Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design

Purpose

This qualification will provide students with a sound knowledge base in the architectural profession and the ability to apply that knowledge, skills and values as professional architectural technologists whilst also equipping them to undertake more specialised post graduate studies such as the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honours) and then the M.Arch (Prof).

Rationale

Architectural professionals are increasingly important to government and organisations in a variety of sectors responsible for the delivery of services and infrastructure both nationally and within the greater Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. According to the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), South Africa has an architectural professional to population ratio of 1:8322. This implies that the architectural cohort requirements for South Africa need to multiply in order to meet the requirements of the National Development Plan and the regional economy. Gender and race inequalities still remain in the architectural profession and huge challenges need to be overcome to address the situation.

In this regard, the need for architectural qualifications in South Africa that cater for the needs of industry as well as provide opportunities for disadvantaged students to access the profession has been well documented, and the institution plays a significant role in the provision of such qualifications. The School of Architecture, and more specifically the Department of Architectural Technology and Interior Design is the only accredited learning site in the Eastern Cape offering the full range of qualifications which seek to address some of the abovementioned challenges.

The qualification aims to produce graduates who are trained according to the standards of best architectural practice in accordance with the requirements of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession and the Commonwealth Association of Architects. In terms of the SACAP requirements this Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design must provide the graduate with the relevant skills in order to meet the requirements for registration as a candidate senior architectural technologist.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's RPL Policy will form the basis for the policy for the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design.

The evaluation of prior learning is an academic task and, like other forms of assessment, is done by a panel of academics from the School of Architecture Admissions Committee. The RPL assessment is to ensure quality assurance in the School of Architecture.

RPL will be applied for the purposes of entry admission to the program. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview, an entry exam and submit a portfolio for assessment of skills regarding design abilities, computer presentation skills and technical knowledge of construction. Theoretical knowledge regarding Theory and History of Architecture will be tested verbally during the interview.

Interviews

The candidates may be invited to a selection interview and entrance examination session during the first week of December.

Candidates must attend an interview. Candidates who cannot attend will not be considered for selection.

The School of Architecture Admissions Committee will assess the entry exam results and portfolios submitted for the following criteria:

• The ability to think conceptually and respond to a design problem in an innovative and appropriate manner.
• The ability to design buildings of a medium complexity based on accepted parameters and constraints.
• The ability to appraise and define an architectural design problem.
• The ability to interpret contextual, environmental, cultural issues and present suitable design interventions.
• A thorough knowledge of construction technology as it pertains to design.
• A thorough knowledge of advanced computer applications and software utilized in the profession.

Please note that the decision of the Admission Committee could include that additional theoretical subjects be completed prior to inclusion into the Advanced Diploma program should the applicant demonstrate a lack of knowledge - regarding Theory and/or History of Architecture - during the interview.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A three year Diploma in Architectural Technology.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Design, 40 Credits.
• History of Architecture and Art, 15 Credits.
• Architectural Theory, 15 Credits.
• Principles of Urban Design, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Computer Applications, 30 Credits.

1. Interpret the contextual, cultural, social and aesthetic aspects related to architectural design in both the urban and rural environment.
2. Resolve technical aspects of a building project in compliance with the relevant legislation and building codes.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of structural concepts and calculations related to structural aspects pertaining to complex building types.
4. Utilise knowledge of architectural theory and history, and more specifically as it relates to an awareness of the built environment, in terms of historical precedent and how this informs the application of design.
5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with architectural audiences and affected parties.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of architecture on the urban or rural context, society, economy, and the environment, through analysis, critique and reflection.
7. Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of Architectural practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable design solution in terms of the context, brief and research.
• Identify relevant information, knowledge and skills for solving the architectural design problem.
• Produce and analyse possible design approaches in terms of a feasible and workable solution for the project or problem.
• Draw, model and analyse possible solutions in terms of the relevant criteria and outcomes.
• Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution for presentation.
• Produce the design solution in an appropriate architectural presentation format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate an appropriate mix of knowledge in the field of building science, structures, construction and technology at an advanced level.
• Utilise theories, principles and the relevant regulations in the solving of complex technical problems.
• Utilise formal analysis and computer aided design in the production and modelling of suitable solutions.
• Communicate concepts, ideas and theories in a suitable architectural manner.
• Clearly communicate reasoning about and conceptualising of architectural materials, details, components, systems or processes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of construction methods, material uses and the understanding of the local context in terms of resources, appropriate technologies, climatic and sustainable cost effective design in a suitable architectural manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Formulate the structural design problem to satisfy applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
• Plan and manage the technical design process to focus on important issues and deal with the relevant material and structural constraints.
• Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
• Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on material, technical and structural analysis.
• Assess the selected structural design in terms of the theoretical and material loading principles.
• Communicate the structural design and relevant information in a technical portfolio of drawings and written report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Plan and conduct research within the appropriate theoretical discipline.
• Search available literature and critically evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
• Analyse, interpret and derive Information from available research texts and data.
• Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available texts and research.
• Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the research in written assignments, research papers and examinations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use appropriate structure, style and language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
• Use appropriate and effective illustrations and graphics in enhancing the meaning of text.
• Use architectural visual presentations to enhance oral communications.
• Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the architectural profession and the built environment.
• Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify and deal with the impact of architectural design and technology through the interrogation and critique of the benefits and limitations on the context, community and/or society.
• Analyse the architectural design in terms of the impact on the urban context, environment, the user and/or the community.
• Reflect on and take into consideration the personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements of those who are affected by the architectural proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Describe and analyse the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas and propose solutions.
• Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate architectural solutions.
• Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date legislation and techniques available in the workplace.
• Understand and embrace the system of continuous professional development as an on-going process.
• Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.
• Make judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.

Integrated Assessment

Due to the fact that the architectural disciplines as discussed above are primarily studio based (formative assessment) supported by theoretical subject assessment, the sequence of formative and summative assessments is repeated throughout the academic year. Both design and urban design projects completed during each semester are submitted to an external and internal panel of examiners in the form of a portfolio examination. An interim assessment and progress assessment is made in June, with the final summative studio practice assessment in November. The aim of the interim assessment is to provide feedback on the work completed to date and an indication of the standard of the portfolio presented. The final assessment by the external examination panel in November determines a mark which complies with the requirements of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession Accreditation Board.

Formative and summative assessments will include inter alia the following

Formative Assessment

• Individual and collaborative group tutorials with memoranda and direct lecturer and/or tutor formative feedback.
• Individual and collaborative Assignments/Projects with direct discussions providing formative feedback.
• Class tests with direct formative feedback via memoranda and discussions.
• Computer aided design renderings and simulations.
• Individual projects and assignments including feedback via assessment rubrics and scoring.
• Group projects and assignments including scoring and feedback via assessment rubrics.
• Individual Presentations including feedback via assessment rubrics, lecturer and peer scoring.

Summative Assessment

• Closed and/or open book tests including scoring and feedback.
• Closed book examinations.
• Design portfolio examinations assessed by an external panel.