Bachelor of Architecture

Purpose

The qualification is a first Degree that addresses all the knowledge fields in Architecture. It emphasises the relationship between design and technology and focuses on design concepts and design development, using an interdisciplinary design approach, supported by relevant project-specific theory. It prepares students for further study or registration and employment as Candidate Architectural Technologists.

Rationale

Architecture has been identified as one of the strategic growth areas for the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. The Department of Architecture and the University of Johannesburg have the support of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), the Gauteng Institute of Architecture and the Heads of Schools Committee of SACAP for introducing such a qualification.

Students must be able to

• Communicate in the language of tuition at NQF Level 4.
• Carry out mathematical calculations at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Faculty regards Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits that are aligned to Faculty programmes to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the institution's RPL Policy which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning, in order to provide for access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications and grant credits for modules already covered by the student, based on institutional principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

Access to the Qualification

The following minimum admission requirements must be met

• A National Senior Certificate giving access to Degree studies.

Or

• A Senior Certificate giving access to Degree studies.

Or

• An equivalent qualification at an equivalent standard, as verified by the South African Qualifications Authority.

Or

• A National Certificate (Vocational) NQF Level 4, giving access to Degree studies.

This Bachelor of Architecture at NQF Level 7 comprises 22 compulsory modules across NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7. All 22 modules must be successfully completed in order to be awarded the qualification.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Architectural Design 1A, 24 Credits.
• Architectural Technology and Detailing 1, 28 Credits.
• History and Theory of Architecture 1, 8 Credits.
• Design Studies (Architecture) 1, 8 Credits.
• Interdisciplinary Design and Presentation 1, 12 Credits.
• Communication in Architecture 1, 8 Credits.
• Sustainable Design 1, 8 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 96.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Architectural Design 1B, 24 Credits.
• Architectural Design 2, 48 Credits.
• Architectural Technology and Detailing 2, 28 Credits.
• History and Theory of Architecture 2, 8 Credits.
• Design Studies (Architecture) 2, 8 Credits.
• Interdisciplinary Design 2, 12 Credits.
• Computers in Architecture 2, 8 Credits.
• Sustainable Design 2, 8 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 144.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Architectural Design 3, 48 Credits.
• Architectural Technology and Detailing 3, 28 Credits.
• History and Theory of Architecture 3, 8 Credits.
• Design Studies (Architecture) 3, 8 Credits.
• Interdisciplinary Design 3, 12 Credits.
• Computers in Architecture 3, 8 Credits.
• Architectural Practice 3, 8 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 120.

Total credits for the qualification: 360.

1. Identify and respond to contextual and environmental design imperatives and use historical and theoretical positions and precedents in conceptualising less complicated building designs, as defined by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
2. Respond to programmatic requirements and apply architectural design processes and principles creatively in the design of less complicated buildings, as defined by SACAP.
3. Solve design problems and develop design proposals for less complicated buildings into detailed contract documentation and assembly details that comply with accepted professional standards and statutory regulations.
4. Select and incorporate appropriate structural systems, construction methods, materials, building services and systems into the design of less complicated buildings in consultation with various other professions (where appropriate).
5. Apply architectural office management practices and procedures, using standard professional documents, guidelines, legal and ethical prescriptions.
6. Use professional standard computer programmes and solve problems pertaining to the production of standard documentation.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed throughout this qualification.

The following Assessment Criteria may be applied in a generic manner to some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes

• The key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the main areas of one or more fields, disciplines or practices, are applied and evaluated.
• Detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices is demonstrated through explanations, descriptions and/or any other documentation.
• Own ideas and opinions are developed and communicated in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional or occupational discourse.
• A range of methods of enquiry in a field, discipline or practice are applied to successfully solve problems or introduce change within a practice.
• Complex problems are identified, analysed, critically reflected on and addressed by applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
• Decisions are made and applied ethically and professionally and these decisions and actions are justified by drawing from appropriate ethical values and approaches, within a supportive environment.
• Appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use are developed and applied.
• Information sources are independently validated and evaluated and the relevant information is managed.
• Processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts are managed and recognition that problem-solving is context and system-bound and does not occur in isolation is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment is applied through

• Interim seminar presentations and critiques.
• Class tests.
• Presentations.
• Written and oral regular feedback and critique on work in progress.

Summative assessment is applied through

• Final seminar presentations.
• Critiques.
• Assessment of final portfolio/s.