SECOND YEAR (Stage 2)
Semester 4
In Semester 4 the student is introduced to the industry technologies employed in framed and clad structures of medium scale using concrete and steel. The student is encouraged to further develop personal working procedures and problem-solving methodologies and increase their ability to work independently.
Technical Design Studio 4 is the principal Semester 4 module and provides the vehicle for application and integration of the technical knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the other architectural technology modules to the development of the concrete and steel technologies project. Students visit building sites which use construction systems relating to their project. They carry out technical research, site analysis, esquisse investigation and exploration. The project is subjected to a building regulation and energy performance audit with technical adjustments being made to the design to achieve compliance. The projects are described using technical orthographic drawings to industry conventions in CAD, specifications, schedules and models. The technical merits of the project is evaluated in a performance report and the project presented in a crit environment.
Introduction to the theory and principles of architectural technology continues in the theory modules delivered as lectures alongside and dovetailed with the general project work. Building Technology & Structures 4, Environment Services & Materials 4 and History Theory & Criticism 2 are delivered as lectures with related assignments, while Digital & Graphical Communications continues on a studio basis.
A number of the theory module assignments are integrated as elements of the studio project. Building Technology & Structures requires the application of principles of technology to the studio project and an investigation of the proposed structural system. Digital & Graphical Communications requires preparation of a CAD drawing package using industry conventions together with development of a rendered 3D digital model.
Students are exposed to their fellow second year architecture students through assignments in the shared modules of Building Technology & Structures (steel and concrete stairs) and Environment, Services & Materials (environmental analysis using software).
Semester 4 modules
• Technical Design Studio 4
• Building Technology & Structures 4
• Environment Services & Materials 4
• Digital & Graphical Communication 4
• History, Theory & Criticism of Architecture 2
