HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY IN SOUTH
6.2. The evolution of architectural education at universities of technology in South Africa
6.2.2. The emergence of new institutions through the process of merger
6.2.3.3. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
FIRST-YEAR SECOND-YEAR THIRD-YEAR FOURTH-YEAR (B Tech Degree)
Applied Building Science I Communication I
Construction and Detailing I Studio Work I
History and Appreciation of Architecture I
Presentation I
Survey and Landscaping III
Principles of
Architectural Design III Construction and Detailing II Studio Work II Practical Studies II Computer Aided Draughting I
Computer Applications I Building Services III Office Practice III
Office Practice III: Contract Management
Construction and Detailing III
Studio Work III
Architectural Technology Practice III (in-service training)
Studio Work IV Construction and Detailing IV
Principles of Urban design IV
Structures IV Advanced Computer Applications IV or Housing IV
Table 6.6. Curriculum (Architectural Technology) at NMMU (Author)
Table 6.6. outlines the NMMU curriculum for architectural technology. Note that the BTech degree at NMMU is based on the architectural technology stream and not the design stream as
170 | P a g e evident at DUT and CPUT. This is so as the architectural technology programme at NMMU sits alongside the architecture programme of the former UPE, within one school. This unique situation allows students from the technology undergraduate programme, who show design and theory flair, to bridge over to the third-year design programme of the BAS degree programme in architecture.
The students who are strong in technology pursue the BTech (Technology stream) and then articulate to the M.Tech (Technology stream). The admission criteria for the National Diploma:
Architectural technology will be used as it is the first qualification in the Technology stream at NMMU school of Architecture.
Admission criteria - extracted from the NMMU Architecture Brochure (www.nmmu.ac.za accessed online: 12/11/13)
Admission Points Score of 32.
Minimum NSC requirements for diploma entry must be met.
English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa (home language or first additional language) on at least level 3 (40-49%).
NSC achievement rating of at least 3 (40-49%) for Mathematics or 5 (60-69%) for Mathematical Literacy.
Applicants with an Admission Points Score between 26 and 31, may be referred to write the Access Assessment Battery before a decision is made on whether or not to admit the applicant to the course.
Qualifying applicants will be required to prepare a prescribed portfolio, attend an interview and complete a placement assessment. Some applicants may be required to attend a three-week "preparation to Architectural Technology" qualification course prior to registration.
Recommended NSC subjects:
Visual Arts
Design
Physical Science
Engineering Graphics & Design
171 | P a g e 6.2.3.4. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
FIRST-YEAR SECOND-YEAR THIRD-YEAR FOURTH-YEAR (B Tech Degree)
Applied Building Science I Communication I
Computer Applications I Computer Aided Draughting III Construction and Detailing I Studio Work I
History and Appreciation of Architecture I
Presentation I
Construction and Detailing II Studio Work II Practical Studies II Theory of Design II History and Appreciation of Architecture II Advanced Computer Aided Draughting II Work Integrated Learning (in-service)
Survey and Landscaping III Construction and Detailing III
Principles of Architectural Design III
Building Services III Office Practice III Studio Work III Theory of Design III History and Appreciation of Architecture III
Applied design IV
Theory of design IV Structures IV Housing IV
Principles of Urban design IV
Office Practice IV
Table 6.7. Curriculum at DUT (Author)
Table 6.7. outlines the undergraduate architectural curriculum at DUT. The curriculum is defined by the NATED 151 Report; however, the BTech (Applied Design stream) has been adopted, with a view to a future professional Master’s degree offering. This, as a consequence, has changed the focus of the undergraduate programme, which incorporates more theory and design modules. Note that the DUT curriculum comprises History and Theory modules as integral to its curriculum, both offered at second and third year levels as support subjects to the design and technology subjects.
Admission criteria extracted from the DUT Architecture Handbook (2014)
The minimum requirements for application to the National Diploma: Architecture is a National Senior Certificate or equivalent with the following compulsory subjects:
Maths - Level 3 Pass English – Level 3 Pass
Other recommended subjects (not compulsory): Technology, History, Art, Technical Drawing, Geography.
In addition to the minimum requirements, as set out above, prospective students will be required to undergo a selection test.
172 | P a g e 6.2.3.5. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
FIRST-YEAR SECOND-YEAR THIRD-YEAR FOURTH-YEAR (B Tech Degree)
Applied Building Science I Architectural Design I Computer-Aided Draughting I
Contract Documentation I Computer Applications I Communication I Construction Materials I History of Architecture I Construction Methods I Presentation Techniques I Theory of Design I
Experiential learning plus the following subjects:
Architectural Design II Contract Documentation II
Computer-Aided Design II
Construction Materials II Construction Methods II Theory of Design II
Architectural Design III Architectural Practice III Building Sciences III Computer-Aided Draughting III
Contract Documentation III Construction Materials III Construction Methods III Landscape Design III Surveying for Architecture III
Specification and Quantities III Theory of Design III
APPLIED DESIGN Stream
Architectural Design IV Construction Materials IV Construction Methods IV Law and Contract Management IV Project Management IV Principles of Urban Design IV
Structures IV Theory of Design IV MANAGEMENT Stream
Architectural Practice IV Business Management IV Contract Documentation IV
Specification IV
Construction Methods IV Construction Materials IV Advanced Computer Applications IV
Project Management IV Law and Contract Management IV Table 6.8. Curriculum at TUT (Author)
Table 6.8 illustrates the undergraduate architectural programme at TUT. Note that the programme has significantly departed from the NATED 151 Report. The TUT programme suggests a balance between Theory, Design and Technology which allows the BTech (Applied Design stream) to articulate into the current MTech (Prof) degree. The Btech (Management stream) allows students to specialise in office and contract administration.
Admission criteria - extracted from the TUT Dip Brochure (www.tut.ac.za accessed online:
12/11/13)
A National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification with an endorsement of a bachelor’s degree, with at least an adequate achievement (4) for English (home
173 | P a g e language or first additional language) (5) and four other subjects excluding Life
Orientation.
A total APS score of 25.
All candidates, after passing the initial administrative screening, will sit for additional assessment, arranged by the Department of Architecture. The purpose of the assessment is to select only students who are likely to be successful in their studies in architecture. This is a written test and is the only assessment used for admission to the programme.
174 | P a g e 6.2.4. The strategic direction of Universities of Technology and comprehensive Universities within a framework of programme transformation and curriculum renewal
6.2.4.1. University of Johannesburg (UJ) (extracted from interview with Dr Finzi Saidi (ANNEXURE G).
The strategic objective of the school is to build on a programme that currently delivers an MTech degree, which has been accredited by the CHE and validated by SACAP, as meeting the requirements for registration as Professional Architect. The current qualifications articulate from diploma level up to the MTech degree. UJ have obtained CHE accreditation for a B.Arch degree (3years) which articulates to the proposed B.Arch (Hons) and then the M.Arch degree as afforded by the HEQsF.
Dr Finzi Saidi strongly argues that the heritage of technical focus, which historically defined the architecture programme, has to also be maintained and strengthened by applying technological knowledge in developing contexts and places such as informal settlements. Alternative technologies and design are both vital in these contexts. UJ is focused on contextually responsive architecture. Saidi affirms this in his statement “There are different curricula for different contexts…and there are different places for different curricula…” It is envisaged that a PhD degree will be offered, which would allow staff to upgrade their qualifications.
UJ has since 2015 developed a Graduate School of Architecture (GSA), which is based on the UK
‘unit system’, which focuses on critical interrogation and response of different architectural contexts; a significant departure from the technical mode of the former Technikon.
6.2.4.2. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) (extracted from interview with Prof