Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CVE5611

 
TITLE Architectural Technology 1

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Civil and Structural Engineering

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit focuses on the impact of structural systems and construction processes on the process of architectural design. It will explore structural form, (also by making reference to nature, as in biomimetics), form-finding, and structural behaviour, using models and experiment, to offer a qualitative understanding of structural behaviour and design of structures such as light-weight structures, large span structures, high-rise structures, flexible structures, tensegrity structures, etc.

The study-unit will also explore alternative methods of project delivery, including flexible formwork, or industrialized systems of construction.

Study-unit Aims:

The aim of the study-unit is to offer students engaged in contemporary and innovative design a better understanding of structural form and behaviour, and of contemporary building systems, including prefabrication, standardisation, modules and grids, in so far as will inform the design process. The study-unit also aims to explore building envelopes and enclosures, in so far as they are an integral part of the structural system.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Explain the significance of structural form, and deduce structural behaviour from the structure's geometry;
- Synthesize the impact of properties of construction materials, such as concrete, steel and glass, and innovative means of fabrication and use, on contemporary architectural practice;
- Summarize the assembly processes for building envelopes, including cladding, facade elements, etc.;
- Discuss the role of computer controlled assembly processes.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Select the appropriate structural form to fulfill the requirements of the proposed building;
- Design the production processes for special elements in concrete, steel and glass;
- Specify the main assembly characteristics for the facade elements of a building.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Silver, P., McLean, W., Evans, P., (2013), Structural Engineering for Architects: A Handbook, Laurence King Publishing.
- Millais, M., (2005) Building Structures, from Concepts to Design, Spon Press.
- Salvadori, M., (1987), Why Buildings Stand Up, WW Norton & Company.
- Salvadori, M., (1987), Why Buildings Fall Down, WW Norton & Company.
- Levy, M., Salvadori, M., (2005), Structure as Architecture, Charleson, A.W., Elsevier.
- Hanaor, A., (1998), Principles of Structures, Blackwell Science.
- Engel, H., Hatje C., (2007), Structure Systems, 3rd ed.
- Sutherland, Lyall, (2002), Masters of Structures: Engineering Today’s Innovative Buildings, Laurence King Publishing.
- Tony Hunt’s Structures Notebook, (2002) Architectural Press.
- Tony Hunt’s Second Sketchbook, (2002) Architectural Press.
- Staib, G., Dorrhofer, A., Rosenthal, M., (2008), Components and Systems: Modular Construction, Design, Structure, New Technologies.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study and Practical

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Alex Torpiano

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit