, Form, Space and Order, [second or later edition].
3	Rasmussen, S. (1987) Experiencing Architecture.
4	Doidge, C. (2000) The Crit - An Architectural Student's Handbook.
5	Zumthor, P. : Thinking Architecture.
6	Ballentyne, Andrew : Architecture: A short course.
7	Alexander, Christopher : A Pattern Language.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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