BSc (Hons) Architecture & Environmental Design Bachelor's degree at Westminster

This module provides you with a basic vocabulary for studying the history of architecture from pre-history to the present day, and across the globe. Architecture is considered as a material cultural practice responsive to specific historical and geographic circumstances. The module introduces you to basic study skills for the analysis of architecture that are core to this and subsequent Cultural Context modules.

This studio-based module builds on learning from DES1A, developing workshop fabrication skills, architectural representation skills, and architectural design practice. Students respond to a studio project scenario, develop a project brief, design an architectural proposal resolved to Concept Design Stage, and investigate materials choices through technical analysis of precedents and workshop fabrication. Students curate and prepare the summer exhibition.

This module introduces the notion of environmental performance of buildings in relation to the principles of building physics highlighting their direct link to choice of materials and construction. The module focuses on the application of low-energy and passive solar strategies in architectural design and it covers elements of: building physic foundations, including fundamentals of heat exchange and energy balance of buildings; adaptive comfort theories; daylight and solar control in buildings.

This studio-based module introduces architectural skills, critical thinking and experimental design processes via a series of creative exercises and design projects. Skills are taught in the context of creative practice, and include digital skills, hand-drawing, model making, photography and basic fabrication lab induction. Walks and building visits introduce you to the analysis of existing buildings.

The module introduces you to the architectural profession, the role of the architect and the construction industry. You'll be introduced to professional bodies, codes of conduct, ethics and professionalism. You will also learn about the project team, legal aspects and project delivery lifecycle. Teaching activities include lectures, workshops, visits to buildings, and introductions to industry practitioners. You'll reflect on architecture as a career and learn about the diverse roles and opportu

This module introduces contemporary issues in architecture and urbanism as well as developing your essay-writing and research skills through a series of workshops, seminars and lectures. The module offers a bridge between CC1 and CC3, helping you to develop critical skills and undertake independent research in preparation for your third-year dissertation. The cross-disciplinary content draws from interior architecture, planning, environmental design, cultural studies and heritage. You'll conside

The module introduces key concepts of energy use and energy transfer in relation to architecture and building fabric. In the context of local legislative initiatives and the global imperative of climate change, students are challenged to develop their technological vocabulary. The module introduces different energy systems for the passive (or low energy) heating and cooling of buildings and their principle technologies.

This module investigates the impact of building composition and urban settings on environmental performances of places and the comfort requirements for individuals using external spaces in dense urban context. A neighbourhood within an urban site will be the vehicle to test the socio-environmental implication of different architectural and spatial arrangements in a neighbourhood. Presentation skills, including mapping, photography, model making and drawing will be used to demonstrate the explora

This module investigates environmental practices, building techniques and life styles, in an extreme climatic context informing a responsive design proposal. It focuses on the understanding of building user's everyday practices and responds to the challenges of the context by proposing creative and affordable design resolutions to promote appropriate choice of building volume and choice of affordable technologies. It uses mapping, relevant software as well as physical models and drawings to deve

This module examines and offers introduction to current construction practices, building technologies, and materials in response to the requirements of health and safety regulations, professional practice, and the climate emergency. The module introduces innovative materials as well as advances in existing/traditional materials to provide a comprehensive understanding of performance requirements, environmental impact and how these factors influence the design of a small-scale architectural desig

The module focuses on the conceptual through to technological development of a design scheme through assessment of suitability of and relationship between environmental conditions, environmental practices, technology, materiality and chosen architectural form. An investigation of the necessary concepts, theories and definitions for achieving successful environmental design towards achieving nearly zero energy buildings. Focus on standards and regulations relating to low energy/emissions design,

This module develops your critical thinking to help you understand architecture's responsibilities towards the planetary crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. You'll deepen your understanding of histories and theories of climatic architecture, ecological design and the precepts of regenerative design. You'll be introduced to a range of literatures, develop research and literature review competencies and case study analysis skills. The module also supports you to write a critical essay

This module introduces you to the concepts and methodologies for the environmental and energy performance evaluation of existing buildings as well as new designs. You'll examine various methodologies and approaches to building evaluation with varying degrees of depth and scale. The scale will vary from the environmental and energy evaluation of indoor built environments to those of spaces in between and around buildings. You'll also be introduced to the evaluation of scaled prototypes in semi-co

The module synthesis the knowledge students acquired in the previous years by developing a research agenda that studies the effects of the climate crisis on the built environment, both socially and environmentally. The research agenda follows an evidence-based design approach which students demonstrate through maps, analysis of precedents and environmental simulations. Based on the initial research students develop an urban brief and design strategy, which is then tested through two architectura

This module provides you with knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of professional practice and ethical standards in architecture, highlighting the role of environmental design within the broader architectural context. You'll explore how environmental design contributes to the communication of ideas, strategies, and solutions for the preservation of the natural environment. The module focuses on the role of environmental design architects as consultants and as part of a bro

This module addresses the challenges and knowledge required for testing through the fabrication of a physical, large-scale prototype or a fragment of your Final Thesis Project. You'll be required to evaluate the environmental performance of a component of your Thesis Project by constructing and testing it, then reflecting on your findings. The module aims to develop your making and fabrication skills, while also enhancing your understanding of management, professional practice, and health and sa