Main Field of Study and progress level:
Architecture: First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bache...
Grading scale: Two-grade scale
Responsible department: Umeå School of Architecture
Contents
The course consists of the identification and investigation of a substantial architectural project within a given framework. The project should relate to a relevant architectural issue and be carried out independently. The student is required to plan, analyse and prepare the project based on prior investigations and analysis of situations. The project shall be of such character that it can be discussed in spatial and architectural terms and at different scales. The project includes a description of its theme, the investigations and analysis on which it is based, documentation of the architectural project, including the chosen methods and work processes, and critical reflection on its spatial, social and cultural consequences. The project should be solved within a given time frame.
Expected learning outcomes
Independently execute and document an architectural project within a given framework, thereby showing academic competences in the field of architecture.
Apply knowledge in the architectural project acquired during their studies including but not limited to, basic construction, material, light, the response to local climate, and the integration within the overall spatial and cultural context.
Reflect on the spatial and cultural consequences of the project at different scales.
Argue for the theme of the project based on prior analysis of situation/s.
Describe how he/she has selected relevant design strategy based on prior analysis of situation/s.
Apply different methods during the process of an architectural investigation
Adequately communicate the work with respect to content and audience, thereby demonstrating competent use of architectural communication tools including but not limited to drawings and models at different scales.
Present and defend the project work.
Complete an architectural project within a given timeframe.
Form of instruction
The independent project runs over the course of 10 weeks including presentations. The course consists of individual and group supervision as well as active participation in mandatory seminars. Each student is responsible for maintaining contact with the faculty during the project. The student must optimize the available supervisory resources. Project supervision is provided for a five months period after the course has begun. The student shall plan and execute the project independently within the specified time frame. The course is completed in 3 phases with each phase culminating in a mandatory examination seminar.
Phase 1 Cultural and spatial implications The project theme, description of relevant opportunities and limitations, proposed site strategy and program are discussed and developed. The proposal should be based on previously researched material and key references should be identified. The spatial and cultural implications of the proposal are discussed.
Phase 2 Design development and mid-term A preliminary architectural project based on the strategy, program and feedback from the previous phase is developed. Key architectural decisions on all scales are identified, developed and discussed. The overall spatial concept and its effect on the cultural context is described.
Phase 3 Examination and feedback The students develop the project independently and a completed architectural project is presented at the examination seminar. The student is expected to engage in a critical reflection on the initial research, the developed strategies, the spatial character and the cultural consequences. The development of key architectural decisions and strategies are discussed and evaluated.
Examination modes
The grading scheme is pass/fail. The completed architectural project work, including methods and work process, shall be delivered orally in a form appropriate to the work. The student shall use architectural tools of communication including but not limited to drawings and models. The architectural project work will be presented and defended in seminar form. The architectural project is graded at the end of the course and the assessment includes all mandatory parts of the course. This means that a student who at the end of the course has not passed all mandatory parts will receive the grade fail, as the student has not shown a capability to finish the tasks within the given timeframe. The final assessment of the project work will be done in relation to “Assessment criteria for Bachelor exam in Architecture”. Mandatory participation: Introduction seminar, at least 3 number of group or individual tutorials, first, mid and final examination seminar. If the work, at any of the mandatory seminars, is assessed as not possible to pass during the remaining time frame, it can be failed without having been presented at the final examination seminar. The examiner should take the final decision about this kind of fail.Only in certain cases can a student be allowed to be absent at the final mandatory examination seminar. Students who fail the course will be offered one re-examination within 3 months of the regular examination date. In all other cases the student is referred to the next course for completion of the course. Documentation and filing according to the rules and regulation of Umeå University is a part of the examination.
Phase 1 Cultural and spatial implications The project theme, description of relevant opportunities and limitations, proposed site strategy and program is presented using appropriate architectural tools for communication such as drawings and models at a mandatory seminar. During this phase the project will be assessed primarily in connection to the previous research, the level of complexity and the relevance of the topic.
Phase 2 Design development and mid-term A preliminary architectural project, including methods and work process, using appropriate architectural tools for communication such as drawings and models, is presented and discussed at a mandatory mid-seminar (mid term review). During this phase the project will be assessed primarily in how it has developed from the previous mandatory examination seminar, the level and quality of the design proposal and the relevance and quality of the material produced.
Phase 3 Examination and feedback The architectural project is presented orally and via other relevant communicative methods, including architectural tools for communication such as drawings and models, at a final examination seminar where students, tutors, examiner and guest critics participate. The student presents and defends the architectural project including the project theme, relevant opportunities and limitations, methods and work process and receives feedback according to the relevant assessment criteria.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
