Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology
Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose
The qualification aims to provide learners with a sound knowledge base in the technological aspects of the Architectural profession and the ability to apply such knowledge, skills and values as professional architectural technologists whilst also equipping them to undertake more specialised Postgraduate studies. The qualification also aims to produce learners:
- To acquire sufficient knowledge and vocational skills to be able to satisfy the needs of the industry as competent professionals eligible for registration as candidate senior architectural technologists.
- To foster entrepreneurship through the development of skills in communication and technical innovation.
Rationale
Architectural professionals are increasingly important to government and organisations in a variety of sectors responsible for the delivery of services and infrastructure both nationally and within the greater SADC region. According to the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) South Africa has an architectural professional to population ratio of 1:8322. This implies that the architectural cohort requirements for South Africa needs to multiply in order to meet the requirements of the National Development Plan and the regional economy. There are approximately 6128 registered architectural professionals with tertiary qualifications in the SACAP database of which 21% are women and 10% are black (SACAP, 2013:48). Gender and race inequalities still remain in the architectural profession and huge challenges need to be overcome to address the situation. In this regard, the need for architectural qualifications in South Africa that cater to the needs of industry as well as provide opportunities for disadvantaged learners to access the profession has been well documented. The focus of the Advanced Diploma is underpinned by construction/applied building science research, advanced computer aided design and animation. Learners are expected to gain a critical insight into advanced architectural construction and building technology innovation. As such, the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology is of particular importance to the profession as it provides learners who are focused specifically on the areas of advanced construction technology, applied building science and advanced computer aided design. This qualification provides crucial skills and add value to existing industries and companies directly or indirectly related to the built environment and development both nationally and internationally.
Outcomes
- Interpret the aesthetic, contextual, and technical aspects related to architectural technology and detailed design in both the urban and rural environment.
- Resolve the technical aspects of a building project through the production of technical documentation which complies with the relevant codes of practice and legislation.
- Apply knowledge of complex structural concepts and calculations related to structural aspects pertaining to buildings.
- Utilise knowledge of architectural theory pertaining to design and construction technology to conduct research.
- Apply current computer technology in the execution of specified architectural tasks, which will include the use of### Communication programmes### Word processing software### Spreadsheets### Computer Aided Design programmes such as Revit, Autodesk, StudioMAx and Lumion.
- Demonstrate critical insight into the impact of architecture and architectural technology on the urban or rural context, society, economy, and the environment, through analysis and evaluation.
- Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of Architectural practice.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyze and define the problem
- Identify criteria for acceptable technical design solution
- Identify relevant information, knowledge, and skills
- Produce technical design solution for multi-story building or long span structure
- Consider environmental, sustainable, technical, and contextual issues
- Produce possible design and technological approaches
- Analyze feasible and workable solutions
- Draw, model, and analyze possible solutions
- Evaluate and select best solution
- Produce design and technology solution in appropriate presentation format
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate knowledge in building science, structures, construction, and technology
- Utilize theories, principles, and regulations
- Use formal analysis and computer aided design
- Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories effectively
- Clearly communicate architectural materials, details, components, systems, or processes
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate structural design problem to meet standards and codes
- Plan and manage technical design process
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources
- Evaluate alternatives and select preferred solution
- Assess selected structural design based on loading principles
- Communicate structural design in technical portfolio
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan and conduct research
- Search literature and critically evaluate material
- Analyze and interpret information
- Draw conclusions from available research
- Record purpose, process, and outcomes in written documents
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Ensure appropriate structure, style, and language of communication
- Use appropriate graphics to enhance text meaning
- Utilize visual materials and advanced computer animations
- Provide information using accepted methods
- Deliver fluent oral communication in portfolio presentation
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify and address impact of architectural design and technology on community/society
- Analyze impact on urban context, environment, user, and community
- Consider personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements
- Present and discuss impacts through written report and portfolio
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Describe, analyze ethical dilemmas and propose solutions
- Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate architectural solutions
- Maintain competence through continuous professional development
- Accept responsibility for consequences of actions
- Make judgements in decision making within current competence area
- Deliver decision making in written report
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative assessments include individual and group tutorials, assignments/projects, class tests, computer aided design, presentations
- Summative assessments include closed/open book tests, examinations, design portfolio assessments
- Interim assessments in June provide feedback on progress
- Final assessments in November determine compliance with accreditation board requirements
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- 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.