Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture

Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Name: Bachelor of Built Environment in Architecture

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge of architecture and prepare them for registration as Professional Architects within the field of built environment. Upon the completion of this qualification, learners will have a sound knowledge base in the discipline of architecture and will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to a particular career in a professional manner. They will be equipped with skills that will enable them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning to be able to enter a specific niche in the architectural profession.

Upon qualifying the learner will be able to:

  1. Identify and respond to contextual and environmental design imperatives and use historical and theoretical positions and precedents in conceptualising building designs of limited complexity, as defined by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
  2. Respond to programmatic requirements and apply architectural design processes and principles creatively in the design of limited complexity building, as defined by SACAP.
  3. Solve design problems and develop design proposals for limited complexity buildings into detailed contract documentation and assembly details that comply with accepted professional standards and statutory regulations.
  4. Select and incorporate appropriate structural systems, construction methods, materials, building services and systems into the design of limited complexity buildings in consultation with various built environment and other professions (where appropriate).
  5. Apply architectural office management practices and procedures, using standard professional documents, guidelines, legal and ethical prescriptions.
  6. Use professional computer programmes for the production of industry related and relevant standard documentation.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Built Environment (Architecture) is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge of the Built Environment specifically in Architecture and equips them with skills to solve problems related to Architecture. There is a need to train more architectural professionals in order to bridge the skills shortage gap in South Africa including those who are from previously disadvantaged groups.

This qualification will enable a learner to acquire a broad and general architectural education whilst giving emphasis to science and technology within an interdisciplinary framework at a university of technology thereby distinguishing it from architectural education Degrees offered at traditional universities.

Currently, the Institution offers the National Diploma (Architectural Technology) and the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Architectural Technology. The current National Diploma (Architectural Technology) allows for registration as a Candidate Architectural Technologist whilst the B.Tech (Architectural Technology) allows for registration as Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). This qualification therefore replaces both the National Diploma and B Tech that are in the process of being phased out.

This qualification is supported by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) provided it meets the minimum outcomes for registration within its framework for professional registration. It fits well into the Professional Architectural Technologist (SACAP) category and would articulate within the Higher Education Quality Sub-framework (HEQSF and the SACAP Identification of Work (IDOW) framework towards higher level qualifications such as the Honours and Masters Degrees as well as higher professional qualifications such as Professional Senior Architectural Technologist and ultimately, Professional Architect.

It is envisaged that the Honours Degree within this area of learning will be offered towards professional registration as Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist whilst the Master's Degree will afford registration as Candidate Architect. This qualification will also prepare learners for careers in Architecture and enable learners to acquire technological proficiency so as to make a contribution to the economy for national development whilst opening a pathway for them for further studies within this field of study.

Outcomes

  1. Identify and respond to contextual and environmental design imperatives and use historical and theoretical positions and precedents in conceptualising building designs of limited complexity, as defined by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
  2. Respond to programmatic requirements and apply architectural design processes and principles creatively in the design of limited complexity building, as defined by SACAP.
  3. Solve design problems and develop design proposals for limited complexity buildings into detailed contract documentation and assembly details that comply with accepted professional standards and statutory regulations.
  4. Select and incorporate appropriate structural systems, construction methods, materials, building services and systems into the design of limited complexity buildings in consultation with various built environment and other professions (where appropriate).
  5. Apply architectural office management practices and procedures, using standard professional documents, guidelines, legal and ethical prescriptions.
  6. Use professional computer programmes for the production of industry related and relevant standard documentation.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories:

    • Students should demonstrate a deep understanding and application of fundamental architectural concepts and theories in their work.

  2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of an area of specialization:

    • Students must show expertise in a specialized area within architecture and understand how it relates to other disciplines within the built environment.

  3. Develop and communicate own ideas and opinions:

    • Students should be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions clearly, using appropriate academic and professional language, when discussing architectural concepts and broader development issues.

  4. Apply a range of methods of enquiry:

    • Students need to demonstrate the ability to use various investigative methods to solve architectural problems or implement changes effectively.

  5. Identify, analyze, and critically reflect on architecturally related problems:

    • Students must critically evaluate architectural issues, propose evidence-based solutions, and support their arguments with relevant theory.

  6. Make and apply decisions ethically and professionally:

    • Ethical decision-making is crucial in the architectural field, and students should be able to justify their choices based on ethical values and principles.

  7. Develop and apply appropriate processes of information gathering:

    • Students should be able to gather relevant information effectively, considering the context of the architectural problem they are addressing.

  8. Independently evaluate and validate information sources:

    • It is important for students to assess the credibility and reliability of sources when conducting research for architectural projects.

  9. Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts:

    • Students should demonstrate the ability to adapt to different situations and understand that architectural problem-solving is context-dependent and interconnected with other systems.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Variety of assessment methods:

    • The institution employs a range of assessment methods to cater to different learning styles and maximize opportunities for success.

  • Integration of themes from different modules:

    • Integration of concepts from various modules encourages students to apply principles learned across different areas of study.

  • Reliability and validity in assessment:

    • By integrating themes and principles, assessments become more reliable and valid in measuring students' understanding and competence.

Overall, the aim of the integrated assessment approach is to ensure that students are well-rounded in their understanding of architecture, capable of critical thinking and problem-solving, and able to communicate effectively within the field.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
360
SAQA Source
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Durban University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.