Design and Make MSc/MArch

at Architectural Association School of Architecture

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
 

Both programmes (MArch and MSc) are structured around a series of hands-on studio projects of increasing scale and sophistication, leading to the production of small-scale and bespoke architectural fabrication (MArch) or full-size architectural prototypes (MSc). These studios are complemented by seminar courses and workshops, and by lectures and events at Hooke Park and Bedford Square.
 

The MArch and MSc courses share taught components in the first two terms, after which the programme splits, with the MSc students completing their project and dissertations for submission in September. The MArch students also submit their thesis in September, and continue with project construction until January.
 

MArch students use full-scale fabrication at Hooke Park as a vehicle for design-led research. Individual research interests are developed within the framework of a group design project, and thereafter pursued independently by each student to underpin the work of their thesis.
 

MSc students focus on technology and material properties through the innovative application of timber in architecture, which is developed and tested through full-scale prototypes using diverse fabrication technologies and strategies.
 

The teaching team consists of architects, designers, theorists, engineers and construction experts, who provide technical guidance and creative mentoring for the projects. Visiting specialists spanning art, science and technology augment the studio teaching. The team works side-by-side with students to develop knowledge and expertise collaboratively, resulting in 1:1 prototypes and architectural built works.
 

Design Studio - Term 1
 

The Term 1 studio centres on the development of a strong conceptual design framework, providing the foundation for the year’s investigations. In parallel, studio projects are structured as workshop-based exercises in which key skills are deployed and developed. Taught classes and workshops establish proficiency in skills, tools and processes. This covers analogue fabrication techniques, design strategies, digital manufacturing and applied techniques for analysing prototypes.
 

Students are encouraged to develop design approaches driven by consideration of landscape and material. Design development is approached as an iterative process of designing and making, gradually introducing students to the various processes at play within large-scale fabrication and allowing for speculative testing of design concepts, methodologies and fabrication techniques that will inform their final built works.
 

Seminar Courses, Term 1-2
 

Seminar Courses are delivered in weekly sessions and focus on the cultural theory of making as design; material science; traditional craft; land and landscape; and advanced fabrication technologies. Together, they provide the theoretical framework for the project work and the intellectual foundation for the written Thesis or Dissertation.
 

Built Projects, Term 2
 

In Term 2 we place the emphasis on making, allowing sufficient time for rigorous testing, prototyping and experimentation and encouraging risk-taking, trial and failure. The principle of iterative design is fundamental to the Design and Make ethos. Designs are developed through prototyping, mock-ups and physical testing in collaboration with engineering consultants and specialist builders.
 

For MArch students, the collective built project consists of the design, prototyping and construction of a small-scale architectural built work at Hooke Park. For MSc students, the built projects comprise processes of individual research, experimentation and prototyping that leads to a full-scale, experimental prototype designed to test innovative and critical positions within the field of timber applications.
 

Thesis/Dissertation
 

The Thesis (MArch) and Dissertation (MSc) provide a framework to develop an intellectual position through the construction of critical arguments and investigations. These endeavours provide the fundamental research that will inform, support and instruct the built projects. The range of research topics within students’ written work can encompass individual interests in material behaviour, bespoke fabrication technologies and workflows, alternative forms of design practice or personal fascinations within the cultural landscape of architecture.

The fees for Design and Make MSc/MArch may vary from £26,000 to £37,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.