Arts University College at Bournemouth

About BA (Hons) Architecture at AUCB is premised on works of architecture as inhabited material constructions, through informed creative practice, in the context of in a specialist art, design, media and performance institution. We explore architecture as a reflective practice of making tangible, enjoyable, thoughtful, inhabited places. Through a process of making propositions and intellectual reflection (“making/thinking”) students build an understanding of works of architecture as places that both house our lives and challenge our expectations.

The course was established in 2007, so 2010 is our first graduating cohort. Each year of study centres the learning experiences on a broad theme:

Year 1: Architecture and Material Culture. Following an introduction to key concepts and methods, students start by making physical models and exploring forms of representation and manipulation of architectural form by graphic, photographic and digital means. Small scale individual and group studio projects allow an exploration of the methods of realisation, including the conventions of architectural drawing as a means of communication, and methods of construction.

Year 2: Urban Interventions. Students build on the making experiences of first year by exploring the issues of building in an urban context through architectural intervention projects. This includes the measurement, research, analysis, and representation of urban sites. Through an informed understanding of context, students propose innovative and thoughtful interventions to house public, convivial activities. Knowledge of theoretical and historical issues also inform the students propositions.

Year 3: Social Practice. Following a period of experimentation with different media, students explore the role of the architect in making architecture, alongside the motivations of clients, development, construction, planning, legal regulation, sustainability and wider social, economic and cultural values. The vehicle for this investigation remains an informed physical proposition and includes the integration of the various service requirements and an understanding of construction processes.

Project Entries 2009