KA6027 - Architecture Project 3.2

This design project module will be delivered using a combination of individual or group tutorials, workshops and set project work. Presentations will introduce project briefs and associated thematic information whilst studio-based tutorials support you through your learning journey. Where applicable, projects will include site visit to real site within the local. The participatory weekly design tutorial provides you with a forum to discuss personal or group progress and your associated project work. Tutors will provide you with formative feedback in a variety of forms to support you in your personal design reflection and the progression of your project work. Directed learning will allow you to research any thematic issue raised within your tutorials and independent learning will allow you to investigate your own themes in response and being situated within the design studios will help you to develop peer learning and peer support skills.

You will be supported through weekly tutorials as the primary conduit for your design project discussion where you will receive formative feedback from your tutor. In addition, progress reviews at key intervals form collegiate occasions for further guidance and formative assessment of your work. Periods of self-directed learning are essential for your personal research, creative explorational and development of project work.
Direct participation in design tutorials, group discussion and associated taught content is essential to your development. The formative feedback you receive each week can be a variety of forms; verbal, written and drawn, and is provided throughout the duration of the module. Written feedback will be provided at summative assessment points to help you reflect, develop and learn. In addition, project briefs, presentations, relevant associated module information and specific reading lists will be uploaded to the eLearning Portal (Blackboard), so that you can access module content when needed. The university library offers support through its extensive physical and on-line resources, through e-reading lists. In addition, guidance on developing academic study skills, is provided by the Ask4Help facility.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU 1. Evidence creativity through the application of an advanced understanding of architectural issues, precedents and concepts, to respond to context and to generate a sense of place

KU 2. Conceptualise, analyse, synthesise and creatively apply all the aspects of design, technology and to the realisation of an environmentally literate architectural proposals

KU3. Evaluate and apply rigorous, ambitious and appropriate design processes and methods to explore and communicate individual architectural proposals

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA 1. Effectively communicate complex design intentions, concepts and proposals to a wide audience using professional oral, written, analogue and digital graphic communications

IPSA 2. Recognise design constraints to generate, test and develop ideas into appropriate design solutions.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA 1. Critically engage with the ethical, professional, legal and social responsibilities of a design professional within a multi-disciplinary environment.

PVA 2. Apply relevant, professional and creative communications skills to the production of personal and professional documentation in preparation

Formative assessment will take place within 1) regular tutorials and at interim reviews to provide ongoing developmental guidance and reflection within each of the projects, towards all MLO’s, and 2) a professional summary, comprising of a CV and digital folio of work, towards MLO’s PVA1, PVA2.


1. Architecture Project 3.2 (80%);
a comprehensive, self-directed architectural design proposal in response to a complex, self-determined or set location, thematic, territory or live project context.
MLO: KU1, KU2, KU3, IPSA1, IPSA2, PVA1, PVA2

2. Exhibition Communication Project (20%);
a comprehensive, synoptic presentation of a design project as an exhibited, self-directed illustrative and curated synthesis of advanced 2D and 3D communication skills.
IPSA1, PVA2


Feedback will be offered in verbal, written and drawn forms, which will provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance. Moderation of summative assessment will take place in portfolio reviews at the end of the module.

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This project -based module provides you with on opportunities to synthesise your advanced design skills and creative process within the creation and realisation of a complex architectural design project. You will investigate and appropriate the significance of context, interdisciplinary contemporary architectural thought and an advanced application of sustainable environmental strategies within your work. Through a comprehensive exploration of 2D and 3D design communication and creative practice, you will generate a well-resolved, detailed and complex architectural proposal with a cognisance of professional regulatory and legislative frameworks. The module will further synthesise your creative skills, critical thinking and experimentation to create meaningful architectural typological proposals that respond to place, language, form, materials and construction. Appraising case studies will allow you to articulate a detailed appreciation of the principles and thinking required to design socially sustainable, ethical and environmentally aware architecture.