PGCert in Architectural Studies at Birmingham Southern College
The course offers study organised to ensure:
an understanding of the key knowledge and skills needed for the specialism
a critical appreciation of the ideas, theories and debates that inform that area, and their application
the opportunity for personal development and specialisation through a dissertation or major project
The course encourages students to develop
the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction.
briefs and how to critically appraise them to ensure that the design response is appropriate to site and context, and for reasons such as sustainability and budget.
the regulatory requirements, including the needs of the disabled, health and safety legislation and building regulations and development control, that guide building construction.
an appropriate philosophical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context.
building technologies, environmental design and construction methods in relation to: human well-being, the welfare of future generations, the natural world, the consideration of a sustainable environment.
the impact on design of legislation, codes of practices and health and safety both during the construction and occupation of a project.
the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues.
the histories and theories of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of art, cultural studies and landscape studies and its application in critical debate.
the inter-relationship between people, buildings and the environment and an understanding of the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale.
the relationship between design process, cultural context, theory, technology, and professional issues, and the design of environments
Skill Development
The ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
The ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods include: design studios, design based tutorials, seminars, lectures, design workshops, demonstrations, case studies. Contributions from visiting tutors who are practicing architects, designers or construction based professionals.