Architecture Design Studies BA (Hons)

About this course

Architecture Design Studies allows for a greater flexibility in course choices than the prescriptive Architecture qualification, enabling students to explore their personal interests in the wider field of architecture by including a range of courses chosen by students, delivered other University of Liverpool departments, including Sociology, Planning, Music and Geography.

Introduction

The Architecture Design Studies programme aims to provide a foundation in the general field of architecture and other related disciplines. It seeks to generate an enthusiasm for architecture, a spirit of inquiry, and to stimulate life-long learning.

As well as a first step towards professional activity, architecture design studies can be an enjoyable preparation for further study or other careers. It demands knowledge of many different but interrelated disciplines and the development of personal as well as technical skills. All students begin in year one on a common course with the BA (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part I accredited route, to provide some experience of design process, before students specialise in later years through a wide range of courses offered by other University of Liverpool departments.

The programme encourages investigative and critical approaches to architecture, and the development of research and specialist skills. It combines individual creativity with knowledge and understanding of a broad variety of technical and cultural issues. The aim is to provide a broad academic programme in architecture and cognate disciplines, which does not contain the design project modules needed by future architects, but which will equip graduates with useful skills and knowledge of the field.

What you'll learn

• Structural and constructional principles
• The theories and principles of environmental technologies, the relationship of environmental design and architectural technology to the climate, the development of a sustainable environment, and the impact that architectural decisions may have upon the natural world and its resources
• The history and theory of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of art and cultural studies
• An appreciation of the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues
• The cultural context of architecture and urban design, and the related disciplines of art and landscape studies
• How to make informed and considered judgements about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of historical or contemporary designs
• An understanding of architectural history and the key drivers informing change and development