2.0 Critical Context
19/10/16 - 09/05/17 3.1 Over vie w
The MA Architecture and Interior Design course allows you to systematically develop your practice in both project work and writing. Each semester you will be asked to undertake a specific research and writing task. As you move through the course the research and writing should become increasingly entwined and implicated in the project work. In semester one, a series of written assignments will be developed and presented during thematic seminars. These can be understood as short stand alone texts, but you are encouraged to think of them as coming together in semester one as a ‘literature review and position statement’. This work will serve as the basis for your thesis research and writing, which will be developed in semester two. Over semesters one and two you will build up a coherent document that will be produced as a book or pamphlet, which can be both presented in your portfolio, exhibition and submitted for a conference, publication or disseminated to particular audiences. In term three, the design project and thesis are synthesized, refined and distilled into a final report, a Research Folio. By establishing a knowledge base and framework, you will be able to situate your own ideas in a literature review and position statement (semester one), thesis (semester two) and Research Folio (semester three). Success in this unit will depend on you actively engaging with the seminars, reading extensively, visiting projects and exhibitions and studying closely the projects that you select as objects of study for your literature review and thesis. [continued...] UCA Canterbury School of Architecture // MA Architecture // MA Interior Design // 2016-17
The learning hours for this unit suggest that you should be spending on average 20 hours per week - think of that as 2-3 hours of reading, research and writing per day. These activities should be supplemented by visiting, drawing and discussing texts. You should anticipate some intensive writing towards the end of each semester. 3.2 Assessment
Semester 1 - CARC 7001 & CIND 7008 This first semester is structured around thematic, student-led seminars. You will be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the content of the weekly reading (available on MyUCA), seeking out at least one complementary text through individual research and writing a 300 word comparison of the texts. Each week, you will present your research findings for class discussion. Assessment this semester takes the form of a literature review and position statement, submitted in written form. The literature review and position statement should draw on the class readings and bibliographies to construct a rigorous reading of a work or body of work of architecture (1950 - present), a particular theory, writer of specific texts, social process or phenomena using clearly defined and referenced critical and analytical frameworks. The literature review and position statement should be 3000 to 4000 words in length, illustrated and fully referenced using the Harvard System. You should consider the graphic design of your literature review and position statement, and are encouraged to explore the relationships between text, image and diagram.
3.3 Duration
The literature review will run from the 19/10/2016 until the final presentation of the position statement on 26/01/2017. Meetings will be held from 10am - 1pm.
3.4 Key Dates
19/10/2015:
Introduction with Anna Holder Assignment: seminar reading + research reading + 300 word comparison
02/11/2015:
Student-led thematic seminar 01, with Kim Trogal Theme: Theory and Practice Seminar Reading: Rendell, J., 2006. 'A Place Between Theory and Practice: Critical Spatial Practice.' In Art and Architecture: A Place Between . London: I.B Taurus. pp. 1-12 Assignment: Seminar Reading + Research Reading + 300 word comparison
16/11/2015:
Student-led thematic seminar 02, with Kim Trogal & Steve DixonSmith Theme: Theories and practices of interaction & reading a text Seminar Reading: Haque, U., 2007., Distinguishing Concepts: Lexicons of Interactive Art & Architecture. In Bullivant, L., ed.,4dSocial: Interactive Design Environments . London: Wiley & Sons. pp. 25-31. Available: http://www.haque.co.uk/papers/ distinguishing_concepts.pdf Assignment: Seminar Reading + Research Reading + 300 comparison
30/11/2015:
Student-led thematic seminar 03, with Anna Holder Theme: Theories andpractices ofmaking Seminar Reading: Chandler, A., 2004. Building walls: a philosophy of engagement. arq 8(3/4): pp. 205- 214. Assignment: Seminar Reading + Research Reading + 300 comparison
[continued...] UCA Canterbury School of Architecture // MA Architecture // MA Interior Design // 2016-17
3.4 Key Dates
07/12/2015:
Student-led thematic seminar 04 with Anna Holder Theme:Theories and practices ofspatial agency Seminar Reading: Schneider, T., and Till, J., 2009. Beyond Discourse: Notes on Spatial Agency inFootprint 4, special issue: Agency in Architecture: Reframing Criticality in Theory and Practice. pp. 97-111. Available: http://www.opa-a2a.org/dissensus/wp-content/ uploads/2008/02/ TILL_Jeremy_Beyond_Discourse_Notes_on_Spatial_Agency.pdf Assignment: Seminar Reading + Research Reading + 300 comparison
14/12/2015:
Student-led thematic seminar 05, with Kim Trogal Theme:Theories and practices of representation Seminar Reading: Rose, G., 2012, Introduction to Visual Methodologies. An introduction to researching with visual materials. London: Sage. 3rd Edition. pp. 1-18
10/1/2017:
Written Submission- Literature Review PDF to be submitted via MyUCA and a physical copy to the Central Registry Office, due between 10.00 and 13.00
26/1/2017:
Presentation of Position Statement
3.5 Assessment
Semester 2 - CARC 7003 & CIND 7009 This semester you are personally responsible for adding depth, complexity and richness to your studio work through original research, public speaking and academic writing. In this way, reading, writing and speaking will underpin or perhaps help to substantiate the products of the studio environment. Assessment will take the form of a 6,000 word thesis. It should include an abstract, introduction, condensed literature review, case studies, conclusion and complete bibliography. You should ensure that you attend all Library seminars and that you are familiar with the Harvard System of referencing and the Universities Policies on Academic Misconduct. The myLibrary section of myUCA has a range of useful resources and guidance.
3.6 Duration
Thesis development will run from the 01/02/2017 until the final thesis presentation on 11/05/2017. Meetings will be held from 14:00 in the Library unless stated otherwise.
3.7 Key Dates
01/02/2017:
Thesis Introduction
08/02/2017:
Independent research
15/02/2017:
Seminar 01: Research methods and tutorials
22/02/2076:
Independent research
01/03/2017:
Seminar 02: Establishing the question and tutorials
08/03/2017:
Seminar 03: Abstracts and structures and tutorials
15/03/2017:
Independent research (optional drop-in tutorials)
17/03/2017
3,000 word Draft Submission PDF and a physical copy to the Central Registry, due 12.00-13.00. [continued...]
UCA Canterbury School of Architecture // MA Architecture // MA Interior Design // 2016-17
3.7 Key Dates
22/03/2017:
Peer Review Session
29/03/2017:
Seminar 04: Draft feedback, Language review and conclusions
05/04/2017:
Seminar 05: Revisions and conclusions discussion
26/04/2016:
Thesis presentation practice session
9/05/2016:
Final Thesis Submission, PDF and a physical copy to the Central Registry, due 1400-1500.
11/05/2016:
Thesis presentation, public review
3.8 Assessment
Semester 3 - CARC 7004 & CIND 7010 Assessment this semester takes the form of highly refined Research Folio, a concise and coherent document that lays out your particular theory of design. It should be based on studio work and the research and writing from the previous semesters. The Research Folio should be formatted according to the provided template. The end product is a concise booklet outlining research agenda and process as it fits within the greater discourse of the history and theory of architecture, design methodologies, prototyping and testing, fabrication techniques, control systems, occupation and interaction, dissemination and future work.
3.9 Duration
The Research Folio will be developed from 31/05/2017 and will be submitted in physical and digital forms on 14/08/ 2017. Meetings will be held from 10am to 1pm in the MA Seminar space.
3.10 Key Dates
31/05/2017:
Research Folio and Report Introduction
07/06/2017:
Independent Study
14/06/2017:
Seminar 01 and Tutorials
21/06/2016:
Independent Study
28/06/2017:
Seminar 02 and Tutorials
05/07/2017:
Independent Study
12/07/2017:
Seminar 03 and Tutorials
19/07/2017:
Independent study
26/07/2017:
Research Folio Reviews
02/08/2017:
Independent study
14/08/2017:
Research Folio Submission, PDF and a physical copy to the Central Registry, due 1400-1500.
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3.11 Lear ning Aims
The aims of this unit are: A1. To introduce you to academic research and issues in research methodologies. A2. To present a relevant body of knowledge on contemporary issues in architecture, fine art and design, mapping key tropes in a critical context. A3. To foster independent enquiry and research. A4. To provide appropriate support and guidance on methods for the expression of ideas, argument and conclusions at postgraduate level, in written and verbal forms. A5. To encourage sound intellectual interrogation and debate and create a culture of open exchange and discourse on a cross-disciplinary basis. A6. To provide an orientation to the library services.
3.12 Lear ning Outcomes
On satisfactory completion of the unit you will have: LO1. Demonstrated how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. LO2. Demonstrated how to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them. LO3. An ability to critically examine theoretical texts and to understand the context of their production. LO4. Demonstrated how to recognise and conceptualise methodological and theoretical problems in your own practice and that of other practitioners. LO5. Knowledge of a range of theoretical discourses key to the production and interpretation of contemporary visual art & architecture LO6. An ability to present sophisticated, supported and coherently structured arguments respecting academic conventions of writing and presentation. LO7. Demonstrated how to use library services and information technology to support the development of a research proposal. LO8. An ability for independently motivated and directed research and self-management of assignments.
3.13 Seminar Reading
Chandler, A., 2004. Building walls: a philosophy of engagement. arq 8(3/4): pp. 205214. Haque, U., 2007., Distinguishing Concepts: Lexicons of Interactive Art & Architecture. In Bullivant, L., ed.,4dSocial: Interactive Design Environments . London: Wiley & Sons. pp. 25-31. Available: http://www.haque.co.uk/papers/distinguishing_concepts.pdf Rendell, J., 2006. 'A Place Between Theory and Practice: Critical Spatial Practice.' InArt and Architecture: A Place Between . London: I.B Taurus. pp. 1-12 Rose, G., 2012, Introduction to Visual Methodologies. An introduction to researching with visual materials. London: Sage. 3rd Edition. pp. 1-18 Schneider, T., and Till, J., 2009. Beyond Discourse: Notes on Spatial Agency in Footprint 4, special issue: Agency in Architecture: Reframing Criticality in Theory and Practice. pp. 97-111. Available: http://www.opa-a2a.org/dissensus/wp-content/ uploads/2008/02/TILL_Jeremy_Beyond_Discourse_Notes_on_Spatial_Agency.pdf UCA Canterbury School of Architecture // MA Architecture // MA Interior Design // 2016-17
3.14 Essential Reading
Essential, MA Interior Design Brooks, R.A, 1999. Cambrian Intelligence: the early history of the new AI. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Dunne, A, 2006. Hertzian Tales: Electronic Products, Aesthetic Experience, & Critical Design, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Glanville, R., 1994. A Ship without a Rudder, CybernEthics ResearchÂŽ. In Glanville, R. and de Zeeuw, G., eds., Problems of excavating cybernetics and Systems. BKS+ Southsea UK Klein, N. M., 2004. The Vatican to Vegas: A History of Special Effects, The New Press. Normal, D., 2005. Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. Basic Books. Pallasmaa, J., 2009. The Thinking Hand. London: Wiley. Pallasmaa, J., 1995 The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. London: Wiley Academy. Psarra, S., 2009. Architecture and Narrative: The Formation of Space and Cultural Meaning. London: Routledge. Taylor, M., ed., 2013. Interior Design and Architecture: Critical and Primary Sources. London: Bloomsbury. Essential, MA Architecture Braitenburg, V., 1986. Vehicles: Experiments in Synthetic Psychology .Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Dunne, A, 2006, Hertzian Tales: Electronic Products, Aesthetic Experience, & Critical Design. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Fox, M., and Kemp, M, 2009. Interactive Architecture. Princeton University Press. Gregory, R.L., 1997. Eye and Brain: The Psychology of Seeing. Princeton University Press. Klein, N. M., 2004. The Vatican to Vegas: A History of Special Effects. The New Press. Supplementary Reading: Chaplin, S., and Stara, A., eds., 2009. Curating Architecture and the City. AHRA critiques series. London: Routledge Hubbard, P., ed., 2011.Key Thinkers on Space and Place . London: Sage. Second Edition. Fox, M. ed., 2016. Interactive Architecture: Adaptive World. Princeton University Press. Leach, N., ed., 1996.Rethinking Architecture: A Reader in Cultural Theory . London: Routledge. Lloyd-Thomas, K., ed., 2006.Material Matters: Architecture and Material Practice. London: Routledge. Rendell, J. et al, eds., 2007.Critical Architecture. AHRA critiques series. London: Routledge. Taylor, M., and Preston, A., eds., 2006.Intimus: . Interior Design Theory Reader . London: J. Wiley and Sons.
3.15 Individual bibliog raphy
Individual bibliography In addition to the above you are expected to identify and develop specific reading and research sources of your own. Students will develop a bespoke bibliography depending upon the focus and scope of their literature review and position statement (task 1). Ian Badger is the Learning Librarian for the School of Architecture. Contact him to make a research appointment: tel 01227 817370, email ibadger@ucreative.ac.uk The University Library provides comprehensive visual arts and design resources. Visit the library on campus, online via myLibrary on myUCA, or at http://community.ucreative. ac.uk/library. You can reserve selected materials across the five sites, on campus or online from home. [end] UCA Canterbury School of Architecture // MA Architecture // MA Interior Design // 2016-17