This highly practical summer course is an ideal introduction for those with a strong interest in architecture and for students studying art, design, art history, town planning, architecture, landscape architecture and other subjects related to the built environment.

Centred around the fundamental creative processes of observation, thinking, and making, the course covers the major architectural movements and address issues of style, patronage, and national identity. You'll consider architectural concepts of space, form, function and technology through a mixture of theory, practice and fieldwork. You'll develop your drawing skills, whilst individual and group studio projects will allow you to explore building materials and methods of construction.

Through a series of workshops, lectures and a field trip, you'll explore the fundamental principles of architecture and design including form, geometry, structure, colour, light and function. Learning about both traditional and contemporary analytical skills together with a general overview of architecture design, you'll have access to 3D workshops with manual and digital manufacturing equipment and a specialised library providing a range of relevant material in architecture and the arts.

In addition to traditional drawing skills, you'll explore digital media (including CAD) and photometric analysis of building elevations. There will be opportunities to visit landmarks in British architecture and design to support your studies. Taught by faculty members, industry experts and visiting speakers, the course culminates with the preparation of a professional portfolio.

Course highlights include:

Principles of architectural design
Spatial awareness
Urban planning
Course study trip
Project: ancient vs modern
Research and sketchbook sessions
Responding to an architectural brief
Experimental design and large-scale installations
Architectural materials, structures and construction
Digital Drawing
Laser Cutting and CAD software
Developing a 3D model
Practical workshops and themed projects
Layout and portfolio showcase
Portfolio reviews