Architecture & Spatial Design

Draw it. Model it. Defend it.

Architecture at undergraduate level is fundamentally about evidence: a site analysis that grounds the design in its real context, drawings that communicate intent to those who will build it, and a model that tests the design spatially before commitment. Every step requires both a design artifact and an analysis artifact — drawings without site analysis, or a model without documented design rationale, fails the proof standard. SketchUp Free (browser-based, no install) and Blender satisfy the model proof standard as alternatives to physical construction. Studio critique by a qualified architect or architecture tutor required at every step.

2 required outcomes52 weeksCredential on completion

Path outcomes

Skills

Urban Site Analysis

Required. Site analysis is the genuine prerequisite for all design work — a design without documented site context cannot be defended in critique. The analysis must cover physical context (adjacencies, orientation, topography, access), social and historical context (community use, planning history), and infrastructure (utilities, services, transport). Qualified architect or architecture tutor review required. Genuine prerequisite for concept development (seq 20).

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Skills

Architectural Design Concept

Required. Design concept development follows directly from site analysis — the concept must reference specific findings from seq 10. Proof requires a concept statement, minimum 10 development sketches, a diagram explaining the spatial strategy, and a live critique session where the concept is challenged by a qualified architect. Genuine dependency on design-urban-site-analysis (seq 10).

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SkillsOptional

Architectural Drawing Set

Elective. Measured architectural drawings at a consistent scale — plan, section, and elevation drawn to communicate intent. AutoCAD is industry standard; FreeCAD (free, open-source) and SketchUp LayOut satisfy the proof standard. Dimensioned, annotated, and reviewed by a qualified architect for accuracy and communication clarity.

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SkillsOptional

Architectural Spatial Model

Elective. Spatial model — either a physical model at a consistent scale (cardboard, foam, basswood) or a digital 3D model (SketchUp Free or Blender — both free). The model must test at least one spatial decision that could not be fully resolved in 2D drawings. Qualified architect or architecture tutor review of the model and its spatial implications required.

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SkillsOptional

Architecture Studio Portfolio Review

Elective. Capstone portfolio critique: a curated presentation of at least one complete design project (site analysis through drawings or model) reviewed in a live critique session by a qualified architect or external panel. Critique documents: decisions defended, spatial challenges raised, revisions committed to. Integrating capstone for the path.

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Free resources for this path

Every resource listed here is free. No affiliate links. No sponsored placements.

ArchDaily — contemporary architecture practice and project documentation (free) ↗Resource

Free architecture publication with the world's largest archive of built projects — each entry includes section drawings, site plans, photographs, and architect statements. Use for the site analysis and concept development steps: real precedent research on how architects have responded to comparable sites and constraints.

SketchUp Free — browser-based 3D modelling, no install required (free) ↗Resource

Free in-browser version of SketchUp — no installation or licence required. Use for the architectural model step as a free alternative to physical construction: create massing models, test spatial decisions, and export renders or screenshots as proof. Sufficient for all undergraduate-level architectural modelling proof requirements.

Dezeen — architecture and interiors reference (free) ↗Resource

Free architecture journalism covering contemporary built projects, material innovation, and spatial design. Use for concept development research: how do leading architects respond to complex urban sites, and what design decisions become the subject of critique?

Archinect — architecture student and practice community (free) ↗Resource

Free community platform used by architecture students globally — news, student portfolio reviews, and firm profiles. Use to find potential critique reviewers, research practice contexts for the site analysis step, and understand portfolio presentation standards before the capstone crit.