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BA (HONOURS) ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY & THE ENVIRONMENT 2014-2015
Design studio primer
The study of architectural technology and the environment involves a wide range of subjects and
demands an equally wide range of skills. Look around you and ask the questions – why is your home
designed the way it is? What works well? What works less well? What makes a good neighbourhood?
How are buildings put together? What makes an ‘exciting’ or ‘successful’ building? Why are some
buildings ‘good’ and other buildings ‘bad’? What is your favourite building and why?
These are some of the questions that the BA (Hons) ATE course asks and attempts to answer. You
need to think about architecture, technology and the wider environment - and become intrigued by
them.
The following information will help to start this process:
Looking:
You should learn to look at buildings and spaces of all types and ages in your neighbourhood or when
you are visiting new places.
The best way of looking is to draw – sketch – what you see. You should buy:
A good quality A4 size (or thereabouts) sketchbook with plain white pages, stiff cardboard
•
covers and strong binding.
•
Ordinary wooden B, 2B and 3B pencils and a metal pencil sharpener.
•
Black ink pen or roller pen (the ink flows, not scratches).
The camera is not a good tool for seeing but it is excellent for recording information. Eventually you will
need a medium/good quality digital camera. If you have one bring it with you (make sure it is insured),
but do not buy one especially now but wait until you see what other students have and you understand
what specification you may need. The School has a camera that you can borrow.
Reading:
There is a vast (and expensive) range of architectural and technical publishing and the University has a
very good Library of books, architectural journals, DVD and film. You should not spend money on
books now although there will be books that we expect you to know well and we hope that you will own
a small library by the time you graduate.
You may wish to buy :
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Zell, M (2011)The Architectural Drawing course: understanding principles and mastering
practice, Thames and Hudson
Zunde, J and Bougdah, H (2006) Integrated Strategies in Architecture, Volume 1 Taylor and
Francis
Silver, P and McLean W (2008) Introduction to Architectural Technology, Laurence and King
Edwards, B and Hyett, P (2002) Rough Guide to Sustainability London: RIBA publications
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You should visit your local library and browse through the architecture shelves.
In addition, we recommend the following books (but you need not buy these now) – many students find
that creating a small ‘book collective’ with colleagues to buy books that are likely to be of particular
interest can save money - these might include:
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•
•
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Alder, D (2006) Metric Handbook Planning and Design Data. London: The Architectural Press
Pollen, M (1998) A Place of my Own London: Bloomsbury
Ching, F (2002) Architectural Graphics Wiley and Sons
Editors of Phaidon Press (2005) Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture Phaidon
Press (there is also a travel edition)
Unwin, S (1997) Analyzing Architecture London: Routledge
There are many architectural and technology and environmental journals published weekly and monthly.
These range from the very glossy to the very technical. The University Library has subscriptions to
many journals and you should look at the selection at your local library.
Watching:
Television has discovered architecture and there are many interesting programmes such as Grand
Designs. We expect you to watch these when you get an opportunity. In addition, there are many
websites devoted to architecture and increasingly they are an easy route into the subject. Do not
believe all that you see on websites, but we recommend the following:
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•
•
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Grand Designs (Channel 4)
www.ciat.org ( you can get free student membership)
www.architecture.com
www.greatbuildings.com
http://www.architecturelink.org.uk/homepage.html
www.p-a-d-s.com (our own irreverent website)
Making:
Architectural Technology and the Environment is partly taught through the Studio and you will be
introduced to this in Induction Week commencing on 17th September (see separate timetable).
The Studio work produces drawings and models and therefore you will need some equipment to carry
out these tasks easily and successfully. We recommend that you do not buy all this equipment now –
wait to find out exactly what you need and what your tutors recommend (there will be an opportunity to
buy materials at a discounted rate in induction week). However if you own any of this equipment now,
bring it all with you.
ways of working and equipment/materials you will need
In the Design Studio you will work in various ways, including producing both drawings and models.
Therefore you will need some equipment to carry out these tasks easily and successfully. Some of this
equipment will be given to you as part of a “starter pack”; other items you will need to get yourself. We
ba ate stage 1 primer_14-15.130801
recommend that you do not buy all this equipment now; we have highlighted below the items that you
should bring with you. For the other equipment listed you should wait to find out exactly what you need
and what your tutors recommend (there will be an opportunity to buy materials at a discounted rate in
induction week). If you own any of this equipment now however, bring it all with you.
starter pack
This will be provided to you and given out during term 1:
 Scale ruler.
 Three mechanical pencils (you will need to buy the leads).
 One clutch pencil with 2B leads
 Adjustable Set Square
 Two triangles.
 Roll of tracing paper.
 A3 Cutting matt.
 Metal safety ruler for cutting.
 Cutting knife.
 A4 ‘tutorial notebook’
 A2 drawing board and T Square
sketching
You will be learning to look at buildings and spaces of all types and ages. You will learn to look at them
in new ways, whether buildings and spaces that you know or when you are visiting new places. The
best way of looking is to draw – sketch – what you see. For this you will need:
 A good quality A4 size (or thereabouts) sketchbook with plain white pages, with stiff cardboard /
hard covers and strong binding.
 Ordinary wooden B, 2B and 3B pencils and a metal pencil sharpener.
 Black ink pen or roller pen (one where the ink flows and not scratches).
photography
The camera is not a good tool for looking, but it is excellent for recording information. Eventually you
will need a medium/good quality digital camera. If you have one bring it with you (make sure it is
insured), but do not buy one especially now but wait until you see what other students have and you
understand what specification you may need. You will however be needing to record things from
induction week onwards. The School has a few cameras which are available on a first-come/first-served
basis that you can borrow for a short time period. Additionally, in the short term you might use the
camera function of your Smartphone (or similar) as nowadays these do a good enough job that will
serve you well enough during Induction Week.
drawing
Architectural Technologists do many different types of drawings. In the first year of your study we will be
working directly with hand drawings. This is to help you in learning key conventions of drawing. Alas, we
all make mistakes, so you will need to buy:
 Eraser and soft eraser with erasing shield.
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In addition, if you own any of the following bring them with you:
 Charcoal, graphite.
 Watercolour or other paints.
 Pastels.
 Coloured pencils (Karisma colour are best, but W.H. Smith has good ones).
making
Models are a key tool that Architectural Technologists use to design buildings and spaces. Making
models will be central to the way that we will work this year and throughout your study of architecture.
The following are some basic tools that you will need.
 Scissors.
 UHU glue and clear PVA glue (Evo Stick in green bottles). Small size.
If you want to find out about more information about the above listed tools (e.g., what they look like and
how much they might cost), you can look at the online catalogue from Atlantis
http://www.atlantisart.co.uk/index.html.
computers
Computers (both for written work and for drawing) have become essential for the study of architecture.
The School is well equipped with computers, printers and the specialised programmes that run them.
However, it is very likely that you will choose to buy your own PC or laptop. If you own one, bring it with
you (and make sure that it is insured). Otherwise, do not buy a computer now. Wait until you understand
what specification may be best for you and what programmes you will need to run.
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information for eu / international students
We are very pleased to welcome you to Plymouth and the United Kingdom as the place that you have
chose to pursue your studies in architecture. We recognise that study in the UK may be different from
the nature of study you may have experienced in your home country. For this reason all students from
outside the UK are invited – and encouraged – to participate in the English Support for University
programme. This programme is offered only to students studying architecture. The course will run
during term 1 & term 2 (2 days a week - 3 hours per day). There is an introduction session of this course
scheduled on Wed 24 September at 3pm by the English Learning Centre. The aim of this course is to
settle students into their studies and give them a head start on some of the administrative issues, show
what is available to support their studies, and help students to understand what will be expected of them
throughout the academic year. This includes:

Academic writing, including: types of writing, referencing and academic vocabulary.
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Listening, including coping with lectures and tutorials.

Speaking, including participating in discussions and giving oral presentations.
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Reading, including on the purpose of reading, effective reading and selective reading.
Further to above, the International Student Advisory Service (ISAS) as part of university supporting
service provides specialist support and guidance for Plymouth University EU & international students,
enabling you to fulfill your academic potential and to get the most out of your time in the UK.
Located in the International Student Gateway, they offer advice to students throughout your university
career, from the time an offer at the university is accepted through to graduation. They also offer
comprehensive immigration advice for students, including assistance with extending your Tier 4 (G)
visa, information for visas to travel throughout Europe and visitor visas for your friends and family to visit
you in the UK. We also operate an orientation programme for all new to Plymouth EU/International
Students in September, and will email you in the summer with details of this programme and our
Heathrow Meet and Greet service.
Please find any further assistance for international students on the following website.
http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/isas/Pages/default.aspx
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ba architectural technology and the environment 2014-2015
Academic year timetable 2014-15
Autumn term
 Induction Week: 22nd – 26th September
 Term 1 starts: Monday 29th September
 Term 1 ends: Friday 19th December
o Design study trip will take place week commencing Monday 3 Nov.
o Unit MARKET DAY is on 22nd September from 17.00 – 18.30 in Babbage 006 followed by drinks on
RLB 2nd floor gallery
o Unit study trips will take place week commencing Sunday 2nd November
__________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas break: Saturday 20th December – Sunday 11th January
____________________________________________________________________________
Spring term
 Term 2 starts: Monday 12th January
 Term 2 ends: Friday 27th March
____________________________________________________________________________
Easter break: Saturday 28th March – Sunday 19th April
___________________________________________________________________________
Summer term
 Term 3 starts: Monday 20th April
 Term 3 ends: Friday 26th June
The dates below relate to end of year arrangements and all are to be confirmed
PADS Annual Ball and prize giving: Friday 05th June
Opening of Degree Show and Prize Giving Friday 12th June
Closing of Degree Show Friday 26th June – collect your work for the summer recess.
Note
 It is important for your success in this course that you are available at all times during the
academic year. One reason for poor performance / failure in modules in the past has been
students taking on too much part-time work which has interfered with their commitment to the
course. This is a very intensive programme, which needs your full time and energy over the
term. Therefore we only expect you to be away from the school during the dates shown in italics
above
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ba architectural technology and the environment 2014-2015
weekly timetable – autumn term
BA (Hons) Architectural Technology and the Environment Stage 1 (1647/1/14/AU/S)
13 (20 Oct 2014 - 26 Oct 2014)
Monday 20/10
Tuesday 21/10
09:00
10:00
Wednesday 22/10
Thursday 23/10
ENBS111 (T1) Lecture
SURV110 (T1) Practical
RLB 210
BRL W011
09:00 - 11:00
09:00 - 13:00
de Wilde P
Bevan T, Kingston K
Friday 24/10
ATE101 (T1) Lecture/Workshop
RLB 501
10:00 - 14:00
Basavapatna Kumaraswamy S
11:00
ENBS117 (T1) Lecture
RLB 210
11:00 - 13:00
Carfrae J, de Wilde P, Goodhew S
12:00
13:00
14:00
SURV110 (T1) Lecture
RLB LT2
14:00 - 15:00
Kingston K
15:00
SURV110 (T1) Tutorial
ARCO109 (T1) Lecture
BGB 411
RLB 601
15:00 - 16:00
15:00 - 17:00
Kingston K
Gillard B
16:00
ATE101 (T1) Workshop
SMB 100
16:00 - 18:00
Burke RL
17:00
Printed on 11-08-2014 07:37. Page 1
note
1) It is important for your success in this course that you are available at all times during the academic
year. One reason for poor performance / failure in modules in the past has been students taking on
too much part-time work which has interfered with their commitment to the course. This is a very
intensive programme which needs your full time and energy over the period between late
September and June. If you are planning on taking on part-time work we would encourage you to
talk to the BA ATE Programme Leader (Satish BK).
2) RL is Roland Levinsky Building.
3) Note that the above times, module tutors are subject to change.
4) If you have any questions related to time table, modules, tutors etc, please email Satish BK,
Programme Manager, ATE: [email protected]
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first day note
welcome / introduction: 9:00 – 9:30
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
Lecture Theatre 1, Roland Levinsky Building (Ground Floor)
With Dafydd Moore, Dean of Faculty of Arts; Alessandro Aurigi, Head of School of Architecture,
Design and Environment and Associate Dean of Arts; Bob Brown, Head of Architecture and
Associate Head of School of Architecture, Design and Environment; Satish BK, BA(hons)
Architectural Technology and the Environment (ATE) Programme Leader.
ATE design studio introduction: 9:45 – 12:00
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Room 501, Roland Levinsky Building (5th Floor)
Exit Lecturer Theatre 1 and turn to the right / walk towards Core No. 3 (Look for the colour blue) /
take the stairs to Floor 5 (follow the signs) or take the lift to Floor 5 (note that you all won’t be able to
take the lift) – look for the signs for the stairs.
With Satish BK (Stage 1 Year Leader) and Bob Brown (Head of Architecture).
during which we will talk a bit more about how the design studio will work, followed by a short
introduction by staff.
campus tour: 14:00 – 15:30

Meet at Room 601, Roland Levinsky Building (6th Floor) at 14.00.
note: Please refer to the attached induction week timetable together with the above information.
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ba architectural technology and the environment
project zero
The Brief
A Design Calendar - A Graphic Curriculum Vitae
To help you begin to think about design as your professional and personal concern, we would like you
to make a calendar of your life depicting ten significant moments in your life tied to ten world events.
This calendar is to be made up in panels of card measuring 300mm high by 150mm wide, with a year of
your life being represented by one such panel. In the top half of each of ten panels there should be a
photograph, a drawing or some image (such as a collage) which illustrates the most significant event in
your own life history that took place during the course of that particular year. In the bottom half of the
panel, there should be a photograph, a drawing or some image which illustrates a world event that took
place during the course of that year which you or your family remember as being important. To the ten
panels you are to add three more that describe the way you chose to design the calendar in terms of
materials, style and clarity. You will thus have panels tracking the course of your life and your design
thoughts.
The calendars will be displayed initially as a strip on the wall and should be made up as a concertina to
be read horizontally and chronologically from left to right. You should consider the overall design of the
complete set of panels and their relationship to one another as well as the organisation of each
individual panel. Remember that the strip will be viewed initially from a distance of about 2 metres; not
the 300mm at which you are probably preparing the calendar. The concertina will also need to stand up
on its own as part of a desktop display.
We will ask you to display your life calendars on the second day you arrive, which will serve both as a
means of getting to know one another, as well as our first opportunity to talk about design amongst
ourselves.
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ba architectural technology and the environment 2013-2014
study trip – PARIS
schedule
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
Mon 03 October – Fri 07 November (Week 6 in Term 1).
Exact times to be confirmed.
cost
- includes transportation (between Plymouth and Paris) and
accommodation (incl. breakfast) for 4 nights.
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For all students who are paying fees according to the new 2013-14 fee scale – the cost of the trip is
included in your fee.
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For students who are paying fees as the pre 2011-12 fee scale – you will need to pay approx. £280.
visa – for all non-EU international passport holders:
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
Before your arrive to Plymouth, please check with the French embassy / consulate in your country whether
you need a visa or not. If you require a visa for you to visit Paris, please apply and obtain it asap. Note that
it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you have a valid visa for the trip to Paris.
When you apply for the visa you will need a letter from university to explain the purpose of your trip. Please
contact Toshiko Terazono (email: [email protected]) to arrange this.
insurance
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You will need to ensure that you have a current passport (valid for at least 6 months after trip).
You will be covered under the University’s insurance, unless you have your own insurance.
Note however that you will need an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card); to get this see:
https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/startApplication.do).
confirmation / payment
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We need confirmation of your attendance for this trip at the beginning of Induction Week.
For those students who are paying for the cost of the trip, we will need to collect the entire payment by
Monday 06 October.
Details of how to make the payment for the trip will be provided at the beginning of Induction Week.
alternative trip

Note that alternative arrangements will be made for a tour of Plymouth for those who are not able to go to
Paris.
project work
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Students will be required to carry out project work during the trip (for both those going to Paris or those
staying in Plymouth).
* Note that Architecture Stage 1 students will be joining us on the trip.
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