Design Fundamentals and Techniques

The module introduces the students to the fundamental elements, principles and processes of design in general and for the built environment. This module intends to develop the students’ cognitive and affective capacities and introduces students to fundamentals, basic techniques and skills in design and the creative process. Ideation will be taught through a series of short projects that will help the students to understand and explore various design processes and methods. This module aims to help students un-learn the pre-conceptions that they may have accumulated, encouraging questioning of conventions and standard practices through creative and critical thinking. The module culminates in an integrated design studio project where the student would be able to apply knowledge acquired from the other modules in the course.

Technology and Sustainability Fundamentals

This module is aimed at equipping students to take on an investigative approach to study the fundamental elements of building science as well as sustainability considerations and its application in built environment projects. Students are encouraged to integrate the various building science and sustainability elements into their integrated design studio project to bring about new design possibilities as well as gaining a broader understanding of their applications in the realm of the built environment.

Design Representation

This module introduces students to the foundational level of computer aided software as well as graphic-based software to produce construction drawings and presentation drawings. Students will also be taught basic manual drawing techniques as well as fundamental model-making skills to enable students to create visual narratives for their studio project presentations.

Architecture Foundation

This foundation module introduces students to a wide range of contemporary architectural issues and design considerations. It begins with the imaginative aspects of architecture by drawing on the key ideas propagated by Modern architecture in the early 20th century as well as Post-Modern tendencies that followed thereafter. The module then shifts its focus to basic local building codes and regulations to acquaint students with the constraints of architectural practice before culminating in an introduction to the principles of architectural detailing.

Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs (TCU)

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues, through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using information literacy skills, students will select a local issue connected to the SDGs, and look for relevant information on the issue. They will use a critical thinking framework to evaluate a diverse range of sources for their validity and reliability, and consider different perspectives on the issue before presenting their assigned stand, substantiated by reasons and evidence. This module also aims to enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of local and global issues related to the 2030 global agenda, represented by the SDGs. Students will learn about the core principles of the SDGs and find out how the goals apply to their own lives, as well as to Singapore.

Collaboration in the Digital Age (CDA)

This module helps students to understand how to be an effective team player, according to the CATME model of team member effectiveness. Students will practise writing a team charter to set the team up for success. They will also be exposed to various digital collaboration tools and best practices, practise holding effective team meetings online and offline, and work on their interpersonal communication skills.

Effective Writing for the Workplace (EWW)

The module aims to equip students with effective written communication skills necessary for the workplace. At the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate effective writing skills. They should be able to apply the principles of PAC (Purpose, Audience & Context) and 5 Cs of Communication (Complete, Clear, Concise, Courteous and Correct) to plan and craft effective business messages. In addition, students should be able to use effective visuals, employ appropriate language, follow standard format and conventions, and cite using the Harvard Style in their writing.

Data Fluency (DF)

In this module, students will be equipped with the baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analyzing data using numerical and graphical summaries. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using data to examine one aspect of an SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to an SDG.

AI and Its Impact (AII)

This module aims to equip students with a very broad overview of Artificial Intelligence, and its societal and ethical impacts in modern society. Students will build a simple AI model with online tools and discuss how to promote good ethics in AI. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency of using AI to address their chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Problem Solving with Creative & Computational Thinking (PSCCT)

In this module, students will be equipped with baseline creative and computational thinking skills for problem solving. Students will learn about the value of focused & diffuse thinking, problem identification and analysis, creative thinking, and the four pillars of computational thinking in the problem-solving process. Students will apply these techniques to tackle wicked problems related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Education and Career Guidance

This module aims to help students discover their strengths, values and interests. It also supports students in making informed educational and career choices to achieve their career aspirations.

Design Studio I (Architecture)

This module introduces students to the design considerations, space planning principles and building code requirements pertaining to high-rise residential development projects. Simulating the design process in practice, this module brings students through the various stages, beginning with site and brief analysis to idea inception, then to the preparation of drawings for authority submissions and finally culminating in the development of spatial and architectural details. Students are expected to synthesize building code requirements, technological applications and theoretical frameworks acquired from other modules through the design of a high-rise residential project.

Technical Studies I (Architecture)

This module introduces students to the technological means that architecture employs to address construction and environmental issues. The first of 2 parts, this module covers the technical knowledge related to structure, drainage, sewerage, plumbing, lighting, thermal comfort and waste management deployed in a high-rise residential development. With particular focus in prefabricated systems and designing for the tropics, this module impart to students the principles of modularity as well as passive environmental strategies. Students are expected to demonstrate their appreciation for designing for sustainability, maintainability as well as manufacturing and assembly by translating their understanding into system thinking and architectural detailing.

Design Representation I (Architecture)

This module equips students with intermediate computer aideded modeling and visualisation skills for architectural documentation and communication. With particular focus on Building Information Modelling (BIM), this module introduces to students the user interface, modelling tools, families, renderings and drawing layout setups found in Autodesk Revit. It also covers principles of visual composition to equip students with graphical skills to produce effective presentation materials. Students are expected to demonstrate their appreciation for integrated digital delivery by translating their learning into presentation and authority submission drawings.

Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)

This module aims to equip students with key skills to leverage digital communication to engage, inspire and impact stakeholders digitally. They will build an understanding of various digital communication platforms/tools and their benefits and limitations. They will also learn what it means to be a responsible Digital Citizen. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency to design and apply key principles when crafting impactful digital communication about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or a relevant context.

Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)

In this module, students will be equipped with the requisite skill sets, knowledge and tools that will give them an early start on the process of kick-starting their career. Through the Self-Directed Learning Approach, student-centric engagement, curated resources (e.g., CareersFinder, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work.

Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)

This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need. They will also be able to apply their teamwork skills in the course of their sustainable innovation project, and communication skills in the presentation of the project.

Elective 1

Please refer to Elective Module link below.

Internship Programme

This programme introduces to students to the concepts of professionalism & ethics, marketing and branding, time & work management, and contract administration relevant to architectural practice. Students are given the opportunity to gain professional working experience through attachments to local or overseas companies or organisations over a period of 12 - 22 weeks. Students are required to prepare a report and proper documentation on the internship programme.

Design Studio II (Architecture)

This module is a progression from Design Studio I (Architecture). It provides students with the knowledge for a comprehensive practice-orientated design process. Students are expected to synthesize building code requirements, technological applications and theoretical frameworks acquired from other modules through the design of a commercial / institutional project.

Technical Studies II (Architecture)

This module is a progression from Technical Studies I (Architecture). It covers the technical knowledge related to structure, drainage, sewerage, waste management, plumbing, lighting and thermal comfort typically adopted in non-residential developments. Focusing on bespoke construction systems as well as active environmental strategies, this module covers architectural systems like curtain walling, adaptive facades, mechanical ventilation and cooling systems and steel constructions. Students are expected to demonstrate the understanding of sophisticated technology and its application and in the design of a sustainable architecture.

Design Representation II (Architecture)

This module is a progression from Design Representation I (Architecture). It equips students with intermediate to advanced computer aideded modeling and visualisation skills for architectural documentation and communication. It covers advanced modelling skills like creating parametric adaptative components and energy analysis tools. The softwares covered in this module include Autodesk Revit, Graphicsoft ArchiCAD and Twinmotion.

Technical Studies Research (Architecture)

This module provides students with the opportunities to acquire deeper understanding of architectural technologies through research. With fundamental understanding of technology established in Technical Studies I & II (Architecture), this module allows students to consolidate their knowledge by conducting an in-depth study of a specific architectural component where they investigate it's origins and contemporary applications. The studies will be documented as a report consisting of explanatory notes supplemented by detail and component assembly drawings.

Domain Specific Module I

Students select two modules from a basket of Domain Specific Modules to enhance their understanding in specific areas of interest within the Built and Environment. These modules further develop and build upon the foundational knowledge covered in the core curriculum.

Domain Specific Module II

Students select two modules from a basket of Domain Specific Modules to enhance their understanding in specific areas of interest within the Built and Environment. These modules further develop and build upon the foundational knowledge covered in the core curriculum.

Persuasive Communication with Data Storytelling (PCDS)

This module aims to equip students with the baseline skills to craft compelling narratives using effective data storytelling techniques. Students will generate data visualisations, and apply narrative elements and persuasive delivery techniques to influence others or shape their perspectives. Upon completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using persuasive communication to convince stakeholders intellectually and affectively to call them into action in tackling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Elective 2

Please refer to Elective Module link below.

Elective 3

Please refer to Elective Module link below.