44 BSC ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY combines specialisms in the technological, environmental, material and detailing decisions necessary to solve architectural design problems from conception to completion. It requires complex understanding of design processes, architectural composition, development, construction technology and management tools, and the effective communication of design information. We have relished the oppor tunity to return to studio teaching on campus. In the Architectural Technology studio this year, our 1st Year students were introduced to the design development process through a live project for a Children’s Hospice in Kent. 2nd Year students engaged in a community project at a renowned landmark in Peckham with passive design a priority; and 3rd Year students met with clients at a community-led bouldering facility to understand their brief for a larger mixed use complex in the Stratford Olympic Park. In 2nd Year, the design process (including site analysis, research of precedents and sketch development) and the technical repor t (digital software skills and technical resolutions to building components) work in synopsis with theTechnologies of Architecture module, which encourages experimental model making and understanding of passive design theory construction. 3rd Year is broken down into 3 stages: research, development and realisation. Research Initial research is key in order to understand any constraints that might follow from the site, building use, and client. As the year progresses, technical aspects of the design are investigated, including construction materials and structural considerations. Development With a clear understanding of the design task, students go on to develop individual designs and/or technical solutions. Sketches, models, 3D visualisations and BIM models are produced to progress ideas and as an aid to weekly discussions with lecturers, visiting architectural technologists, architects and other students. Realisation Architectural design and construction are collaborative endeavours, even more so as new technologies are introduced and as building requirements for greater energy efficiency result in greater complexity. Adopting and embedding the Westminster Climate Action Network’s strategy guidelines, communication through sketches, models and technical drawings is of the utmost impor tance. Architectural Technology students have benefitted from a range of brilliant initiatives over this academic year, including Co-production workshops with medical students from Imperial College, work experience in architectural practices and an alternative live project, technical studies lectures and UN Sustainability Goals workshop – all of which has enriched a thoroughly busy and productive year to be celebrated! Tabatha Mills Course Leader
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