11295 Architectural Experience B

This subject is one of four that together form the Architectural Practice Electives. Electives A and B examine the way in which the broader industry and social context influences the 'character' and 'form' of architectural practice. Electives C and D examine how the practice of architecture can be better facilitated through an understanding from within the profession context.

Architectural practice B specifically examines the issues concerned with the 'form' and structure of a practice. In particular the subject looks at the interconnection between office 'character' and 'culture', the type of workplace experiences offered and the type and scale of work an office undertakes. Students are expected to explore past and contemporary forms of practice through case studies, models and precedents, and consider the way in which office 'identity' can facilitate the development of typological specialisation.

Students will specifically investigate practice through an understanding of the way in which practice size, office organisation, project type and client base has on the nature of its practice. It is expected, as a consequence, that students will be able to anticipate and assess the quality of the work offered by certain types of practices, allowing them to consciously monitor their own professional development.

Students can develop individual research projects either in a normative or speculative framework but they must address issues extracted from the workplace. It is therefore mandatory that students undertaking this subject are employed in a registered architectural practice. Student's participation in the subject will be assessed and approved by the subject coordinator at the beginning of the semester.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus