Architecture MA ARCHIVE
Tutors: Davide Deriu and Richard Difford (Course Leaders), Samir Pandya, Nasser Golzari, Krystallia Kamvasinou, Dirk Lellau, Clare Melhuish, Yara Sharif, Douglas Spencer, Filip Visnjic
Dr Davide Deriu (course leader – MA Architecture) is an experienced lecturer and established researcher. His main interests lie in visual and spatial cultures, and he has published in leading journals and scholarly books, as well as magazines. In addition, he has edited works on architecture and landscape, and is a founding editor of the Architectural Histories journal.
Richard Difford (course leader – MA Architecture) is an academic with expertise both in creative technologies and architectural history. The primary focus for his work is the history of architectural representation and in the use of electronics and coding in architectural design. He has published numerous academic papers and supervised a number of award-winning dissertations.
The MA Architecture course offers a unique opportunity to pursue advanced postgraduate research combining high-level theoretical investigation with innovative design approaches. The programme is both wide ranging and flexible, facilitating alternative modes of study and a range of options, including the choice of either a written or design-based thesis.
The course also allows for specialism through its three designated pathways: Architecture (Cultural Identity and Globalisation); Architecture (Digital Media) and Architecture (History and Theory). Alternatively, students can also create their own pathway by selecting and combining relevant modules that meet their individual requirements. The range of optional and specialist modules offered allows students to develop their individual learning trajectories through the in-depth study of specific subject areas, involving theoretical components as well as practical applications.
A series of theory-rich modules stimulate students to analyse current trends in architecture, design theory and practice on the basis of their research and critical judgement, and to use these insights to produce high-quality written work in a scholarly manner. In parallel, a set of design-oriented activities encourages students to develop their artistic, aesthetic and intellectual vision through the use of different media in order to produce individual proposals with a high level of spatial, material and formal resolution.
The course is taught within a dynamic learning environment that comprises seminar-based sessions along with studio-based activities, suitably integrated by a wide range of lectures, tutorials, site visits, research training sessions, and independent study periods. The primary emphasis, however, is on the thesis project or dissertation which is explored in the context of one of three tutor groups or ‘research labs’ aligned with each of the designated pathways.
Featured works by: Grozdanka Nadjinska and Hiba Al-Safi (City Cultures: Reimagining Baghdad and Re-reading of Muscat / Oman) both from Architecture (Cultural Identity and Globalisation) pathway. Other images: joint MA / MArch field trip to Oman, including a collaborative workshop with Oman’s Higher College of Technology.
