Unit information: Understanding Architecture in 2017/18

Unit name	Understanding Architecture
Unit code	CENG20005
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Ross
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	CENG11700 or equivalent level Structures unit
Co-requisites	CENG25100 Structures and Materials 2 if CENG11700 Structural Engineering 1 has not be taken
School/department	School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

As civil engineers we are regularly required to work in teams with architects. This course will teach engineers about the design process and how we can work together with architects to realise our collective vision when designing buildings. It will teach students the “language” of architecture. It will build their confidence in applying architectural principles to real design problems.

This unit will run in parallel with Understanding Building Services and students will be required to collaborate to create a realistic learning experience.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will:

1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the history of architecture.
2. Explain what an architect does and what role they play in shaping our world.
3. Have successfully participated in the architects process – from imagination to reality – and understood the role of the engineer within that process.
4. Be able to confidently communicate architectural concepts and ideas, through words, drawings, photos, models and verbal communication.
5. Show a passion and excitement for the built environment and a specific interest in a particular architect, architectural style, movement, material or technique.

Teaching Information

Lectures 18 hours (some will be joint with Understanding Building Services), workshops 4 hours, design meeting 1 hour and optional site visit during reading week

Assessment Information

100% Coursework (60% report and presentation submission joint with Understanding Building Services, 40% individual article).

Reading and References

• Building: 3,000 years of Design, Engineering and Construction, Bill Addis, Phaidon
• Why Architects Still Draw, Paolo Belardi, The MIT Press
• Modern Architecture Since 1900, William Curtis, Phaidon
• Inspiration and Process in Architecture, various authors, Moleskine SpA
• The Elements of Modern Architecture, Understanding Contemporary Buildings, Antony Radford, Selen Morkoc and Amit Srivastava, Thames and Hudson