SEMESTER 2
RPL Module 3
RPL Module 3 ‘’Technical Design Project: Detail and Research’’ provides for the compilation and critical reappraisal of detail design documentation for the student’s selected practice-based architectural design project, and for the further development of a technical design aspect through structured academic research.
The module aims to establish the learner’s independence and ability to develop a major technical design thesis demonstrating a capacity for technical design and research, and an ability to produce a comprehensive construction information package comprising drawings, models, specification and technical reports. It provides the vehicle for application and integration of technical knowledge and understanding acquired on the Diploma in Architectural Technology programme, in architectural technology practice, and over the preceding semester in the RPL progression programme, to the development of a major architectural technology thesis based on an architectural design of indeterminate technical parameters. It aims to establish the learner’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 module aims to bring learners to a professional level of competence at graduation.
RPL students will be required to attend a variety of workshops and project crits as a means of informing the reflection on and development of their Technical Design Project. Practice based guest lecturers and project critics will assist in the exploration of technical design factors relating to site development and planning, fire safety design, universal access design, energy performance, structural and building services design, and building fabric and cladding systems as a means of informing the reflection on and development of the students’ Technical Design Project.
RPL Module 4
RPL Module 4 ‘’Technical Design Dissertation’’ provides for the development of the student’s ability to engage in structured research and acts as a vehicle for producing a comprehensive a written technical dissertation in support of and reinforcing the RPL Technical Design Project thesis, demonstrating a detailed knowledge and understanding of an area of architectural technology research, some of it at the current boundaries of the field.
