Design Projects: Investigate, Imagine & Intervene

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Modules

Courses / Modules / ARTD6320 Design Projects: Investigate, Imagine & Intervene

When you'll study it

Semester 1

CATS points

ECTS points

Level

Level 7

Module lead

Daniel Hobson

Academic year

2027-28

Module overview

This studio module introduces Environmental and Spatial Design as a critical, responsive, and creative practice. Working across physical, interior, and spatial contexts, students engage with urgent real-world challenges through a structured sequence of design projects. Emphasis is placed on research-informed investigation, creative problem-solving, and the development of a sustainable design mindset. Students work both collaboratively and independently, building fluency in visual communication, critical analysis, and reflective practice. The module establishes the intellectual and creative foundations for postgraduate study in Environmental and Spatial Design, positioning design as a discipline capable of meaningful response to complex social, environmental, and spatial challenges.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

demonstrate accurate and effective academic research and communication skills

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Critical engagement with key ideas in Environmental and Spatial Design through creative practice

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate creative problem-solving, practical design judgement, and disciplinary knowledge appropriate to postgraduate level.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Critically analyse examples and case studies relevant to Environmental and Spatial Design

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is delivered through: - full-time studio practice - combined with tutor-led sessions - structured workshops - group and individual desk crits - peer critique - site-based fieldwork. Learning is scaffolded across the module, moving from supported frameworks in the early weeks toward increasing independence as students develop confidence and critical judgement. Collaborative group work builds research and communication skills. Individual project work develops design thinking and personal voice. Reflection is embedded throughout rather than reserved for assessment. Students are expected to take an active role in their own learning, engaging with studio culture, peer feedback, and independent research as integral parts of the creative process.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	252
Teaching	48
Total study time	300

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Jan Gehl (2010). Cities for People.

Kees Dorst (2015). Frame Innovation.

Kate Raworth (2017). Doughnut Economics.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Presentation

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Portfolio	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Portfolio	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Portfolio	100%

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