MODULES
Each semester of the DT175 BSc (Honours) Architectural Technology programme comprises a number of related modules centred on Technical Design Studio.
Technical Design Studio 1 - 8
The Technical Design Studio modules are the principal architectural technology modules and provide the vehicle for application and integration of the technical knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the other architectural technology modules to the development of technical design solutions to architectural design problems.
As they progress, and as the nature and scale of the projects increase, the modules aim to develop the student’s ability to create performance-based technical design solutions to building problems, responding to and developing the architectural design through the application and integration of building technology and materials, structural and environmental design criteria, and building regulations, codes and standards.
The modules also aim to develop the student’s understanding of performance design, their ability to engage with and develop underlying theoretical and scientific principles, and their ability in measurement and calculation, especially in the areas of thermal and environmental performance.
They also aim to develop the student’s ability to develop three-dimensional technical design solutions using multi media including sketches, esquisses, overlays, investigative models, manual and digital drawings and models and other analytical and explorative techniques.
Digital & Graphical Communication 1 - 4
The Digital & Graphical Communication modules introduce the student to the techniques of manual and digital representation necessary for the development and presentation of technical and graphical information in the various Technical Design Studio module projects. They comprise the two related components Graphical Communication and Digital Communication.
As they progress, the modules aim to develop the student’s ability to produce construction and presentation information in digital & graphical form, including 2D and 3D technical and construction drawings using manual and freehand drawing techniques, computer aided design software applications, together with photography and model making.
Building Technology & Structures 1 - 7
The Building Technology & Structures modules introduce the student to the theories, principles and application of building construction and technology and structural engineering to a depth and scale appropriate to the ongoing studio projects. The modules provide the student with the necessary knowledge and understanding of building technology and structural engineering to inform the development of studio projects. The modules comprise the two related components Building Technology and Structures.
As they progress, the modules aim to develop the student’s understanding of traditional and innovative building construction and technology and the application of this to technical design solutions.
They also aim to develop the student’s knowledge of the principles of structural design and to develop an ability to engage in an informed way with the structural engineering consultant in the building design process.
Environment Services & Materials 1 - 6
The Environment Services & Materials modules introduce the student to the theories, principles and application of environmental design, mechanical and electrical services and systems, and building materials. The modules comprise the three related components Energy & Environment, Services & Systems, and Material Science.
As they progress, the modules aim to develop the student’s understanding of the principles of environmental design and to develop the student’s ability to analyse and enhance performance through measurement and calculation of environmental design criteria to a level appropriate to the ongoing studio projects.
The modules also aim to develop the student’s knowledge of the principles of mechanical and electrical engineering design and to develop an ability to engage in an informed way with the mechanical and electrical engineering consultant in the building design process, also to a level appropriate to the ongoing studio projects.
They also aim to develop the student’s understanding of traditional, innovative and sustainable building materials and the ability to research, investigate, select and specify these in technical design solutions.
Building Information Management 1 - 3
The Building Information Management modules introduce the student to Building Information Modelling processes and parametric modelling and aim to develop an ability to create a virtual building database and a capacity engage in interdisciplinary collaboration in the building design and construction process.
The Building Information Modelling 1: Design Process module aims to develop an ability to construct a parametric model and extract construction documentation. It aims to develop the learners understanding of the role of the architectural technologist on the design team, using the building model to explore the collaborative roles of the architect, technologist, structural engineer, mechanical & electrical engineer and quantity surveyor in the building design process.
The Building Information Modelling 2: Construction Process module aims to further develop the learner’s ability to construct a parametric model and extract construction documentation. It aims to develop the learners understanding of the role of the architectural technologist in the construction process, using the building model to explore the input of the specialist design sub contractor / fabricator and construction manager in the building design and construction process.
The Building Information Modelling 3: Measurement & Analysis module aims to further develop the learner’s ability to construct a parametric model for use in predictive analysis. It aims to develop the learners understanding of the use of BIM on facilities management, post construction measurement and geomatic data integration using a variety of related software applications.
History Theory & Criticism of Architecture 1 - 3
The History Theory & Criticism of Architecture modules introduce the student to architecture and the role of technology in architectural history.
As they progress, the modules aim to develop the student’s knowledge of architectural design, and historical and contemporary developments in architecture and technology.
They also aim to develop the student’s understanding of architecture to engage in an informed way with the architect in the building design process.
Professional Development 1 - 5
The Professional Development modules develop the student’s knowledge and understanding in a range of subjects relating to architectural technology practice.
Professional Development 1 introduces the student to techniques in basic research and the preparation of written technical documentation and reports. It aims to develop the student’s ability to make oral and visual presentations, to explain the logic of technical design proposals and to engage in constructive dialogue with professional colleagues. It aims to develop the student’s numerical skills to enhance measurement and calculation skills. It introduces the student to soft ICT skills and aims to develop an ability to use a range of generic word processing and presentation computer applications in the preparation of technical reports.
Professional Development 2 (Specification, Programme, Systems) introduces the student to proscriptive and performance specifications and aims to develop an ability to produce technical specifications using appropriate computer applications. It introduces the student to project programming and planning of design and construction information and aims to develop an ability to generate work programmes and manage the production of their studio project work. It introduces the student to quality assurance systems and to the role of office systems in controlling both technical information and the architectural and building design process.
Professional Development 3 (Legislation and Regulation) aims to develop the student’s understanding of construction legislation and the role of planning & development, health & safety, building control and property legislation in the building design process at conceptual and detailed design stages and throughout the construction process. It introduces the student to the Irish planning system, to associated Irish conservation legislation, and to international conservation charters and conventions. It introduces the student to the health & safety requirements of the design and construction processes and the responsibilities of the building design professional arising from this.
Professional Development 4 (Procurement, Cost, Contracts) introduces the student to design and construction procurement processes, to the various contracts associated with the building industry, and the importance of cost control in the technical design process. It introduces the student to the principles of cost measurement, quantification and control and aims to develop an ability to engage in an informed way with the quantity surveyor in the building design process.
Professional Development 5 (Profession & Management) aims to develop the student’s understanding of the architectural technologist as a professional, and of the obligation to uphold standards of professionalism, to recognise the limitations on ones knowledge and expertise and understand the limits of professional competence. It introduces the student to the principles of management in the building design and construction processes and in the operation of a business.
