Demystifying ConstructionLecture 10 : Course Recap & Assessment Exercise

Created by Antony Wood, School of the Built Environment, University of NottinghamFunded by CEBE (Centre for Education in the Built Environment) Educational Development GrantSeptember 2005

“Construction cannot be learnt solely from books. It cannot be understood by the assimilation of information. It must be investigated, attempted, engaged with. It is only in the act of attempting a solution, that the intricacies of the problem can be fully appreciated”

Course Objectives

• To ‘demystify’ construction as a subject, so that students feel more confident in approaching the technological aspects of their own design projects from first principles, rather than borrowed sources.

• To demonstrate the essential link of construction to the design process.

• To give students a background in a number of common building materials / elements / systems.

• To give students a preparation for the realities of working in architectural practice.

Stage 1 Background: Generic information on material / element issued.

Stage 2 Sample: Physical handling of material / element by students.

Stage 3 Case Study: Images of material / element implementation on-site shown.

Stage 4 Exercise: Students undertake task, produce detailed drawings.

Stage 5 Marking: Students are assessed on the value of their solutions.

Stage 6 Feedback: The Lecturer’s solution is presented and analysed in detail.

Stage 7 Reinforcement: The case study slides are again shown, together with other relevant case studies.

Course Methodology: Learning by Doing

ARB CriteriaDesign1 A knowledge of the ways that context, budget, preparation and development of a brief inform a design proposal. This is introduced through the presentation of case studies in each lecture which discusses these aspects. It is assessed through the ‘detailed design study’, where students develop their own studio design project to a detailed level.2 A knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and health & safety considerations that guide design and building construction. This is, again, introduced through the presentation of case studies in each lecture which discusses these aspects and assessed through the ‘detailed design study’.3 A knowledge of physical, artistic and cultural contexts, and their use in informing the design process. These aspects are introduced through the lecture building case studies.4 An ability to work as part of a team. This is assessed through the five weekly exercises, which are conducted in groups of four students.Technology & Environment1d-1g A knowledge of the principles of building technologies, environmental design and construction methods, in relation to consideration of a sustainable environment (1d), use of materials (1e), process of assembly (1f) and structural principles (1g). These aspects are introduced through the lecture building case studies and assessed through the ‘weekly exercises’, the ‘materials / systems precedent study’ and the ‘detailed design study’.2 A knowledge of the impact on design of legislation, codes of practice and health and safety both during the construction and occupation of a project. These aspects are introduced through the lecture building case studies and assessed through the ‘detailed design study’, which must show an understanding of legislation, codes of practice etc.Cultural Context3a An ability to form considered judgements about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of a design within the scope and scale of a wider environment. This is assessed through their ‘detailed design study’, where they must progress the design of their studio project to a detailed level, incorporating the aspects above.3b An ability to reflect upon, and relate their ideas to, a design and to the work of others. This is introduced through the lecture building case studies and assessed through their ‘detailed design study’.Communication1 An ability to use visual communication methods to clearly and effectively convey their design ideas and proposals. This is assessed through both the ‘weekly exercises’ (construction sketching techniques) and the ‘detailed design study’ where students present their work in a ‘crit’ format.2 An ability to use the conventions of architectural representations from two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics to computer generated and physical models. This is assessed through both the ‘weekly exercises’ (construction sketching techniques) and the ‘detailed design study’ where students present their work in a ‘crit’ format.3 An ability to listen, and critically respond to, the views of others. This is assessed through the ‘materials / systems precedent study’ and the ‘detailed design study’ which are both assessed through a crit format.Management Practice and Law2 A knowledge of how buildings are designed and built in the context of architectural and professional practice and the framework of the construction industry. This is introduced through the lecture building case studies and assessed through both the ‘weekly exercises’ and the ‘detailed design study’.

Lecture 10: Course recap & the Assessment Exercise: Handout 3 ……