Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology
Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
Qualifying learners will be independent thinkers that can assimilate broad aspects of information, analyse complex problems well and compile findings into coherent relevant and appropriate Architectural design solutions. Learners are aware of environmental and social sustainability and understand their responsibility in this regard. They are able to make decisions in the built environment and reflect this awareness. The qualifying learner will have the competence to apply creativity, problem-solving, specialised knowledge and management principles to the practical implementation of architectural technology through appropriate research. This qualification curriculum consists of five subject streams which continue vertically from the Diploma into this Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology. Emphasis is placed on Technology as the driver for Design and this will be supported by Practice, Literacy and Environmental design. Learner engagement will be project based in which the subject streams are integrated into the scope of the project. This way of working simulates the work flow in an architectural practice and relies on the integration of theoretical, practical and situational knowledge and their application towards solving specific problems.
Rationale:
The profession of Architect is part of the 100 scarce skills mentioned in the National Scarce Skills List 2014. In the same document housing is highlighted under the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) as an area for "immediate attention and professionals in the built environment is highlighted under the Strategic Integrated projects." (Scarce Skills List, 2014) Architecture is integral to the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and makes a major contribution to the development of sustainable human settlements and work creation both regionally and nationally. As part of the construction sector architecture is important to government and organisations in various sections responsible for the delivery of services and infrastructure nationally and within the broader African context. The institution has opted, through the re-curriculation process, to take the route of Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma and Professional Master's Degree in Architectural technology for several reasons. These reasons include broadening access for learners; allowing exit levels at each South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) registration stage; allowing learners to work and generate income before entering the next level of study and following a route that can end in a professional Master's Degree with professional registration as Architect. This qualification is recognised by the SACAP as a level where a graduate may register as a Professional Senior Architectural Technologist in Training if obtained from a SACAP accredited Architectural Learning Site. This allows a graduate to register with SACAP as a Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist and then work in practice for a qualified practitioner. After two years Candidates may write the professional exam set by SACAP to become a Professional Senior Architectural Technologist. The need for architectural learning qualifications in South Africa has been reported by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession in their annual reports. According to the South African Council for the Architectural profession, South Africa has an architectural professional to population ratio of 1:8322. This means that the number of graduates needs to increase significantly to meet the requirements of the National Development Plan.
Outcomes
- Research, critically appraise, synthesise and prioritise technological, contextual, spatial, social and environmental conditions that influence the design of an architectural project.
- Use sound theoretical principles to conceptualise and design architectural projects, equal to the complexity of a multi-story building, in urban or rural contexts.
- Apply sound technological building knowledge to the design and development of simple multi-story buildings.
- Develop comprehensive construction and contract documentation for a complex building design.
- Define and explain the management of a building project and the administration of a building contract through sound administrative and architectural practices and procedures.
- Using a variety of media, communicate own ideas, in well-formed arguments, as a professional senior architectural technologist.
- Identify, analyse and critically appraise the possible social, economic and environmental impacts of architectural projects and apply sustainable building principles.
- Describe and defend the social responsibility role of an architectural professional in broader society.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Critically appraise contemporary architectural theories in relation to the South African context.
- Identify, analyse and critically discuss selected, relevant precedent studies.
- Identify and explain the environmental, economic and social aspects to be considered in the design of a building.
- Develop well-formed arguments to complex architectural problems and present this research as an academic paper.
- Identify and explain a research design and methodology that is appropriate to the problem under investigation and justify the decision taken.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Define and appraise a variety of architectural problems, equal to the complexity of a multi-story building, in urban or rural contexts.
- Independently develop concepts and project solutions for a variety of architectural problems, equal to the complexity of a multi-story building, in urban or rural contexts.
- Apply key theoretical concepts and theoretical knowledge in order to derive design concepts.
- Identify and analyse appropriate precedent and apply principles to a design problem.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe and explain the use of a wide range of building materials, systems and technologies for constructing simple multi-story buildings.
- Design advanced and complex construction solutions for simple multi-storey buildings.
- Appraise the environmental and social appropriateness of technologies and materials within a specific context.
- Explain and justify basic structural concepts for a wide a variety of architectural problems, equal to the complexity of a multi-story building, in urban or rural contexts.
- Successfully complete independent, explorative research projects into innovative construction solutions that address environmental concerns for simple multi-storey buildings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Develop complete documentation drawings and related architectural documents for the design of a complex building.
- Write accurate, detailed specifications for the design of a complex building.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Appraise and evaluate the principles and application of office administration for a specific real-life architectural practice.
- Explain the principles and application of building project management.
- Interpret and appraise problems arising from contract administration problems and suggest solutions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Prepare and present advanced graphic three-dimensional computer work in written, oral, digital, and graphic format, as appropriate to the required documentation.
- Communicate appropriately and clearly with the various role players in professional architectural practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Relate the building to its surroundings as part of a broader environmental, socio-economic and built environment systems.
- Identify urban concerns related to architectural projects.
- Identify landscape concerns related to the passive climatic design of architectural projects.
- Appraise, schedule and document building services for complex buildings in harmony with broader environmental systems.
- Do environmental calculations as stipulated in environmental legislation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Define and explain the concept of alternative practice.
- Identify opportunities for the architectural profession to become involved in social design projects.
Integrated Assessment:
- The assessment of work is guided by the institution assessment policy.
- The assessment strategy for the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology follows a continuous and integrated approach.
- Formative feedback throughout the duration of projects allows learners to reflect and improve.
- Summative Assessment tasks assess learner attainment against course outcomes.
- Four Summative Assessments each year contribute to the learners' mark record.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.