International Architectural Regeneration and Development (PGDip PGCert)

Course Structure

1. [\'Architecture, Culture and Tradition provides an introduction to the anthropology of architecture and the field of international vernacular architecture studies. Drawing upon examples of vernacular building traditions from around the world, it seeks to analyse the dynamic interaction between architecture, social structure, cultural behaviour and the natural environment.\', \'Applications in Regeneration is a lecture and seminar programme that introduces the principles that underlie sustainable regeneration and the key players involved in the process. The practices of conservation and regeneration ranging from small rural settlements to post-industrial areas are examined through case studies considering heritage value and significance, adaptation of the built fabric, community participation and economic forces such as the role of heritage, the arts and tourism in regeneration.\', \'Globalisation, Environment and Development provides a critical examination of globalisation processes, global environmental problems and their relationship with the development process. Issues around global systems theory, industrialisation, trade, debt, aid, transport, communications, food, agriculture and the environment are reviewed.\', "Regeneration and Development Project is a studio-based module that builds on the taught modules in developing strategic planning, contextual design and project management skills to solve problems in adapting and revitalising the existing built environment. Through a project set in an international location, students are expected to develop culturally and socially sensitive, environmentally responsible and financially viable strategic plans and design interventions for historic urban quarters, post-industrial sites or rural/vernacular settlements. Master\'s students may also develop one aspect of the regeneration strategy through a research report in place of a design proposal.", \'Vernacular Architecture, Sustainability and Development explores the interrelation of cultural processes and building traditions, and examines how contemporary phenomena such as globalisation, tourism, resources depletion, conservation, population displacement and technology transfer have an impact on the nature and transmission of vernacular building traditions. It also discusses how vernacular knowledge may actively contribute to the development of sustainable built environments.\', \'Master Classes consists of master classes delivered by expert scholars providing opportunities for you to learn from, and engage in academic interaction with leading figures in the field through the intensive and detailed exploration of specific and current themes and problems. Subjects covered range from contemporary approaches to field research, designing in context of a historic environment, designing with tradition and creative feasibility.\', \'Development and Urbanisation is concerned with the problems of development, and of cities and inter-urban issues. It provides the theoretical and analytical base for studying the subject, and introduces themes, policy issues and processes which you can further examine in more detail, and in different contexts, in other modules.\', \'Urban Design Theory is a lecture and seminar based module in which you are introduced to the theoretical concepts underpinning current urban design practice approaches. The module includes the history and theory of urban design, the introduction of design approaches such as responsive environments, and urban morphology. You are made aware of how urban form is produced and experienced, and of the political and economic context of development.\', \'Independent Study students with research experience or with substantial practice and field experience may select a research or practice-oriented route to the MA through the Independent Study option by participating in ongoing research activities linked to the programme. Independent study may include literature reviews or be linked to research in practice.\', \'Research Methods encourages students to develop the skills needed in the research of environmental problems, including the formulation of research problems and methodology, data collection and analysis.\', \'Dissertation/Design Project is a dissertation or a major design project, supported by a project report. This component provides the opportunity for in-depth research and analysis and to develop and apply research and design skills in a specific area of architectural regeneration.\']