Diploma in Architectural Technology

A person achieving this qualification will be a competent Architectural Technologist who can conduct relevant routine technical research and under supervision perform architectural services in/or construction, detailing, design and administration in the public and/or private sectors within the built environment.

Entry requirements

• Certificate: Architectural Technology, Level 5.
• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
• Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption.
• National Certificate Vocational, Level 4 with the relevant specialisation granting access to Diploma studies.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct routine Architectural research.
2. Develop, prepare and present Architectural design solutions.
3. Develop and prepare Technological solutions and documentation for routine Architectural projects.
4. Participate in the application of management principles in an architectural practice.

Specified Outcomes

The learner will be able to

1.1 Analyse the requirements of the project, brief and site constraints.

1.2 Analyse appropriate precedents.

1.3 Access and analyse information regarding building materials and methods.

1.4 Prepare and present information and analysis regarding the brief, site, construction, materials and methods.

2.1 Incorporate the principles of appropriate construction technology in the design process.

2.2 Design creatively and functionally within the parameters of climate, site, context and the environment.

2.3 Effectively develop aspects of design applying appropriate media.

3.1 Incorporate specifications of building materials and their application in a wide range of building types.

3.2 Integrate construction considerations in the production Architectural documentation.

3.3 Design and detail various aspects of a wide range of building types.

3.4 Co-ordinate and integrate services in the preparation of Architectural production documentation.

4.1 Distribute preliminary technical information and keep records.

4.2 Assist in the co-ordination and distribution of the production of Architectural documentation.

4.3 Liaise with members of the contract team.

4.4 Demonstrate human resource principles where applicable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Accommodation requirements are established.
• The site is investigated to establish the environmental factors which will influence the design solution.
• Appropriate design precedents are investigated.
• Appropriate building materials and methods are investigated.
• Information regarding the brief, site, materials and methods is communicated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• All considerations are creatively integrated into the conceptual design solution.
• Conceptual sketches are developed from the routine research and finalised problem statement.
• Perform site and problem analysis at the basic level.
• Development and constraints of the design process are addressed and incorporated in the design.
• Design is finalised and Presented to the client.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• All technological considerations are integrated in the design process.
• Appropriate materials and specifications are selected and incorporated to achieve design and construction objectives.
• Construction drawings and details are produced using appropriate technology.
• All technological service considerations are incorporated in the architectural documentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Preliminary technical information is co-ordinated and distributed to the professional team.
• Site minutes, correspondence and production documentation are distributed to the professional team.
• Production documentation is distributed to the contract team.
• Time management principles are demonstrated, where applicable.
• Human resource principles are demonstrated, where applicable.
• Office administrative principles are demonstrated, where applicable.
• Project and/or office budget principles are demonstrated, where applicable.
• Capital items are managed, where applicable.

Integrated Assessment

Examinations and/or projects and assignments and/or continuous evaluation and/or panel evaluation and/or portfolio presentation and evaluation by Architectural Professionals.