The RIBA and ARB consider knowledge of social context and the civic mission of architecture as central to the design, technical and professional mission of architects in practice. MArch/ Part 2 ARB Criteria 2024 identifies this directly and obliquely and it is a core aspect of professional competency. In this module you develop design thinking in relation to broader social contexts and real-world clients to develop design approaches and briefs which meet identified and tested social, urban, developmental and economic objectives, as they intersect with local, regional and national policy and regulatory frameworks. Orientated towards multi-scale design outputs, this module engages with theories, historical and contemporary precedent and design interventions and practices. The module asks you to reflect on these current practices through their studio design projects, building on ARCH7003 5a Urban Design, producing detailed, technically resolved proposals that enhance the performance and relevance of their urban design proposals. Within specialist design units, you will be guided through weekly lectures to develop holistic social and environmental analysis and design proposals, which address identified social, programmatic and building needs. Working in response to real-world scenarios, you will be required to develop speculative, reasoned and evidenced design proposals which contextualise and advance current practices in response to thoughtful, robust analysis of social needs and governance/ policy objectives in relation to social engagement activities, planning policies, professional standards and regulatory frameworks.
Lectures: 8 hours
Tutorials: 48 hours
Reviews: 12 hours
Workshops: 12 hours
Autumn, Spring - Canterbury
This module is taught In person or online (hybrid).
These assessments have been designed to be accessible in-line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
In this module student work undergoes two forms of assessments: oral presentation and portfolio review. The oral presentation consists of a timed in-person review in studio (the ‘crit’) and is assessed in terms of visual and spoken coherence according to clearly identified material outputs (development work, finished presentation drawings, models). The second assessment is an illustrated portfolio, which will be formally assessed by design tutors. In addition to drawings of their final urban design proposal, the portfolio incorporates a reflective journal. Students utilise this to document the design process, but it also offers them to critical reflection on their experience of the application of evidence-based methodologies in design.
Practical
Presentation - Oral review of proposal and pinup (10 minutes). Worth 20%
Practical
Design portfolio - An illustrated portfolio and design journal. Worth 80%. This module is pass compulsory.
Reassessment methods
Single Instrument 100% Practical (Design Portfolio)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages:
https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate understanding of the history and theory of participation in planning and design, and knowledge of current policies and practices of public participation.
2) Demonstrate knowledge of the role of architects in social/ client engagement, and their professional role in coordinating positive and effective participation for diverse actors.
3) Develop techniques for meaningful and collaborative social engagement, including methods of engagement, reflexive learning through engagement, analysis of engagement outcomes, and delivery of engagement outcomes to client/ actor groups.
4) Develop and present design work that responds to social and participatory engagement at multiple scales.
5) Develop and analyse scaled design interventions which addresses programmatic, urban and building needs in specific user groups, and in light of existing urban and building policies, regulatory frameworks and professional expectations.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.