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MSc Architecture & Sustainability Programme

BENV5002 Design Research Lab 1 – 2023-24

Basic module information

Module Title: Design Research Lab 1

Short Module Title: Design Research Lab 1

Module Code: BENV5002

Module description:

This module provides the opportunity for students to learn and apply appropriate research skills and knowledge in relation to site analysis and the development of scheme proposals enhancing sustainable development.

Students will explore and critically evaluate complex issues in existing buildings and test them within the scheme proposal.

Learning outcomes:

1. Produce and analyse feasibility studies with the rationale behind the decisions made in developing a sustainable proposal (Project);

2. Ability to sustain an argument and to synthesise effectively relevant concepts/ knowledge applicable to the scheme proposal (Project);

3. Evaluate and integrate energy and environmental systems into the scheme proposal (Project);

4. Ability to work effectively as part of a team in the collection of shared information (Group work).

Assessment

*OPT01: Individually distinct work; OPT02: Reflection on development of own work; OPT03: Presentation; OPT04: Individually negotiated work; OPT05: Work placement/experience/assessment

Assessment Notes:

The coursework of activities undertaken comprises a project, which constitutes the core element of the module (80%), and a group work report (20%).

The group work (20%; LO 4) allows students to work in small groups for this exercise to carry out site analysis from a sustainability viewpoint and produce a report collectively. The report should demonstrate how gaining background information and knowledge of the site, its history, climate, sustainability issues, and the surrounding areas will influence and inform the design decisions students make. Group work is designed so that students learn to organise and structure collective work processes.

The project (80%; LOs 1-3) consists of an individual proposed scheme for an existing building, outlining the rationale underpinning students’ decisions; the analysis of relevant planning policies; demographic data analysis; the integration of environmental design and energy systems into the existing building; and the use of sustainable codes and standards. These should be supported using diagrams, sketches, graphs, pictures, and images.

Formative assessments and feedback on students’ group work and the project will be carried out at two points in Block 2 through a group tutorial and a 1:1 tutorial. These will be recorded by the students.

Reassessment:

Students failing the module overall are allowed to resubmit the failed element, subject to the assessment board’s decision and university regulations.

Programme and action timetable

General Advice for Written Report:

● When completing the report, focus your answer, by concentrating on the factors presented in the brief.

● Identify your particular focus in the introduction of the report and explain why you have chosen it and how you intend to approach the question.

● Read as widely as possible. Look for sources that give contextual information e.g. time, place, culture, technology, politics.

You may also find the following points useful:

1. Introduction – this should set up and make clear to the reader, the nature and scope of your report, the main themes and issues to be considered and the hypothesis/argument to be developed and addressed.

2. Construction of a clear argument - Does the main body of your text develop an argument or debate? Does it use sources and images or examples to explore particular aspects of the debate and to draw a conclusion. Does it make constant reference back to the report title and at all times remain relevant?

3. Relevance - Is all the material included relevant to the report title and to the central argument or debate?

4. Synthesis of Secondary sources – Does the information, commentary and insights you gained from your secondary research test theory and help construct your argument?

5. Effective Use of Visual Aids - Do the images and visuals you include in the report help to develop/illustrate the points you have made? Have you used visual aids selectively? Have you discussed each one in some detail? Have you provided references to illustrations?

6. Conclusions – Have you summarised the key points? Have you answered questions you posed or proved/disproved any hypothesis you raised? Have you made solid, informed statements based on the analysis of the evidence (not personal statements)?

One Assignment, two parts (100%)

Part 1 - Site Analysis, Jewry Wall Museum Leicester

Site visit and the brief (Week 9; group work 20%)

You are going to work in small groups. Each group should produce a comprehensive site analysis that analyses the site and surrounding area. The site analysis is important in gaining background information and knowledge of the site, history, climate, sustainability issues, and the surrounding areas, which will influence and inform the design decisions you make.

You will be expected to obtain all the relevant information related to the site. All presentation techniques are at your disposal, including manual and computer-based simulation, diagrams, sketches, graphs, photos, and images to fulfil the project brief. Presentation is essential.

Any data collected should be analysed and concluded.

A typical site analysis would address the following:

1. Location:

The location of the site in relation to surrounding streets and landmarks It should include data on distances and travel times to major places around the site by driving, walking, cycling or the use of public transport.

2. Context:

The zoning of the neighbourhood is important, and numerous issues at this stage require direct observation. The features of the building in question and their context in relation to the surrounding site and people moving around should be analysed. Other important components of the context include an analysis of existing paths (pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle), landmarks, and public transport routes and locations. Areas where people gather and socialise should also be highlighted.

3. Man-Made Features:

located features on the site, such as buildings, walls, fences, patios, bus stops, etc.

4. Circulation & Key Transport Routes/Links:

Assess and record the uses of streets, etc. What happens in the areas surrounding the site?

5. Climate Data:

-Gather and analyse data for weather and climate in the area. Look at sunpath and shading throughout the whole year and the implications for the proposed site and surrounding area. Micro-climate site data, prevailing wind direction and local ecosystems are also important.

Conclude the site analysis by highlighting the main outcomes.

Part 2 – Individual scheme proposal, Jewry Wall Museum Leicester

Brief (week 11; individual work 80%)

Following the site analysis and the surrounding area for the above site, each student must produce a scheme proposal, which is informed by the analysis of the local planning policies, demographic data, and sustainable standards. At each stage, you will be expected to investigate and substantiate your decisions fully.

You need to become self-critical about the proposed application, explaining the rationale behind the decisions that have been made through the process.

You will be expected to critically analyse the relevant planning policies. Your understanding and application of planning policy to the specified site should be demonstrated within the site analysis with explanations of how policies have influenced your decisions and thoughts related to the development of the site and building.

All presentation techniques are at your disposal, including manual and computer-based simulation, diagrams, sketches, graphs, photos, and images to fulfil the project brief. Presentation is essential.

The assessment of the project will be based on the critique of the proposal and evidence of background reading and research, illustrating the building project starting from the sustainable site appraisal and the proposed applications to the final product. A typical scheme proposal would address the following:

· Outline strategic proposals with explanations as to the rationale underpinning your decisions;

· The analysis of relevant planning policies and supporting documentation should feed into the critical analysis and the proposal, both building and site-wide, influencing and informing decisions made;

· Critical awareness of knowledge and skills related to sustainable issues and standards;

· The concept of the proposed scheme and schematic drawings, together with the integration of environmental design and energy systems into the building;

· The use of diagrams, sketches, graphs, pictures, and images is essential;

· Good presentation is essential.

The report should be presented in A3 format with a clear cover to include the student's name, module code, and the report title. It should also contain one A3 sheet summarising the main features and outcomes of the project. The report should include a contents sheet, an introduction, objectives, a description of how these objectives will be achieved, and a conclusion. Any resource material used must be referenced and recorded at the rear. Any material used within the report which is not your own must be individually referenced below the source. The report is to be submitted via Turnitin in the LZ module shell.

The submission of one single pdf file comprising Part 1 and Part 2 should be made via LZ in Week 18, 4pm 30^th Jan’24.