Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Architecture

Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose and Rationale for Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours Degree in Architecture

Purpose:

  • The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours Degree in Architecture is a postgraduate qualification.
  • It prepares learners for further postgraduate study and professional registration.
  • Designed to follow the Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture.
  • It deepens expertise in Architecture, develops research capacity, and enables specialized learning.
  • Equips learners to work independently in design-based decisions in complex situations.
  • Prepares holders for the labor market or further studies through Master's and Doctoral qualifications.
  • Aims to further knowledge and skills towards becoming a competent Senior Architectural Technologist.
  • Provides preparation for careers in architecture and related fields, contributing to national development.

Rationale:

  • Responds to the demand from learners in the architectural and built environment industries for further studies.
  • Meets the demand for Senior Architectural Technologists.
  • Aligns with industry needs and the requirements of the South African Council of the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
  • Incorporates consultation with stakeholders through Industry Liaison Committees and workshops.
  • Endorsed by SACAP to offer the qualification.
  • Addresses occupations in high demand, such as Architect and Draughtsperson.
  • Qualifying learners meet educational requirements for SACAP registration as Professional Senior Architectural Technologist.
  • Enables progression to Master's and Doctoral qualifications at NQF Level 9.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and terminology applicable to architectural design, understanding of the fundamentals of the design process.
  2. Display a thorough understanding of appropriate planning and problem analysis on a basic level and knowledge of social and environmental issues.
  3. Show an understanding of the construction methods and uses for materials related to simple low rise building types, develop durable, cost-effective climatic responsive construction details and conduct limited research into construction methods and materials and the appropriate applications.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic structural concepts about buildings.
  5. Apply knowledge of the basic spatial and aesthetical aspects appropriate to architecture, knowledge of architectural history in broad terms.
  6. Indicate various technological aspects relating to services, knowledge of the building regulations about all building services, knowledge of the following technological aspects and building services.
  7. Produce a set of working drawings as part of a set of contract documents of a complex building to acceptable practice standards.
  8. Develop durable, cost-effective, climate responsive construction systems and details sensitive to the contextual language of the design concept, understanding of component and material specification.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Design Development: Determine the architectural problem and develop a design concept.
  • Research: Undertake appropriate research into relevant social, economic, environmental, spatial, historical, technical, and other contextual aspects.
  • Design Process: Implement an appropriately rigorous design process.
  • Integration: Develop a design that logically demonstrates resolution integrating knowledge of various relevant aspects.
  • Presentation: Conclude the design process in a rational, compliant, and coherent presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Research: Undertake research related to broad environmental issues around sustainability.
  • Findings Compilation: Compile findings related to environmental impacts and mitigation strategies.
  • Design Response: Develop a specific design response applying research findings to a specific context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Research Compilation: Compile findings related to construction methods and materials for multi-storey buildings.
  • Construction Technology: Determine appropriate use of construction technology and materials.
  • Construction Details: Develop durable, cost-effective, climate-responsive, and locally applicable construction details.
  • Testing: Test constructional design of specific multi-story buildings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Structural System: Develop an effective structural system for a simple multi-storey building.
  • Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of basic structural concepts in buildings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Design Response: Develop a specific design response applying research findings to a built environment situation.
  • Testing: Test the response using appropriate urban and individual building design.
  • Research Strategies: Develop research strategies in architectural history theory and precedent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Building Services: Discuss building services compliance with regulations.
  • Integration: Determine an integrated approach to technical services in design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Working Drawings: Produce a set of working drawings for a complex building to practice standards.
  • Specifications: Compile component and material specifications meeting required standards.
  • Submission Planning: Plan submission and approval of local authority building requirements.
  • Software Utilization: Utilize software for architectural work and documentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Legal and Business Practice: Use correct legal, business practice, and ethical principles.
  • Administration: Develop appropriate administration and logistical support systems.
  • Business Structures: Plan appropriate business structures and principles.
  • Management System: Develop a functional and integrated management system.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Assessment Methodologies: Include tests, assignments, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, and presentations.
  • Alignment: Constructive alignment between outcomes, learning activities, and assessment activities.
  • Examination Module: Combines formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment methodologies.
  • Research Component: Architectural Design 402 and Research Project contribute to research credits.
  • Moderation: Summative assessments internally moderated, NQF Level 8 modules externally moderated.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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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.

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.