This module focuses on the practical aspects of methodology and research design, including the framing of a research question, choosing and specifying...

This module focuses on the practical aspects of methodology and research design, including the framing of a research question, choosing and specifying methods, ethical procedures and requirements, project management, the realization and dissemination of research outputs and anticipation of audiences and impacts. Students produce a portfolio documenting, contextualising and critically evaluating practical exercises and fieldwork. Students will be supported to design and pilot a piece of urban research that is experimental, collaborative, considers local and global scales, and bridges between traditionally separate domains of knowledge and expertise. Seminars, workshops and assessments will prompt participants to put into practice their learning from Engaged Urbanism (pre-requisite module) about how researchers are approaching the variety and dynamism of contemporary cities and urban experience, creating original knowledge. In line with the UCL East ethos the focus will be on learning about and designing hands-on, engaged urban research that takes risks and, in collaboration with communities, seeks to intervene towards fairer cities and outcomes from urban development. Students submit a portfolio for critical appraisal including their proposal, research design, indicative sources and pilot research completed during the course.

All buildings exist as environments experienced by inhabitants and users. Architects and the design team deploy materials, structures and services to create...

All buildings exist as environments experienced by inhabitants and users. Architects and the design team deploy materials, structures and services to create these environments. This module is an introduction to environmental design and associated fields including climate, energy and sustainability. The aim is to provide students with the basic skills and concepts needed to address environmental design as an integral part of the architectural design process.

On successful completion of the module you will gain a knowledge of core environmental physics concepts and units. Key environmental aspects of building design including thermal, airflow, day lighting and acoustics design, and how these aspects relate to the specific needs and desires of occupants. An introductory knowledge of energy sourcing and use in buildings. An introductory knowledge of the environmental impact of material and construction specifications. An overview knowledge of climate on a global and local scale and the key anthropogenic impacts on climate.You will also gain an understanding of how buildings respond to and are affected by their particular environmental context and an understanding of the role buildings play in moderating climate and providing comfortable conditions for occupants, via building fabric and building services design.

Students completing this module will learn how to gather climate data relevant to a specific design project as a part of site context research; Represent climate data on architectural drawings specific to the project at a microclimate scale; set out environmental design intentions and targets relating to a project brief and develop simple environmental strategy diagrams resulting from the synthesis of environmental and broader design considerations.