Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours

Purpose

This qualification will provide learners with a sound knowledge base in the Architectural profession and the ability to apply that knowledge, the skills and values as Candidate Senior Architectural Technologists whilst also equipping them to undertake more specialised Postgraduate studies such as the Master of Architecture (Professional), Level 9. As such, this qualification will suit learners who wish to qualify as Candidate Senior Architectural Technologists. A Candidate Professional Senior Architectural Technologist is characterised by the ability to:

• Competently handle designs of a complex multi-storey building as well as long span structures, based on parameters and constraints developed through independent scientific research, which are sensitive to issues of environment and sustainability, as well as cultural issues in a responsible, appropriate and economical manner in an urban, a sub-urban or rural context.
• Design these buildings on medium to high sensitivity sites, in terms of environmental, contextual, economic and physical constraints through the production of design and detailed design documentation.
• Work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of architectural design in the built environment.

In relation to academic purpose, the qualification aims to realise the fundamental requirements of an architectural education through strengthening learners' knowledge in the areas of Architectural Design, Construction and Professional Practice.

The qualification contains Architectural Design underpinned by architectural theory and history, research methods and critical writing against a backdrop of urban and landscape studies.

Rationale

This qualification is primarily industry and built environment oriented. The built environment and its related professions are integral to South Africa's National Development Plan. The construction industry is a major contributor to wealth creation and employment, both regionally and nationally. As such, construction and architectural professionals are becoming increasingly important to government and organisations responsible for the delivery of services and infrastructure, both nationally and within the greater Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The need for architectural qualifications in South Africa has been documented in the South African Council for the Architectural Professions (SACAP) Annual Report of 2013. As such, this learning qualification will provide crucial skills and add value to existing industries and companies directly or indirectly related to the built environment and development both nationally and internationally.

Learners are expected to gain a critical skill set pertaining to architectural design, construction technology and the built environment in terms of its regional, national and international impact on the community and the natural environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted through RPL in terms of guidelines stipulated by South African Council for the Architectural Professions (SACAP).

Learners who have gained the undergraduate degree, passed design, but not attained the minimum 60% grade and have been working in practice for a minimum of one year, may apply for access to the BAS Hons. through RPL. Learners applying for access to the qualification through RPL should submit a record of all prior learning together with a portfolio of design work that has been completed during her/his time in practice (this portfolio might also include a design task supplied to the prospective learner by the department at the time that an enquiry into application to the degree is made by the candidate). The complete portfolio should be submitted to the Department of Architecture with the application, and will presented by the prospective learner at a portfolio review presentation.

Furthermore, exemption from modules in the qualification, on the basis of having achieved a level commensurate with that of the NQF Level 8 qualification, through prior learning, would be considered by the Head of Department.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

• Architectural Design and Treatise, 54 Credits.
• Architectural Theory and Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Architectural Computer Usage, 12 Credits.
• Urban Studies, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Construction, 15 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 15 Credits.

1. Prepare and develop an appropriate design for a complex building project and present its synthesis in a logical, responsible, appropriate and economical manner in an urban, and a sub-urban or rural context.
2. Critically engage with a framework of social, cultural, economic, political and ecological concerns that shape architecture in contemporary society.
3. Use a range of computer technology presently in use in architectural practices to the execution of work.
4. Utilise critical urban issues, show awareness of, and sensitivity to urban aspects when designing individual buildings.
5. Produce a set of advanced working drawings for a complex building, completed to acceptable practice standards, as part of a set of contract documents.
6. Use architectural practice terminologies, basic concepts and principles of architectural practice needed to operate in the architectural environment and manage an efficient architectural business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Utilise precedent studies and architectural theoretical knowledge to demonstrate aesthetically, and environmentally sound architectural design knowledge skills, using the same to resolve complex architectural problems.
• Employ personal, as well as professional initiative and responsibilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Utilise knowledge of architectural theory pertaining to forces shaping architecture at the local and the global context.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of architectural history and theory based on the principles of learning from an historical precedent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Utilise enquiries into digital technologies to design practice and the impact of these technologies on the built environment.
• Develop an awareness of:

> Methods and representations for design; and

> Development of design tools.

• Methods and representations for design.
• The development of design tools.
• Applications of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a design tool, with special attention to sustainability and building performance analysis.
• Be Familiar with web browsers and communication programmes, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, architectural drawing, 3-dimensional modelling and graphic and image-editing programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Utilise the knowledge of the history of cities, urbanism and landscape architecture.
• Exhibit insight into urban history, issues and processes.
• Develop of an awareness of the historical formation of urban areas at global, regional and local levels.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Utilise knowledge of architectural theory pertaining to design and construction technology.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the built environment, in terms of precedent and how this informs the application of technology/design.
• Apply analytical research processes applicable to design and technology.
• Apply knowledge of construction methods and uses for materials related to complex multi-storey building appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Utilise the knowledge of architectural professionalism and the way the architectural profession operates in terms of government legislation (The Architectural Professions Act).
• Describe the roles of South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and South African Insurance Association (SAIA) and how these bodies relate to the professional architect.
• Examine the process of running a professional architectural office and the management principles that might be applicable to such an undertaking.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification consists of a number of modules that serve the core module: Design. These modules are lecture based and are evaluated based on either continuous assessment or by examination. Whichever mode of evaluation is applied, interim formative assessments in the form of projects, tutorials and tests are submitted throughout the year. In the case of examination modules, the examination forms the final summative assessment at the end of the year.

All of these modules contribute insights to be applied in the design module, the core module of the qualification. Design is a studio based module where qualitative feedback (and informal summative assessment) on student work is offered daily in the form of class discussions on individual student's projects. Projects are submitted for formal feedback and grading (formal formative assessment) individually during the year, and a final summative assessment takes place at the end of the year in the form of the portfolio review, where all work produced during the year is evaluated by an examining and the assessment is represented as a final grade.