Synthesis course 1: Architecture and Urban Design Project, Positioning, 20 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on a specific architectural and urban research theme within which the students are encouraged to develop their own position and agenda. Students formulate and develop a strategic, research-based approach to creating urban and architectural design strategies.

The course is studio based. The course teachers adjust and determine specific course information, themes, design requirements, and submission requirements for the academic year. 
 
The course is divided into three modules:

1. Architectural Investigations (8 credits)
2. Architectural Proposal (8 credits)
3. Communication with External Parties (4 credits)

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing result, the student must be able to:

Competence and skills

• In response to an assignment (brief), develop strategies for planning, designing, maintaining and renewing built environments in complex contexts as formulating and solving architectural challenges
• Apply appropriate theoretical and artistic concepts to an architectural project with a reflective and critical approach
• Present and discuss, evaluate and apply a range of visual, oral and written media and physical models to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain architectural and urban design proposals 

Judgement and approach

• Assess social, ethical and artistic issues and situations within architecture and urban design and apply a holistic approach considering different needs, particularly social, aesthetic and ethical aspects and the sustainable development required by society
• Reflect critically on their own artistic approach and other practitioners' approach to architecture and urban design
• Identify one's own need for further knowledge and competence development

Required Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in architecture, minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent foreign degree and work samples/portfolio. English language proficiency equivalent to (the Swedish upper secondary school) English course B/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, case studies and project work individually and in groups comprised of analysis exercises, practical exercises, supervision and group discussions.

The right to receive teaching and supervision only applies when the course for which the student is registered is in progress.

Examination modes

All three course modules are examined individually through an oral presentation supported by diagrams, drawings, architectural models and other relevant visual material prepared individually and in groups. 

The oral presentation is assessed with one of the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U). For the whole course, the grades Pass (G) och Fail (U) are used. To pass the course, all modules need to be completed with a pass grade. 

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than ten days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Students who have achieved a pass are not permitted to retake an examination. 
Students who do not pass an examination have the right to retake examinations. The date of the retake must be notified no later than the date of the regular examination. The first opportunity to retake an examination is to be offered no later than two months after the regular examination, but no earlier than 10 working days after students have been notified of the results of the regular examination. For examinations held in May and June, the first opportunity to retake the examination is to be offered within three months of the regular examination session. In addition, at least one further re-examination is offered within a year from the regular exam date.

A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the department.

Other regulations

In the event of a course syllabus being withdrawn or undergoing major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination session) in accordance with the previous course syllabus during a maximum of two years from the expiry of the course syllabus or the discontinuation of the course.