MA Architecture and Digital Media

The Theory + Positioning module is designed to complement the co-requisite Thesis Design Development. It aims to introduce key aspects of architectural, critical and cultural theory relevant to the application of computer technology in design practice; to encourage awareness of current digital design theory and to locate contemporary developments in architectural design within a wider cultural context (e.g. film theory; literary criticism and art/architectural history). Through a series of seminar presentations and written essays, an opportunity is provided for the development of research and communication skills along with the critical awareness necessary to successfully engage with, and write about, architecture at a conceptual and theoretical level.

The module enables students to undertake, and share in research that will expose them to a range of current theoretical ideas and to allow them to individually focus in some depth on a specific subject relating to the use of digital technology in architecture.

Indicative themes provide a framework and define the scope of theoretical interests addressed by the module :

•              Digital media / presentation techniques.       

•              Computer simulation, analysis and mapping.

•              Digital and interactive environments.             

•              Computer morphologies

Indicative syllabus content:

A range of theoretical positions are explored through group presentations and seminars:

(Specific syllabus content will vary to reflect current interests and projects)

•              Media perspectives – digital media / presentation techniques.

                (Architecture and film theory; time based media; animation; video art; photography; visual culture)

•              Social programme – computer simulation, analysis and mapping.

                (Architecture and graphical mapping; complex information; urban analysis; cultural theory)

•              Experience, meaning and place  - digital and interactive environments.

                (Architecture and virtual reality; immersive environments; phenomenology; perception; interface)

•              Form and space – computer morphologies

                (Architecture and geometry; parametric/algorithm-based modelling; chaos, complexity and emergence; biological analogies/evolutionary design; virtual/rapid prototyping)

In consultation with the module tutors each student is expected to identify and agree a specific area of research to explore in the context of the written essay. Legitimate subjects for study will be confined to issues directly related to the MA in Architecture and Digital Media but students will be encouraged to extend their understanding of this area of knowledge into the associated liberal arts disciplines. Critical intellectual reflection will be encouraged in a form distinct from the project based work undertaken in either the core modules or the major thesis project module.