The Design Thesis Report is the place where MArch Architectural Design students have the opportunity to develop the theory that underpins their work. This may be derived from science, cultural theory, technology, architectural history, philosophy or the psychology of perception, and they will relate this to their design investigations. Students are asked to write an illustrated critical evaluation of an aspect or aspects of their final design project as the design proceeds. In it, they refer to appropriate theoretical and technical sources and demonstrate how the information from these sources is synthesized in the design. Students will also describe experiments, both physical and digital, as appropriate. Students use verbal presentation experience gained in design modules to present an abbreviated version of the document in a formal seminar context.

The aim of this module is to teach students how to write an illustrated critical evaluation of an aspect or aspects of their final design project and to refer to appropriate theoretical and technical sources and demonstrate how the information from these sources is synthesized in the design. Students will also describe experiments, both physical and digital, as appropriate.


On successful completion of this module students should have:
1. An understanding of how theoretical, technical and precedent sources can
inform design work.
2. An understanding of the way that references to these sources allows a
designer to critically reflect on an aspect, or aspects, of their work.
3. An understanding of the ways appropriate references can be chosen.
4. Skill in preparing a document that is well-structured with appropriate
illustrations.
5. Knowledge of how written academic documents are prepared in English.
6. An ability to verbally present an abbreviated version of the document

The Design Thesis Report is taught over Terms 2 and 3 and the initial part of the summer holiday. As projects develop, the Lab/Cluster theory tutor engages with the theoretical basis that underpins the project work in seminars and individual tutorials. Students identify their individual report topic and a draft report is submitted at the start of Term 3. Tutorials continue through Term 3 (both face-to-face and online) and the final document is submitted at the start of July. Immediately after this submission, all students
verbally present an edited version of their reports to a public audience. These presentations are videoed for record as evidence of authorship.

Feedback is provided with a minimum of five tutorial sessions in Terms 2 and 3 together with email feedback on an ad hoc basis. Formal feedback takes place when a draft is submitted at the start of Term 3. Students submit the report in July after the final portfolio review. They subsequently present an abbreviated version of the report to a public forum.