Within 3D Architectural Design you will cover a variety of different topics including architectural history, 2D and 3D drawing and digital creative skills. Working in both 2D and 3D will allow you to fully understand how to conceptualise ideas for presentation. Using a range of analogue and digital skills you will create models of your concepts for presentation. This is a key skill that under pins this course. You will also be gaining skills in writing, art, programming and communication skills as well as looking at the industry in general, with a combination of both practical and theory lessons during a normal college week. Assessment will take the form of one or more assignments per unit, checking your knowledge of theory and ability to apply practical skills to a given task. Unlike other A levels available, this course is based within the Art and Design curriculum, as opposed to Design Technology, making it more suitable for university application.
The course will allow you to develop an extensive range of skills and a comprehensive creative portfolio to take to interviews at University or the workplace and secure a place at the College of your choosing. You will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of three-dimensional media, processes and techniques using both traditional and new media. You will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. You will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This is an integral to the investigating and making process.
In year one you will learn the basics of the design process through a range of initial workshops. There will then be two set project briefs to help establish how to design architecturally. You will build a foundation of knowledge that will be invaluable within your second year. You will begin to produce a portfolio of work suitable for interviews and our work experience programme will ensure that you have the experience to approach your future in architecture or other three-dimensional design course with the confidence to succeed.
Year two is your opportunity to produce a project driven by your own design interests and to get a feel for a professional studio environment. The course will end with an externally set assignment which will finish with a controlled exam period. This year will help you develop your independence as a designer.
Suitable for students with an interest in architectural design.
Preferable pathways for architecture school:
- Maths. Physics, 3D Architectural Design (All Architecture Schools will accept)
- 3D Architectural Design, Fine Art/Graphics/Photography, Humanities/Science (Most Architecture Schools accept)
- 3D Architectural Design and two other art subjects (check university options to ensure suitable programme for progression as some do not accept full art programme)
Students who wish to study BSc Architecture / Product Design with an emphasis on engineering would be advised to take A level Physics and Mathematics with A level 3D Architecture. For the more art and design route with BA Hons Architecture a suitable range of A levels can be studied with A level 3D Design to include Fine Art, Graphics, Mathematics, Physics, Photography or alternately 3D Architecture can be studied as a pathway through our UAL Applied General Extended Diploma in Art and Design (3 A level full-time equivalent).
Proven success within progression to top architectural schools. Specialist teaching staff and designated studio space to work in that is a well-equipped studio with industry standard software, combined with interactive teaching and learning. Extensive materials library and specialist equipment ensures industry standard skills base created. Assistance given with creating comprehensive creative portfolios for entry to art/architecture school.
100% pass rates, high grades and great progression opportunities. This is a wide-ranging course mixing traditional skills and industry standard software.
Facilities –
- Laser Cutter
- Studio Space
- Extensive materials collection
- Large Format printer for drafting
- Apple Mac suite
- Vectorworks
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Sketchup
What you'll learn
In Component 1, develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.
In Component 2, students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.
Lessons
- Technical Drafting
- Perspective Drawing
- CAD 3D Modelling
- 2D CAD Drafting
- The Design Process
- Architectural History
- Model Making
- Architectural Presentation
- Workshops
- Working Briefs
- Critiques
- One-to-one Tutorials
- Model Making
How you'll learn and be assessed
Practically based course exploring Architectural Design. Classroom based with coursework and controlled assessment.
Progression
Degrees in architecture, art and design related areas.
Careers in Architecture, Art and Design related areas
Entry requirements
You should have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including maths and English. You should have grade 4 in an art-based subject, or DT, or be able to provide a portfolio.
