What will I learn on this module?
In responding to a client brief and understanding the request is a key attribute of the Building Surveyor. You will become used to interrogating the client and responding to physical and statutory constraints to produce a workable design solution. You will call upon historical and contemporary influences on Architecture and technological solutions to suit the practicalities of both construction and maintenance throughout the life cycle of a building. Further, emphasis will be given to communication of design logic and rationale, and communication of design choices.
How will I learn on this module?
There will be a mix of formal lectures form both University and other specialist guest speakers. Each group will be assigned a supervisor who will work closely during the group stage while outline designs and schematics are iterated and presented, and further through the individual preparation for discussion and summative submission.
Classroom, studio, tutorial and IT media will all be employed, together with site visits where applicable and appropriate.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will also be supported by the provision of on-line resources via the module e-learning portal. These resources include lecture and workshop information, interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles plus links to topical news reports. Teaching staff will also respond to individual questions via the module’s discussion board so that everyone taking the module can benefit. Furthermore, module teaching staff are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
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.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Explore the nature of the design team and how the design process is informed and actioned by that team
• MLO2: Evaluate potential outline solutions to the requirements of a client by employing enquiry based tools and communicate these responses n teams. Demonstrate how urban, social and environmental development affect the built environment.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will be able to research, evaluate and communicate information on client need and design principles
• MLO4: You will be able to use building informational modelling software as a way of digitally recording and describing existing buildings, and to use specification writing software to produce tender information.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will develop an awareness of the professional and ethical process behind seeking tenders for building work based on coordinated and comprehensive information packages.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessment will be by means of a presentation of your outline design and production of a tender package.
Presentation (50%): Working in groups, you will prepare outline designs to respond to the client brief.
Tender Package (50%): You will submit an individual tender package which will include all relevant information to enable a building contractor to provide pricing information to enable the client to make informed decisions as to proceeding with any work.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will seek to combine your creative and technical strands with a view to compiling a comprehensive and coordinate package of information as required and expected by industry professionals. You will be presented with a live site and building with real constraints and encouraged to investigate, research and provide solutions to the utilitarian, technical, functional, performance related and aesthetic aspects of refurbishment and/or extension.
You will work in a small group to generate an outline design in response to a client brief, and individually to identify, detail and specify certain key elements of that brief.
Course info
UCAS Code K230
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
