MA Architecture – Digital Media
School of Architecture and the Cities
University of Westminster, London, UK

Pathway Leader: Filip Visnjic

Modules by Digital Media pathway:
Major Thesis Project (60 credits) – Filip Visnjic
Site and Motion (20 credits) – Filip Visnjic and Dirk Lellau
Media Space and Network Culture (20 credits) – Filip Visnjic
Digital Making (1/3 workshops, Research and Thesis Positioning – 40 credits) – Filip Visnjic

Course Leader (MA Architecture): Nasser Golzari

→ Learn more about this course and how to apply

Introduction

The use of digital technology is now a central feature of architectural design practice and education. But whilst computer modelling, drafting and visualisation now already form part of the syllabus for the recognised professional qualifications in architecture, the implications of these technologies and of developments in this field, continues to provide the scope for new research and for innovation in design – beyond the remit of standard architectural education. This pathway on MA Architecture course at the University of Westminster provides the opportunity for students already conversant with conventional digital design tools and architectural theory, to develop those skills; to form a critical understanding of their application; and to explore the further possibilities for the integration of computer technology into design praxis.

In the context of a vibrant digital design culture, including digital prototyping, animation, parametric design and interactive/responsive environments, the implications of digital media technology in architecture are considered in terms of their impact on architectural theory and design. By addressing a range of different technologies and techniques, this pathway seeks to provide a critical perspective through which the value and appropriateness of these technologies can be assessed. Centred primarily on project based work, attempts to theorise the use of digital media in architecture also draw on ideas derived from film theory; art history, philosophy and critical theory.

In the majority of modules delivered by this pathway, design oriented tasks cement and test understanding of key principles and software while at the same time providing students with an opportunity to develop and extend their creative design abilities. Through a project-based application of digital tools a knowledge base and awareness of digital design culture is established that provides the context for the more specialised and narrowly focussed research carried out by individual students in their thesis projects. This forms the major part of the course and brings together theory, technical skills and design as an integrated conceptual design project. Typically, the thesis project in this pathway will explore the use of digital media in a particular design/social context and provides a mechanism through which students can demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learnt; and to combine directed research with more speculative forms of investigation to construct a project that integrates digital media technology in both its design and execution. Students are encouraged to explore and incorporate emerging technologies and to demonstrate an innovative and imaginative use of digital media and design strategies.

Filip Visnjic (MA Architecture: Digital Media / Pathway Leader)

History

Year	Module	Tutors
MA Computer Imaging in Architecture
1999	Founder	John Bell
2000	Course Leader	Andris Berzins
2000	Thesis	Richard Difford, Adam Covell
2000	Site and Motion	Filip Visnjic
2000	Site and Motion (Photography)	Dirk Lellau
MA Architecture and Digital Media
2005	Course Leader	Richard Difford
2005	Thesis	Richard Difford, Adam Covell
2005	Introduction to Design Computing	Richard Difford
2005	Site and Motion	Filip Visnjic
2005	Site and Motion (Photography)	Dirk Lellau
2005	Applied Animation	Filip Visnjic
MA Architecture – Digital Media (Pathway)
2010	Course Leader	Richard Difford
2010	Thesis	Richard Difford, Filip Visnjic, Jon Goodbun, Francois Girardin
2010	Introduction to Design Computing	Richard Difford
2010	Site and Motion	Filip Visnjic, Dirk Lellau
2010	Applied Animation	Filip Visnjic
MA Architecture – Digital Media (Pathway)
2020-	Course Leader	Nasser Golzari
2020-	Thesis (DM)	Filip Visnjic
2020-	Media Space and Network Culture	Filip Visnjic
2020-	Site and Motion	Filip Visnjic, Dirk Lellau

Since 2020, Digital Media pathway runs alongisde two other pathways: History and Theory and Cultural Identity and Globalisation.

Guest lecturers/critics include: John Bell, Hélène Binet, Davide Deriu, Jon Goodbun, Krystallia Kamvasinou, Evangelia Magnisali, Estela Oliva, Phoenix Perry, Samir Pandya, Davide Quayola, Eva Rucki, Yara Sharif, Camila Sotomayor, Yuri Suzuki, Elena Corchero, Georgios Dimitrakopoulos, Anne-Laure Guiot, Sylviya Ilieva, Karin Jaschke, Laura Tarjuman, more TBC..