Bachelor of Architecture

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Architecture is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills appropriate for further learning towards becoming competent in practicing architecture. The qualification will provide learners with intellectual credibility by fostering the ability to apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in architecture. This qualification will encourage learners to undertake research in a manner that is appropriate to the architecture and design fields to prepare them for postgraduate studies. The qualification will equip learners with detailed knowledge of design, communication, technology, and critical studies in architecture. The qualification establishes a coherent foundation in the basic principles and practices of design and construction. Creative thinking, design thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking will be fostered throughout the qualification to prepare them for industry and/or further studies in Higher Education.

This architectural foundation will prepare learners for further/additional study in the Architectural field and encourage lifelong learning. The qualification was designed to prepare learners to undertake honours study by providing them with research capacity in the methodology and research techniques of the discipline. The qualification will cover sufficient knowledge in architecture and allow for direct access to postgraduate studies in the built environment and architecture. Therefore, the qualification provides a foundation for further postgraduate study, which will provide learners with the opportunities to eventually continue their studies to study a Master of Architecture, which will allow learners to register as Candidate Professional Architects.

The qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills (design thinking, making processes, communication and office procedures) to practice architecture. This integrated set of conceptual and applied abilities prepares them to think in a flexible, problem-solving manner outside of the confines of a single field in architecture. The qualification offers graduates knowledge, and abilities in architectural design and technology, as well as the ability to transition into adjacent domains in the built environment. The presentation and research skills, principles and methods of practical architecture and related professions will allow graduates to constructively and creatively address challenges related to the delivery of sensitive and appropriate designs within the built environment. The qualification will discuss the commercial aspects of design practice, as well as relevant legislation.

The qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills such as technology, construction, and software skills as tools to successfully complete the qualification and practice in industry as an Architectural Technologist. The qualification will focus on the knowledge and skills required by the construction and building sector for architectural technologists. Obtaining this qualification will enable a learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and values that will enable them to register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) to practice and find employment in architecture as Candidate Architectural Technologists. The qualification is designed to prepare learners to work as architectural technologists in the field of architecture.

Rationale

Graduates from the qualification will be able to register with the SACAP as an Architectural Technologist. Learners will gain various facets of knowledge and skills necessary to apply an awareness of architecture and technology in the larger industry, as well as a grasp of the role architecture can play in development and nation-building. This knowledge about the field of architecture will ensure an empathetic understanding of and attitude toward social, cultural, natural, urban and historical environments. Therefore, this qualification will open opportunities for graduates to contribute to society and the built environment. The qualification provides learners with a sound foundational knowledge of architecture and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to either post-graduate studies or to the architectural and construction industry.

The qualification will increase access and diversify the industry to advance the academic field of architecture. Architecture has been chosen as one of the strategic growth areas for the country. The qualification will increase the number of qualified graduates in architectural design and construction to broaden local leadership, enhancing innovative and knowledge-based economics and scholarly activity. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including academic peers from both private and public universities, as well as employers and SACAP.

The qualification will focus on the general architectural design and technology concepts and their theories in architecture to prepare learners for a career context or postgraduate studies in architecture. The qualification will emphasise key principles in design and technology, as well as the procedural knowledge and skills necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will also provide learners with a foundation for further academic and industrial development. The qualification will allow learners to study, broaden and specialise further in architecture and the built environment such as landscape architecture, urban design, development planning, environmental management, project management, property development, or other related disciplines. The qualification will thus add value to the qualifying learner by providing them with economic opportunities and a choice of career paths.

The built environment is a representation of storytellers of the past, present, and future. Infrastructure development and planning are priority areas for the South African government and form part of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction fields. Further, Covid-19 highlighted the socioeconomic, geographic, and environmental disparities that exist in society and cities. Architects embrace this opportunity to re-establish design thinking as a vital component of designing responsive and appropriate architecture. They have a unique ability to translate issues and ideas into built form through the design process. This qualification will focus on general principles and application or technology transfer. This qualification will provide career prospects in the architectural field and address infrastructural, basic housing, and other development needs in the construction industry. Candidates can contribute innovatively to the country's economic and societal progress by doing so.

This qualification will provide learners with graduate-level knowledge, values and specific skills and applied competence in the field of architectural design and technology. An architectural technologist with entrepreneurial skills and experience can competently undertake modest to medium-sized projects under supervision. An architectural technologist can undertake routine technical research and provide architectural services in the built environment, including construction, detailing design, and administration. The various responsibilities of the architectural technologist include but are not limited to the production of drawings, detailing, presentation of drawings, model making, rudimentary planning and design work, and contact with relevant role players, are the major activities. This qualification increases the learner's understanding of the commercial realities of architectural practice as they relate to office operations, legislation, and the role of architecture in wider administrative and decision-making processes. The knowledge and abilities needed to complete the many stages of the architectural process (analysis, recognition, and formulation of a problem, research, concept generation, evaluation, realization, and communication) will be offered to learners.

Discussions with prominent South African architectural departments were held to determine what the industry expects from an Architectural Technologist. These discussions aimed to develop industry relevance and maximize employability for graduates. The response indicated that an imaginative learner who is familiar with digital technologies (software and fabrication) is needed to stimulate innovation and rethink how to currently construct and practice architecture. This qualification will strive to meet this need by emphasising the relationship between design and technology and focusing on design concepts and design development, using an interdisciplinary design approach, supported by relevant project-specific theory. The aim is to produce learners who can think laterally, critically and creatively, especially in a world that has placed more importance on innovation since the 4th industrial revolution.

Parliament in recognition of the important role that built environment professionals play in South African society passed seven Acts in 2000 to regulate six built environment professions, namely architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, project and construction management, property valuation and quantity surveying and the Council for the Built Environment as an overarching body over the activities of the said six.

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) has in terms of Section 20 of the CBE Act determined the identification of work (IDOW) for the different categories of registered persons and identified the scope of the CBE in terms of Section 20 of the CBE Act determined the work for every category of registered persons in the architectural profession. SACAP in consultation with the CBE developed an identification of work policy that forms the framework to regulate the architectural profession. The identified scope of work is aligned with an architectural qualification accredited by SACAP. The qualification was approved by SACAP.

As part of the transformation policy, categories of registration were established and aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The Architectural Professions Act, No. 44 of 2000, changed the architecture profession to include Architectural Technologists to broaden the architecture profession to support functions. In line with the Code of Conduct, a registered Architectural Technologist shall undertake architectural work in line with their category of registration. The Architectural Profession Act 44 of 2000 introduced the registration of Professional Architects, Professional Senior Architectural Technologists, Professional Architectural Technologists, and Professional Architectural Draughtspersons. The purpose of the qualification is to produce employable architects-in-training who, after two years of working under a registered architect, will be eligible for full registration as Architectural Technologists.

The qualification will provide graduates with a well-rounded and broad education appropriate to the profession, and function as a candidate architectural technologist, who may register in the appropriate category with SACAP. The qualification supports relevant education and meets national and international requirements as determined and validated by SACAP and internationally by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA). This qualification is designed as per the outcomes required by SACAP. The Architectural Profession Act also introduced the identification of work for each category of registered persons. The identification of work for each category of registered persons is aligned with the Architectural Learning Sites training programmes which are accredited by SACAP. Therefore, persons are registered in the architectural profession based on experience and /or qualifications obtained from accredited Architectural Learning Sites.

Discussions were held with SACAP to confirm the need for architectural technologists and to obtain approval for the development of a qualification that could provide the construction sector with qualified architectural technologists. The qualification is the first step in the learning pathway to registering as a 'Professional Architect' which is defined in Government Gazette No.41728 Vol.636 22 June 2018 as an occupation in high demand.

Distance and hybrid provisioning will widen access to critical future teaching and learning, as well as make the profession more accessible to persons who do not have the financial resources to attend classes. The qualification will help learners who are physically or geographically unable to attend contact-based qualifications get access to higher education. Distance provisioning is an educational method that accommodates geographically distributed learners by offering resources, materials, support, and services via a variety of tools to promote distance learning. This opens educational opportunities and offers more flexibility in studying. This educational style accommodates learners who are geographically dispersed by delivering resources, materials, support, and services through a variety of platforms. This expands educational access for more people while also allowing for greater learning flexibility.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification.

RPL for access

• RPL for access is applicable to learners who have not met the admission requirements. > Applicants are first screened for eligibility, to check whether they have some kind of experience over and beyond the NSC.
• Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants are given a brief detailing the kinds of evidence to submit as part of a portfolio of evidence. The intention is to determine that they have the necessary competencies to succeed in the qualification. This is typically a basic drawing exercise and an assessment of English proficiency.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
• For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement,

Or

• Higher Certificate in Architectural Practice, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Architecture, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Higher Occupational Certificate: Architectural Draughtsperson, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Principles and Theory of Architectural Design 1, 30 Credits.
• Architecture Communication 1, 30 Credits.
• Architecture Technology and Professional Practice 1, 30 Credits.
• Critical Architecture Studies 1, 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Principles and Theory of Architectural Design II, 30 Credits.
• Architecture Communication II, 30 Credits.
• Architecture Technology and Professional Practice II, 30 Credits.
• Critical Architecture Studies II, 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Principles and Theory of Architectural Design III, 30 Credits.
• Architecture Communication III, 30 Credits.
• Architecture Technology and Professional Practice III, 30 Credits.
• Critical Architecture Studies III, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to plan, research and organise design projects independently.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between theory and practice in architectural design.
3. Apply design processes and principles creatively to solve architectural problems innovatively.
4. Demonstrate the ability to create and produce an architectural design for an architectural project.
5. Demonstrate the ability to produce and communicate visual, verbal, and written techniques in two- and three-dimensions using hand-drawn and digital platforms.
6. Investigate and apply relevant structural systems, construction methods, materials and building services to the design
7. Demonstrate the ability to produce technical drawings as part of a set of contract documents of a simple building to acceptable practice standards and statutory regulations.
8. Apply architectural office management practices and procedures, using standard professional documents, guidelines, and legal and ethical prescriptions.
9. Demonstrate the ability to produce design and technical drawings on industry-related software for an architectural project.
10. Apply theory-driven arguments with a critical awareness of the role of culture and history.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

� Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the design process.

� Analyse and apply theories, research methods and techniques relevant to architectural practice.

� Identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to Architecture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

� Identify and respond to the environmental, contextual and programmatic requirements of an architectural project.

� Discuss historical periods and theoretical thought in architecture from antiquity to the contemporary world.

� Relate and assess terms, concepts, facts and principles specific to the history and theory of architecture within the unique cosmological and contextual setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

� Apply critical, analytical, professional and technical skills at an appropriate level and operate as an architectural technologist.

� Classify, examine and address appropriate design and construction problems

� Develop design proposals for limited complex buildings into detailed contract documentation to solve design problems and assembly details that comply with accepted professional standards and statutory regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

� Choose appropriate design principles and elements to solve simple design problems.

� Explore different and innovative architectural design approaches and construction practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

� Conceptualise and communicate design ideas and solutions through appropriate and stimulating presentations.

� Apply design skills through technical drawing in a clear, easily assimilated manner using standard conventions.

� Conceptualise and communicate design ideas and solutions within a cohesive, well-articulated and sophisticated spoken and written framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

� Apply various methods of construction, materials, services and structural systems related to architecture.

� Develop durable, cost-effective, climate-responsive construction systems and details sensitive to the contextual language of the design concept.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

� Produce technically proficient documentation.

� Apply the appropriate South African building regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

� Discuss the context of professional and commercial practice and the industry mechanisms.

� Examine terminology, basic concepts and principles of architectural practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

� Operate relevant digital technologies for an architectural project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

� Identify relevant research, critically evaluate it and synthesise it into a coherent argument from a personal perspective.