Department of Architecture

Masters (Professional)

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The one year, full-time, studio-based coursework Masters in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Interior Architecture (Professional) programme is a personal, yet critical, design-led research-based investigation of real-world design problems situated in a local, socio-cultural and environmental context. 

 

The course prepares graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment through recognition of candidacy with registering bodies such as the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), The South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP) and the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID). The course is also a gateway to further post-professional design or research specialisations both locally and internationally.

 

The Department’s research fields that range from architectural-historical studies, to environmental and community related issues, provide the impetus for design investigations. 

 

Students produce designs that respond to research findings. They consider the inhabitants of the design and surrounding communities to ensure local relevance. The student engages with theory and case studies to develop an approach to the making of space and form, incorporating systems and technology. A rigorous, iterative and creative process of design postulation and enquiry; testing, evaluation and refinement seeks to push the boundaries of architectural convention.

 

Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of their specific discipline while the self-motivated process is guided by the discipline coordinator who provides academic structure in the form of milestones, lectures, seminars and studio management.  The student receives individual support from an appointed and specialised supervisor. 

 

The Masters (Professional) is comprised of three academic modules: 

 

Continuing Practice Development (CPD 810) (15 credits)

The CPD course provides the student with the necessary tools for preparing their project brief and the final mini-dissertation document. The document is a synthesis of relevant research, the identification of the design problem and appropriate methodologies; context and site investigation and analysis, establishment of a theoretical framework through the compilation of a limited literature review; the documentation of the design development and final resolution. 

 

Design Project and Discourse (DPD 801 (Arch), 802 (LArch), 803 (Int) (90 credits)

The DPD course focuses on the identification and development of a design problem related to the discipline of architecture, landscape or interior architecture with a scope and complexity at Master’s level. Students are encouraged to think and work innovatively by embracing an intensive process of design investigation and iteration. By following a research by design approach, the Design Project and Discourse is recorded in the mini-dissertation document as well as presented graphically in combination with models and/or prototypes at the final exam as the culmination of the year’s work.

 

Design Investigation (DIT 801 (Arch), 802 (LArch), 803 (Int) (75 credits)

The DIT course is a critical technical investigation that ensures the realization of the design intention. It comprises the identification of a range of technical and environmental issues intrinsic to the design proposal. The process involves a rigorous technical investigation and results in a holistic design resolution.  The Design Investigation is communicated through a coherent combination of architectural documentation; models of construction details and/or prototypes; and computer aided modelling and testing.