YEAR 1 (Studio 05) In the Part II Course students are expected to sufficiently mature with a deeper understanding of architecture and are encouraged to enhance their academic skills whilst developing a personal approach to Architectural Design. The design programme includes 3 Design Projects – an integrated approach to the design of Urban Architecture and the Public Realm and Context Generated Architecture which is based on thematic studios and workshops. A Social Housing Project is also conducted during this year. Subjects taught during this year are classified as History/Theory/Society and Culture; Technology, Environment and Professional Practice and includes inter-related disciplines such as Society and Culture (Theory of Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Sociology, Housing and Community), Technology (Materials and Technology); Environment (Environmental Design and Environmental Policies) and Profession. While studying, it is compulsory to receive practical training under a Chartered Architect since it is a part of their curriculum.
The highlight of this year is the Student Exchange Programme on Urban and Social Re-Vitalisation conducted in liaison with architectural students of a foreign university. CSA students in the past have conducted joint programmes with fifth year B.Arch students of the National University of Singapore, the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. the Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology in Surat, India and University of the West of England, Bristol, UK., During the short stay (which is not less than two weeks in both countries), the students collaborate with the foreign university for design workshops and field visits and are exposed to different architectural education models. The foreign visits help to broaden the perspective of the local students and are subsidized by the school.
In the event a student exchange has not been possible, CSA students have visited a country of architectural interest. In the past CSA students have visited Turkey, Italy, Egypt, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain and South Korea.
YEAR 2 (Studio 06) In this year, emphasis is placed on design philosophy and a multi-disciplinary approach to architecture. The Design programme includes two design projects of complex nature, based on Regional Architecture and Conservation addressing the needs of the regions and a project on Sustainable/Green Architecture – A high rise mixed development for the hospitality Industry/a corporate office or commercial building/Education and Research. Subjects taught during this year are classified as History/Theory/Society and Culture; Technology; Environment and Professional Practice and include inter-related disciplines such as Society and Culture (Conservation), Technology (Structures, Fire Safety, and smart materials), Environment (Alternate technology policies for energy efficiency in buildings, rain water harvesting, wind power, solar power and bio-mass) and Professional Practice (Office Management, Contract Administration and Building Economics). Students are expected to research and prepare for a 10,000-word dissertation – exploring a subject of his/her choice, as submission in the final year (3). While studying it is compulsory to receive practical training under a Chartered Architect since it is a part of their curriculum.
Year 3 (Studio 07) is a year of systematic recapitulation of all subjects dealt with in the Part II Course with greater degree of concentration in preparation for the CSA Part II Higher Diploma in Architecture Examination. Emphasis in this year is on design, during which the student undertakes a Comprehensive Design Project (CDP) aimed at demonstrating competence in problem solving and acquiring the technical skills necessary to create acceptable built environments at a macro level. Students are expected to prepare master plan proposals, building designs, details to reflect technical competency and show a professional understanding of the procurement of a building.
Guest workshops are conducted on a variety of inter-related subjects with emphasis on the application of theoretical principles to the Comprehensive Design Project which is examined through viva voce.
Students research and prepare a 10,000-word dissertation – exploring a subject of his/her choice, as submission towards the CSA Part II Higher Diploma in Architecture Examination.
