Architectural Design Technology

University of West London

Are you interested in how buildings are designed? As an architectural technologist and designer, you will have the expertise to advise planners, property developers and constructors on their building projects. This undergraduate course focuses on practical, in-demand skills so that you can make sure that buildings function as they are intended to. You will develop the valuable ability to plan and design buildings that suit the needs of a client, the surrounding community and, importantly, the environment. On this course, you will examine important topical issues, including environmental concerns and the technologies that are being used to address them. Through visits to materials manufacturers and construction sites, as well as opportunities to work on team projects, you will learn how to apply your technical knowledge to real-world design problems. This course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

This technical design course prepares you to judge building design proposals, investigate building problems and offer effective design solutions. You will develop an understanding of building materials and technologies. You will work with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software – key tools for a design career within the construction industry. On this architectural technology degree, our teaching approach incorporates a wide range of methodologies. This includes visits to construction sites and materials manufacturers, which will help you contextualise the principles you study within real-world situations. You will work within a team on a group construction project to put those principles into practice. You will also learn through:
• guided research and reading
• laboratory experiments
• examination of projects, simulated or real
• analysis of work-based scenarios
• independent learning through individual learning plans
• tutored classroom sessions
• visiting speakers and guest lecturers. By the time you complete the course, you will know how to:
• use appropriate building techniques to complete construction projects
• investigate building problems and present appropriate design solutions
• demonstrate confident communication and interpersonal skills
• work efficiently as part of project teams
• use IT to support projects. In the latter stages of the course, you will study the economy's effect on the construction industry. You will also develop an understanding of sustainable technologies. Finally, you will work on a design project that integrates what you have learned.