Module Code - Title:
AR6063
-
ENGINEERING RESEARCH (GRADUATE ELECTIVE)
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is offered as an Elective in the graduate programmes in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design and climate resilience. The purpose of this module is to allow the student a vehicle to research advanced engineering in their chosen field.
For students of architecture, this elective module responds to the expectation to develop "an understanding of the structural design, constructional and engineering problems associated with building design" and "an adequate knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations, contracts and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning" (RIAI Standard of Skills and Competencies).
For students of landscape architecture, this elective module contributes to addressing the following required 'areas of knowledge and skill' as set out in Appendix 1 of the Addenda to the International Federation of Landscape Architects IFLA/UNESCO Charter for Landscape Architectural Education when implemented in the European Region:
-"Landscape Construction and Engineering: Knowledge of the materials and the techniques employed in the implementation of plans: the grading and modelling of ground form, the drainage and catchment of water, the construction of roads, pavements, walls, bridges, ponds and water courses etc.... Further the knowledge of the rules of alignment and construction of highways, (rail)roads and other infrastructure."
Syllabus:
In this elective module, students investigate new thinking in engineered solutions to architecture, landscape or urban design and climate resilience. The focus of the module is on technical advancement and climate change. Students acquire know-how in existing as well as emerging construction techniques and their application in architectural design, landscape archtecture or urban design and climate resilience.
This elective is a venue for independent research and not specifically related to the Design Studio.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Analyse a built precedent in all relevant aspects of its construction;
Research technological and engineering know-how in a case study;
Make a high-quality detail model scale 1:10 testing aspects of research and demonstrating findings;
Understand the technical construction of a detail or system in the built environment.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Challenge existing production paradigms to uncover potential for innovation.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Focusing on case studies or an experimental project, the elective module will be delivered through a programme of lectures,seminar discussions, labs and case study presentations with an emphasis on collaborative work.Smaller classes allow for in-depth interrogation of the subject at an advanced level, and ensure the learning is active. Graduate elective modules may have a common brief and may share lecture/tutorial time with undergraduate electives. Compared to undergraduate electives, electives in the graduate programme pursue advanced research-learning, require additional module work, carry higher expectations and are assessed accordingly. Graduate student work requires independent study in addition to extra contact time. Higher-level expectations for graduate work include more in-depth pursuit of advanced technical, theoretical or practice-based concepts. Module work in graduate electives must establish a critical position that advances or challenges current practice.This module encourages students to be CURIOUS, by engaging their inquisitive capacity to interrogate, through a cultural and place-focused lens, a given urban or landscape technical context through a range of media. It encourages their AGILITY in responding independently to a specific context, through the emphasis on aesthetics and construction of the environment in the module's syllabus.Through the group-work and participative nature of the module, it encourages the student to become ARTICULATE and develop their collaborative and inter-personal skills.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Wachsmann, K. (1961)
The Turning Point of Building
, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold
Mostafavi, M., ed. (2006)
Structure As Space - Engineering and Architecture in the works of Jürg Conzett and his partners
, London: AA Publications
Howard, Michelle (2015)
Research-- observe-- make (ROM) : an alternative manual for architectural education
, Birkhauser
Dafang, Fu (Ed.) ; Zevenbergen, Chris (Ed.) & ; Assela, Pathirana (Ed.) (2018)
Sponge Cities: Emerging Approaches, Challenges and Opportunities
, MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSUDCRTFA - URBAN DESIGN AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE
MNLAARTFA - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
Andrew.Griffin@ul.ie