Welcome to your Architecture course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as an Architecture student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Welcome to the BArch (Hons) Architecture. We are really excited to welcome you on campus to start this exciting journey. Over the next three years we will be supporting you in acquiring and developing the skills you need to complete your architecture degree. You will have to work hard but it will also be really fun!

Islam Abohela

Course Leader, BArch (Hons) Architecture

Course Delivery

We will be on campus three days per week; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All the sessions will be in our Architecture Studio at Cadman Building.

On Tuesdays (10am to 5pm) we will have our tutored studio day where you will be working in the proposed design brief of your Studio modules. In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to discuss your progress with your tutors and other students through activities such as pin ups, crits and seminars. You will have space in the studio to work on your project and access to the workshops to develop models.

On Wednesdays (10am to 1pm) you will have skill workshops. These workshops will be combined with short lectures and seminars and the main focus will be to learn skills that you will be applying into the development of your design brief.

On Thursdays (10am to 1pm) we will have in semester 1 Design Cultures and in Semester 2 Materials, Environment and Technology. These two modules will be supporting your studio modules and will help you to get an in-depth knowledge on architectural history and architectural technology.

Please note, while we endeavour to reduce the amount of timetable changes as possible, the days and times listed above are subject to change.

Before you start

In preparation for your first year, it is really important that you get a smallnotebook (an A5 is a great size) and a pen or pencil and start drawing. You can use different techniques (ink, watercolours…) but walk and draw what you see as much as you can. You can also take pictures of the buildings around you. And…bring it all on the first day!

Books

Bowkett, S., (2013) Archidoodle: An Architect's Activity Book. London: Lawrence King Publishing.

Unwin, S. (2014) Twenty-Five Buildings Every Architect Should Understand. Abingdon: Routledge

Websites

Carbon revolution series Deezen: dezeen.com/carbon

domusweb.it/carbon-negative-installation

domusweb.it/street-furniture-made-from-plastic-waste

Semester one activities

During the first week we will be having a series of introductory sessions and check the work of second and third year students. After that, we will be starting the first two modules of the course. In Design and Representation 1 we start exploring different ways of representing space. You will also start learning about the history and theories of Architecture in Design Cultures 1.

Equipment

You will have access to computers with the software needed for the course both in the studio and in the computer rooms on campus. You can install a range of software for free once you you have enrolled.

You will also need drawing and model making materials such as:

A5 notebook
A4 & A3 sketchbooks
Tracing paper
Range of pencils / Eraser / Sharpener
Cutting knife
Scale ruler
Glue

Download software

Course Trips

During the next academic year, we will do local visits to sites, and a longer trip in the UK. We will also do a one-day trip to one UK major city to visit relevant exhibitions.

Course Developments

This year we will be working on a series of collaborations with external partners. In previous years we worked with organisations such as the British Ceramics Biennial, Burslem Regeneration Trust, St. Modwen Homes, Urban Wilderness CIC and Burslem Port Trust. We will also be receiving visits from architects who will be presenting their work and contributing to the design studio and other related modules.

Groups and societies

Life drawing society

All clubs and societies

Meet the team

Dr Islam Abohela

Senior Lecturer

Islam is the Architecture Course Leader. He is an Architect with extensive experience in the design and construction of the built environment. Islam’s research focuses on the intersections between Architecture, Film and Sustainability.

Islam's profile

Dr James Robertson

Senior Lecturer

I trained and worked as an architect in variously sized practices after studying and working both in the UK and France. In 2009, I undertook a tenure as Rome Scholar at the British School at Rome whilst undertaking PhD research.

James's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.