HNC Architectural Technology with Sustainability

Course description

Architectural Technologists specialise in the design of buildings for use and performance. They lead on projects from concept to completion, focusing on areas such as technical design, construction technology, contract administration and sustainability. To be successful in architectural technology you’ll need excellent leadership, planning and organisational skills, as well as an eye for detail and design.

This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work successfully in an architectural technician’s role. It’s a highly contemporary course, and includes a PDA in Building Information Modelling (BIM). Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing: You’ll develop skills in architectural design sketching and drawing. You’ll produce sketches of old and new buildings, and learn about scale, proportion, form, function and mass – all vital skills for architecture. You’ll focus on the BIM process, using advanced CAD and ICT collaboration cloud based platforms, and discovering how digital technologies are integrated with the project lifecycle. You’ll learn how architectural design companies operate, including the architect’s duties and procedures to control construction costs. You’ll look at substructure, from site investigations through to ground improvements and building foundations. You’ll focus on construction technology, exploring techniques to build to specification for domestic and commercial construction, including walls, floors and roofs. You’ll learn about structural design and behaviour, as well as the statutory and legislative constraints to the design of buildings and the built environment. You’ll look at common building services in commercial, industrial and high rise buildings. This includes installation techniques for hot and cold water supply, electricity, HVAC, fire prevention and lift installations. You’ll carry out practical tasks, such as testing materials and conducting a levelling survey between two known benchmarks. You may also have the chance to: Go on a work placement, via our links with industry employers such as LMA Architects or Denham Benn. Go on site visits, such as the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.

Learning outcome

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of: Moving onto an HND in Architectural Technology. Moving onto a BSc in Architectural Technology at Napier University, BSc in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or Building Surveying at Glasgow Caledonian University (all direct entry to year 2). Please note a Grade B in Graded Unit is required for this Seeking to start your career in employment as an Architectural Technician.