Department of Architecture
Department of Architecture
Waterford
Ireland
IE
N 52° 15' 46.4'', E 52° 15' 46.4''
http://www.wit.ie/
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology
Profile of the faculty
Welcome to the Department of Architecture at Waterford Institute of Technology, home to over 300 students and 20 staff with international design qualifications and experience.
The Department of Architecture is within the School of Engineering at Waterford Institute of Technology. The Insitute also has Schools of Business, Humanitites, Science, Health Science, Research and Education.
The Department of Architecture was created in 2006. It offers programms in Architecture and Architectural Technology. All programmes have full academic accreditation from the Royal Instiute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The Architectural Technology programme is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) in the UK.
The Department is an important development for the south eastern region of Ireland. One of its aims is to provide a public forum for debate on architectural topics and to increase public awareness of architecture. Both the city and county of Waterford are rich in urban, coastal and mountainous landscape which provide a perfect laboratory for many of the design studies explored in the department.
There is a special relationship between the new department of architecture and Waterford City Council with many live joint projects being developed together.
Architecture is a local and global discipline. As well as strong regional links, the Department has study programmes with Schools in Mexico, France, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. It is also one of 12 schools worldwide that is part of a ''Renzo Piano'' internship scholarhip programme.
Within the Department there is a thriving Architectural Student Society which ensures many social and educational events. Combined with a dedicated and motivated staff, there is a strong sense of community which creates a climate and a culture which nurtures learning.
Waterford is a small port city located in the South East of Ireland. It is Ireland''s oldest Viking city with a population of about 50,000 people. It is easily accessible from the capital Dublin (160km) by train or coach. Waterford is close to the sea and the mountains. Surfing, sailing, golfing and orienteering activities are easily accessible. Waterford Institute of Technology has campuses within the city and county. The School of Architecture has moved to a central location in a land mark building along the main urban quay side.
310 students (250 Bachelor, 60 Master, 0 PhD), 20% of foreign students.
40 staff members (20 full-time and approx. 20 visiting lecturers and critics).
Architectural Student Society, Students Union,Medical Centre, Student Support Services, Carreer Guidance, Restaurant, Bar, Shop, Sports Stadium,
20
Architectural Model Lab
Bookshop
Building Material Lab
Building Technology Laboratory
CAD - Lab
Café
Cafeteria
Computer Room
Computing service
Conference auditorium
Construction Lab
Exhibition hall,
Exhibition Room
Furniture Shop
Language Laboratory
Lecture Room
Library
Model workshop
Personal workplace (Internet, VPN, different software), model workshop, refectory and cafeteria.
Photographic Studio
Plot centre
Printing facilities
Trades Laboratory
Accomodation can be provided through student campus services.
All first year and mature applicants must go through the national central applications office (CAO).Entry is based on Leaving Certificate results from Secondary School. For mature students prior learning and experiences are taken into account.
Transfer students or students seeking entry into advanced years must apply directly to WIT. An application form is available on the web site. Erasmus students can apply through their international office.
Please contact the School for more details.
First years must follow national CAO deadlines.
Transfer or advanced entry deadline May/June.
B.Sc. Arch (hons) (Cycle 1), 6 semesters followed by B.Arch. (hons) (Cycle 2), 4 semesters.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology, B.Sc.Arch.Tech.(hons), 3 + 1 years, Bachelor, 240,
B.Sc.Arch. Tech. 6 semesters followed by B.Sc.Arch.Tech.(hons) 2 semesters
The Architectural programme at WIT is a 5 year programme leading to a B.Arch. The programme ensures acquisition of the theoretical and practical skills in architecture as specified in Article 3 of the Architects Directive and in Article 46 of the Directive on Formal Qualifications.
The Architectural Technology programme follows a four year cycle. (180 + 60 ECTS credits).
Each 15 week semester includes 12 week contact time, 1 week study time and 2 week exam period/ portfolio preparation. Most modules are assessed on a Continuous Assessment procedure.
Our philosophy as educators is to provide ‘a learning through doing’ environment using the studio classrooms as design & technical ‘workshops’ where ideas are explored and theoretical subjects integrated.
Our approach also reflects the new paradigm in education by being student orientated and promoting the ethos of ‘life long learning’. Programmes are accessible to a diverse range of students through the modular part time and full time mode.
Interdisciplinary links are an important ingredient strengthening links within the college community and the wider community as a whole. Elective modules are offered within the schools of humanities, business, engineering, and adult education.
The B.Sc. Arch (hons), Cycle 1 architectural programme is a three-year full time programme. There is also a part time option.
Central to the Architectural programme is the exploration of Architectural Design. Modules fall under the following generic headings: Architectural Design Studios, Communications, Cultural Context, Architectural Research, Technology, Structures and the Environment, Professional Practice. There is also a choice of electives. Elective modules include languages, life drawing, photography, tutoring, publications and more specific studies in architectural history.
Architectural Design Studio modules are worth between 10 and 15 credits in each of the 6 semesters. They are thematic in their approach and ‘problem based learning’ is adopted. From semester 3 onwards the themes generated in the Design Studios structure the content of the other main subject areas. The themes of the Design Studios are:
– Architectural Studio 1: ‘The Concept’
– Architectural Studio 2: ‘Everything but the building’
– Architectural Studio 3: ‘The House and I’
– Architectural Studio 4: ‘Housing and Collectivity’
– Architectural Studio 5: ‘The Old and the New’
– Architectural Studio 6: ‘The Building in Context’
Elective modules including international languages are offered in semesters 3,4 & 5
The B.Sc.Arch. Tech. (hons) programme is a four year full time programme. There is also a part time option. An intermediate degree B.Sc.Arch.Tech. is awarded after 3 years.
Central to the Architectural programme is the exploration of Architectural Technologies. Students concentrate more on the construction and detailing of buildings. In year 4 there is particular emphasis on sustainable façade construction and conservation.
The title of this cycle 2 programme is currently under review at the Institute. It is currently called a B.Arch.(hons) , Cycle 2 and is a 4 semester programme in full time mode with modules totaling 30 credits/semester (120 credits in total) in the areas of Architectural Design, Communications, Cultural Context, Architectural Research, Technology, Structures and the Environment, Professional Practice There is also a choice of electives.
Architectural Design Studio modules are worth between 10 and 20 credits in each of the 4 semesters. In Semesters 7 & 8 they are thematic in their approach and ‘problem based learning’ is adopted. The themes generated in these Design Studios structure the content of the other main subject areas. Semesters 9 & 10 concentrate primarily on Thesis research and design. The aim of the design thesis is to articulate a position, and this can be achieved equally by developing a research project and/or by designing a building. The themes of ”Design by Research” and ”Research by Design” are fundemental to the pedagogy of this educational cycle.
The themes of the Design Studios are:
– Architectural Studio 7 : ‘Urban Complexities.
– Architectural Studio 8: ‘Rural complexities’
– Architectural Studio 9: Thesis Journey’ (Design by Research)
– Architectural Studio 10: Thesis Apotheosis’ (Research by Design)
Other Master Programmes within the School of Engineering:
Masters in Construction Management, Masters in Sustainable Engineering,
A new Masters programme is being designed in Sustainable Technologies.
PhD Students are invited to join the various research programmes pursued at the Institute..
We are developing research programmes in the areas of ”Health & Architecture”, ”Sustainable Technologies” and ”Architectural Conservation”.