View MA Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources Prospectus Page Here

Also, see website created by 2008-09 students of the MA ARC+SR
www.arcsr.org

MA Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources focuses on an emergent area within the practice of architecture. It examines and extends knowledge of the physical, socio-economic and cultural influences on the built environment. The dynamics of situations where resources are scarce and where both culture and technology are in a state of rapid change, are studied. The ability to produce appropriate and sustainable design is increasingly relevant whether in the field of disaster relief, for longer term development work or in wider urban contexts. Issues which influence these fields such as economics, aid, politics, education and health, migration, urbanisation, women's empowerment and child poverty are also part of the taught course.

Apart from scheduled lectures, special site visits and events are included within the course. Recent events include visits to see an exhibition on globalisation, a recycling plant and projects funded by micro-credit. The course includes a two week field trip to a situation of rapid change and scarce resources. Past field trips have been to Delhi, Gujarat and Kosovo. The course also includes a four day full size modelling workshop in the UK. By developing their contacts during the year students can continue their involvement with actual practice after graduation. The course introduces students to a broad understanding of the knowledge necessary for the sustainable construction of domestic and community buildings using self-help techniques of construction, adaptation, repair and management.

Students are expected to carry out self directed research while participating and presenting their work in studios and lectures. Lively discussions, questions and answers and peer assessments are other ways which make this course uniquely 'learning centred' as opposed to 'teaching centred'. Students come from many different countries, bringing an international experience which helps in the understanding of global issues and enable students to learn from each other. Invited critics come not only from the architectural world but also include stakeholders from the wider community and , thus giving the design projects a touch of the 'real world'. The course offers transferable skills, which enhance the student's employability within the development sector of the profession and introduces them to ways of working which will give confidence for working in the wider built environment sector.

This is the only architecture and development course that is fully design focused and offers a Masters qualification. The course programme is distinctive for being based on involvement with a real situation - through extended field research and contacts with a local school of architecture and architects as well as participating NGOs and other organisation. Direct engagement in the field is a fundamental part of the course, generating research material on which the design elements of the course are based as well as providing opportunities for further subject specific research which can lead to work at PhD level.

Post graduate students also wish to work in alternative (technology/energy) or more hands-on situations than are available in main stream employment. This course will prepare graduates for such work and thus offers entry into a distinct career path within architecture and the built environment. Past students have found employment opportunities with NGOs, overseas architectural practices and UK-based practices working abroad.

Course Leader Sumita Sinha is a practising architect, who has worked as an architect and community consultant in India, France, Spain and the UK. She is a visiting lecturer for Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, RIBA Validation Panel and external examiner for Birmingham University. Sumita is the founder of Architects For Change, the Equality Forum at Royal Institute of British Architects.