University of East London

AVA Diploma Programme Material Materiality Architecture School of Architecture London Architecture Unit 9 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 7 Unit 10 Unit 11 University of East London Housing Mat-Building Mat Building Beijing Architecture London Design 1:1 East London

London Olympics Olympic Architecture

East London Architecture

School of Architecture

East London School of Architecture

Architectural Education in East London

Architectural Education in London

Architecture Summer School in East London

Architectural Summer School in London

University of Architecture in East London

University of Architecture in London

Robert Thum Mark Hayduk Jeffery Turko

the philosophy of a technical Study

Within the Architects education, the Technical Strategy is an expression of the students attitude, as a tool for the investigation and interrogation of ideas, delivering a conceptual assembly of both pre-existing and original areas of knowledge. The ‘Strategy’ is not the reiteration of a series of givens –it is rather the method of navigation chosen by the student which identifies and traverses a range of restrictions in a way which generates propositional moves.

As the Students project develops, the emphasis of the ‘Technical Strategy’ broadens, and provides a wide range of technical and technological options with which the student can develop the work. Peter Salter once referred to the Technical study as a terrier, snapping at the heels of the student project. I see this image as characterising the beginning of a project – demanding clarity, requiring that the intentions are precisely articulated in order to generate technically relevant decisions now, and later.

Towards the closing stages of a student’s project, the ‘Strategy’ will define the resolution of the architectural ideas, deliver organisational options, clarifying the choices to be made. Now the student is expected to be the terrier, and demand technical resolution of the new areas of investigation that have been opened up – no lazy solutions - the student and the Staff collaboratively delivering a bespoke Technical Study that holds and demonstrates the students ideas. This process attempts to deliver as close a professional relationship as possible for the Student, emphasising the value of constraint as the impetus for lateral thought. 3rd and 5th year students are required a detailed resolution of their strategic ambitions in the form of a ‘Negotiated Item’. The area of detail is clarified – "negotiated" between the student and staff to achieve maximum relevance. It too is bespoke, and as such appropriateness and inventiveness is paramount. In order that they really understand the detail, the students are asked to build it at 1:1. Without building, how can you learn to build?

Architects are walking libraries of all the material connections and spatial options they have encountered. In creating a ‘conceptual assembly’ of strategic technical concerns, the purpose of the Technical Study is to fabricate for the student a phenomena which is elusively termed

‘experience’.- a substantial and diverse material history they can carry with them and build upon. The context within which the student operates, within the School and beyond, is a means of self development. Clarifying the sources of ideas clarifies the motivation of the individual. It is the prime purpose of Technical Studies to generate essential experience of material structures in order to develop the student's abilities to comprehend and reinvest that experience on their own terms.

Alan Chandler

Duration and attendance

    •    Two years full-time

    •    This programme gives exemption from RIBA part 2

About the programme

The aim of the programme is to extend the education of students who wish to enter architectural practice. The programme develops conceptual and practical skills, and both intuitive and analytical powers. The School operates a vertical Design Studio system in which individual staff offer particular architectural programmes and students choose with whom they want to work. Each Studio, comprising 14-18 students, occupies its own studio space with natural lighting, giving on to common space used for crits and exhibitions. The School has well-equipped wood and metal workshops and computer suites, enabling the exploration of architectural ideas at both the material and virtual level. The School offers five special routes through the Diploma programme which give advanced standing on our Masters programmes. These special routes involve more advanced study of Computing & Design, Interpretation & Theory, Sustainability & Design, Alternative Urbanisms and Material Matters.

Assessment

Assessment is primarily through design projects and related work. Students receive feedback on their progress throughout the year but assessment only takes place at the end of the academic year. There are no closed book examinations.

Entry requirements

    1.    Intending students are accepted subject to interview over portfolio.

    2.    Applicants should have a first degree in architecture (2.2 or above) and exemption from RIBA part 1.

    3.    Students whose first language is not English will have achieved a score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent

Contact

Christine Wade, Admissions Administrator

Telephone:  +44(0) 20 8223 3295

Fax: +44 (0) 20 8223 7504

Email:

School of Architecture & the Visual Arts

University of East London

Docklands Campus

University Way

London E16 2RD

How to Apply

Professional Diploma in Architecture at the University of East London