The MA in Architecture and Urbanism builds upon UEL's legacy of world-leading form generation through computational design explored through the work of the university’s late senior lecturer, Paul Coates. This involves using parametric and object-oriented design methodologies seamlessly with rapid manufacturing and visualization techniques available within the school.

Whether you want to expand your field of expertise, or deepen it, this unique one-year course will enrich your knowledge and enhance your career in the fields of Computational Design, Design for Digital and Robotic Construction or Urban Design. The course is aimed at architecture graduates wishing to specialize in advanced digital design processes, and at those within the ‘built environment’ – such as planners, engineers or designers.

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Along the course Computational Design, Design for Digital and Robotic Construction and Urban Design will be developed across the year following a common digital platform which simulates the state of the art of design processes in contemporary architectural practices. The goal is experimenting new possibilities for architectural spaces and cities connecting the design to advanced fabrication techniques and sustainable strategies in order to generate a research leading to a secure impact in the industry.

You will explore digital design as a collaborative journey, learning how to control inter-disciplinary dynamics which are occurring in contemporary architectural practices and are the key to a successful design. Advanced 3d software and BIM processes will be taught and implemented as the backbone of the research. The course will be led by Dr. Fulvio Wirz, MA Programme leader at UEL and former Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects with Barbara Zandavali (MArch at the Barlett School of Architecture) who will provide specialized support on digital fabrication processes.

UEL staff includes celebrated practicing architects such as Patrik Schumacher, director at Zaha Hadid Architects, Maria Segantini, partner of C+S Architects, Tony Fretton, principal of Tony Fretton Architects, and Katherine Clarke, partner of Muf.

The Digital Fab Lab

The course is developed in synergy with UEL Digital Fabrication Lab, a cutting edge facility including an ABB robotic arm, CNC,laser cut and 3d printing. All digital tools will be available across the year to support students’ research. During the final term students will be asked to develop and manufacture a large scale (up to 1:1) component/ assembly of their project.  
The course will enhance your career as well as providing an ideal base from which you could choose to go on to doctoral study.

The Masters is structured in three terms which will explore a holistic approach to digital architecture and urban design following the “systemic design” paradigm which uses advanced methods of concept generation, context analysis, programmatic control and performance assessment to achieve a high level of multidisciplinary design coordination. You will study two taught theory modules, each worth 30 credits, and a practical module worth 60 before proceeding to your concluding thesis. The thesis submission will focus on the manufacturing process of a large scale component or a physical model of the building/master plan. It will include a written dissertation to complement your studies with a critical reflection on processes and choices made along the course.

This course is ideal if you are a practitioner or recent graduate wishing to diversify your knowledge of built environment disciplines. It will:

• Help you shift your architectural practice into a new field or direction.
• Give you a better understanding of contemporary practice within European and global contexts and help you develop your critical design or writing and thinking skills.
• Offer you a specialised expertise that could help to take your career in an upward, and perhaps different, direction.
• Give you the opportunity to expand your network of contacts, getting in touch with globally renowned practitioners, manufacturers and researchers.
• If you are considering further study, the course will provide an ideal route towards PhD-level work.