This module is structured so that the first term introduces students to theoretical concepts through lectures and initial design projects. During this period, students confirm the subject of their thesis project and report and then work in specialist teaching groups, known as Research Clusters. There is continuous discussion of work via tutorials and reviews. The subject of the thesis is negotiated between the student and their cluster tutor.

This module will introduce students to innovative architectural concepts and offer initial learning and experimental work to enable them to manipulate these concepts. It will also initiate initial design exercises which will enable the student to place the concepts in a design context.

The module will support students in presenting their work in a seminar or 'crit' setting (this is like an open jury) as preparing them for an interim portfolio review.

On successful completion of the course, each student should gain an advanced understanding of, and significant abilities in:

• Graduate level ways of working.
• Knowledge of innovative architectural concepts.
• Understanding how to manipulate these concepts in a design
context.
• Understanding of physical fabrication of designed elements where
appropriate.
• Skill in presentation techniques in a seminar/crit setting as well as in
portfolio preparation

Students will attend Lab/Cluster presentations during Term 1 in week 7 of the UCL Academic Calendar. Lab/Cluster allocation occurs by the end of week 7 or early in week 8. The Lab/Cluster programmes of experimental projects begin, which lead on to the subject of the Design Thesis, which is established before the end of Term 1. There are intensive tutorials and seminars every week in Terms 1 and 2, with major public design presentations by students (crits) at the end of both Term 1 and 2. Portfolios are submitted at the end of Term 2 and formatively marked. Formative marks are reviewed in the light of further work at the end of the course.

Tutorials normally take place on a weekly basis within a Research Cluster (Design group). A written feedback report is prepared at the end of Term 1. Projects must be submitted for examination at the interim portfolio review for formative marking and again at the final portfolio review for summative marking.