The principal aim of Third-Year Design Studio is to enable the student to demonstrate a first synthesis of the disparate influences that go to make up an architectural project using the range of skills and tools an architect is required to use. The emphasis in the first term is on developing a thoroughly researched design proposal and to produce a set of competent design documents.

An agenda will be set in Design Studio. The basis for all propositions will have stated intent relative to societal ideas of place, collectivity and socio economic (or political) meaning. The architectural project brief will have inherent complexity, embodying personal space together with public space. Through the detailed study of architectural references, a concept of 'now' relative to the past history of societal and architectural ideas will inform each student's proposition since both will be researched and presented in parallel. The material realisation of these social and cultural concepts is capable of conveying meaning in a contribution that the strictly functional provision of buildings does not make. The architectural proposition will move through a series of studies where the student is taught to use different scales, modes of operation and reference points. The emphasis will be on the mastery of investigative skills through a range of media on an ongoing basis.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Research the socio-economic context, current and historical, within which the design problem is situated and draw sustainable conclusions from facts established; Understand the intention and meaning buildings may have in collective society, place and consciousness; Propose a design strategy based on a cultural agenda, distinguishing between direct response to fact and creative conjecture; Apply knowledge gained from the study of environmental (land), architectural and structural precedents to the design problem; Test the proposal in a series of studies on the physical interaction between the building and the land through models and drawings on a continuous basis; Produce a comprehensive set of drawings and models relating to aspects of structure, material, construction and environment in the design proposal; Develop and finally present a conclusive design proposal along with the historical context and theoretical basis of the proposition.

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Method of instruction The teaching is studio-based and relies on the continuous attendance of each student. Regular individual desk tutorials alternate with group and class reviews. Periodic lectures and skills workshops provide thematic in-put. The study trip forms an integral part of design studio. Design Studio will expand the design process in order to resolve different inputs arising from a social, technical and cultural agenda and to successfully move through a series of studies and assignments using a range of built, drawn and modelling tools. The capacity of the student to embrace the highest possible number of investigative modes and to present a single complex architectural proposition is sought. Assessment & Grading Continuous assessment - The design studio project will be assessed in terms of research and concept, complexity and resolution, response to references and critique, and presentation. Quality in the work submitted is more highly regarded than quantity. A valuable and/or continued contribution to the class as well as personal development and improvement through the design studio process will be given extra credit. Students need to keep a portfolio of drawings to document work process and intermediate results. This will be part of the gradable submission along with models and sketchbooks.