Introduction
The BA (Hons) Architecture programme is delivered through studio practice. History, theory, construction and environment are integrated with the design process.
Design is at the heart of Lincolns BA (Hons) Architecture programme. We are designers working in design studios to create imaginative and practical building designs. Our studies in history, theory, construction and environment are integrated, so far as possible, with design projects. Assessment is through design projects and associated assignments which are developed in small studio groups under the guidance of a design tutor. We think of the studio as a co-operative and productive environment in which we share ideas, methods and experience. It supports the student in discovering their own approach to design and developing their own voice as a designer.
From the outset, the student learns to apply drawing techniques for investigation and communication of architectural design, together with computer-aided design techniques and hands-on modelling and construction techniques. Our workshop has laser-cutting and rapid-prototyping equipment as well highly-skilled technical support staff. The aim is to help the student acquire a complete tool-kit of skills for architectural design and production.
Lincoln, as well as being a pleasant place to live and work, also presents opportunities to explore design issues facing contemporary cities. We are committed to socially and environmentally sustainable development, both locally and globally. We want our graduates to be equipped with the analytical and design skills to match up to the challenges ahead in architectural practice.
Course Content
Level 1
History and Theory of Architecture and Design
The development of architecture, art and design from ancient times through to the present in order to establish a datum for general understanding of creative disciplines. It is composed of three elements: 1) it offers an historical overview in which to study contemporary architecture and design; 2) it contextualises history by examining the geographical and temporal location in which we find ourselves; 3) it explores common themes of methodology and critical awareness.
Design Process and Communication
This module will help the student understand the processes that are commonly used to organise and support study, research, analysis and studio design projects in architecture. It will also equip the student with a core of communication skills appropriate for a career in architecture.
Contextual Design Projects
Students are expected to record preliminary ideas, sketches, analysis, design development, and technical research in their sketchbooks and portfolios for discussion at tutorials and presentations. Selected elements of the design are developed in detail.
Buildable, Habitable Design
Students will develop an understanding of the principles of construction related to human habitation. This will include construction methods, material properties, legislation, climate and human comfort.
Level 2
Design and Society (Options)
This module introduces theories about interior, architectural and urban space by studying texts and projects that, together, represent a broad range of contemporary thinking.
Architectural Design Projects
Students undertake design projects set by the tutor to explore principles, theories, methodologies or concepts. Appropriate working methods are introduced and guided by the tutor. Defined products are required at intermediate stages and at the end of each project. The unit will be delivered using independent or linked design projects, one of which, because of the level of detail required, may be relatively small in scale. Projects may include housing, landscape, public buildings or conversion of existing buildings.
Integrated Design Project
This module is the culmination of the second level architectural design studies. It acknowledges a number of different approaches within architectural design. Students are required to complete a medium scale design project that demonstrates an integrated approach to design, technology and communication. This provides a vehicle for preparing a professional CV and portfolio of work.
Sustainable Design
Students will develop awareness of the principles and practice of sustainable development and environment design. This will include understanding materials, technology and energy usage.
Level 3
Research Projects (Options)
This module provides the opportunity for each student to demonstrate the management of independent, self-managed research projects. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical approach to their research material, identifying through primary and secondary sources an appropriate body of material from which to construct arguments and demonstrate academic rigour.
Comprehensive Design Project - Outline Design (Options)
The module builds on previous investigations, both formal and abstract, in brief making and other social, political, technical, or cultural research. It encourages the student to formulate a coherent design resolution at an appropriate level of ambition and complexity.
The project framework developed in this module forms the basis for a medium to large scale building (or number of medium to small scale buildings, for example, housing) design, carried through to outline design stage.
Comprehensive Design Project - Detailed Design (Options)
This module is a continuation and development of the Comprehensive Design Project. Students are required to extend the outline design into a fully resolved and detailed design for exhibition in the School’s Degree Show. The Comprehensive Design Project is the culmination of the BA (Hons) Architecture course, and this module should demonstrate the student's skill in managing and resolving the complexities of contemporary architectural design within a range of perspectives, issues, and interests.
Comprehensive Design Project -Technical Studies
This module prepare the student with the relevant technical knowledge and skills expected of a graduate taking up their first post in practice. Students will develop a holistic understanding of how technology integrates with architectural design and how this relates within a comprehensive design project.
Professional Context
In today’s ever changing and highly competitive business environment, if an architectural practice is to survive, it is essential that architects have an understanding of the construction industry and the value its contribution can make to the UK economy.
An architectural practice can no longer rely upon designing interesting buildings alone, but must do this in an efficient manner. This can only be achieved by being conversant with contemporary business management strategies, coupled with an understanding of project management within the UK construction industry.
How You Study
Level one
Level one is designed to release creative potential, explore design processes and lay a foundation of cultural and technical knowledge. Skills in drawing, computer-aided design, model-making and exhibition are developed through a series of small-scale design projects. Practical explorations of materials and construction techniques lead to adventurous designs resolved in some detail.
Level two
Level two develops students’ creative range, depth of knowledge, armoury of skills and professional portfolio. It addresses social, theoretical and contextual issues of living in the contemporary city. Design projects aim to build confidence in responding with imagination, humanity and concern for the environment.
Level three
Level three provides students with the opportunity to research, experiment and find their own voice as designers in a range of studios, each offering different themes, theories or working methods. The programme culminates in a major project that integrates design, theoretical, technical and professional studies. Students demonstrate the synthesis of imagination and practical resolution by applying their own architectural language to a building design resolved in detail. The wide range of individual approaches is celebrated in the Final Year Degree Show.
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is continuous through assignments/projects in all units. The programme is assessed on course work, which comprises of project work, verbal and visual presentations (i.e. "critiques") and written assignments. The programme culminates in the final year Degree Show.
Special Features
• The School has extensive CAD (computer aided design) facilities, which are used widely in design projects
• Continuous assessment by assignments/projects in all modules
• Interdisciplinary live projects and team working.
Facilities
The School of Architecture is located in an award-winning building designed by Rick Mather. The School offers a quality, dynamic, multidisciplinary, 3-D design environment, founded on the research and consultancy interests of its staff.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to have one of the following, in additional to being able to demonstrate design capability:
• UCAS points as detailed in the course information at the top of the page
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above, i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.
All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE Maths and English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.
What We Look for in Your Application
You will be asked to submit a digital portfolio.
Why a digital portfolio?
The portfolio will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and interests to us. At the same time, it will enable us to advise you on how best to prepare yourself for architectural studies at the Lincoln School of Architecture.
What to include?
The portfolio should be a personal expression of your creativity, individuality, versatility and visual communication skills. We would like you to put together a portfolio of FIVE digital images of your work. Do not feel limited by your school curriculum or by what you think ought to appear in an architectural portfolio. You may include photography, drawings, paintings, CAD or photographs of physical models, sculpture, things you made, constructions or works in progress. Select your best and most distinctive work and aim to demonstrate a range of different media or techniques.
Portfolio Tips - Select a range of work to show in the portfolio and select the best examples of each type of work. You should aim to demonstrate that you:
• have practical skills like pencil drawing techniques, computer-aided design drawing, photography, model-making, use of colour, perspective drawing or technical drawing
• have developed specifically architectural interest, for instance, in a sketchbook or an album of photos of visits to cities, buildings and interiors. perhaps you have recorded stages of construction on a building site
• are able to take the initiative to develop interests of your own outside of architecture. Perhaps you make things or you are a member of a band or you collect Art deco. Evidence that you can initiate and carry through projects on your own initiative is a good way to impress an interviewer. Interviewers will be as interested in what you have to say about your work as they are in the work itself. It is useful to rehearse what you are going to say. If you cannot attend an interview and you are posting your portfolio, then it is very useful to supply a written commentary on the work.
How to Apply
Students can apply through UCAS. Some applicants may be called for interview, whereby they will have an opportunity to go through their portfolio with a member of the academic team.
Careers
Laying the foundation for further academic or professional qualifications, this course is the first stage of an integrated programme of study recognised by the Architects Registration Board and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Opportunities exist in both local government and private practice - areas include planning, housing and the environment.
Fees
| 2012 Entry | UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9000 | £12033 |
| Part-time | £75 per credit point | £100 per credit point |
| Placement (optional) | Exempt | Exempt |
| Assessment Only | £38 per credit point | £50 per credit point |
For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.
