Overview

The Housing and Urbanism programme at the Architectural Association School of Architecture is designed to address pressing contemporary issues that influence urban transformation. It emphasises the integral role of architecture in fostering and facilitating significant changes within urban environments. The curriculum revolves around the concept of the 'lived city', highlighting the importance of residential life in shaping urban dynamics. By treating housing as a pivotal element of urban vitality, the programme examines its design as essential to the evolution of complex urban systems. A core objective is to cultivate graduates who possess robust design leadership capabilities and critical analytical skills.

The programme offers both a 12-month Master of Arts (MA) and a 16-month Master of Architecture (MArch) option, with a curriculum centred on design-led research culminating in individual theses. A collaborative Design Workshop is the heart of the coursework, spanning three terms, and is supplemented by lectures and seminars that enrich students' design practices and broaden their understanding of urban trends and histories. The final term is dedicated entirely to the completion of each student's unique design thesis.

Each academic year, the Housing and Urbanism programme focuses on specific research themes that guide its workshops and international collaborations. For the 2025–26 academic year, the investigation will centre on urban resilience and complexity, exploring how design excellence can inform decision-making processes involving both governmental and private entities across various sectors. Students will engage in projects that highlight opportunities for leadership, responsibility, and innovation in the current urban landscape, demonstrating how architecture can inspire proactive measures from decision-makers and civic leaders.

Why Housing and Urbanism at Architectural Association?

The Architectural Association is renowned for its innovative approach to architectural education and has established a strong reputation globally. The programme benefits from partnerships with various organisations, providing students with access to unique resources and facilities that enhance their learning experience. The school's commitment to fostering a critical understanding of urban issues equips students with the skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in housing and urbanism.

Syllabus

• Design Workshop (Terms 1, 2, and 3)
• Transnational Cities 1 (Term 1)
• Transnational Cities 2 (Term 2)
• Housing Form (Term 1)
• Urbanity and Democracy (Term 1)
• Urban Form (Term 2)
• Domesticity (Term 2)
• Thesis Seminar (Term 3)
• Study Trip and Workshop Abroad (Terms 2–3)

The Design Workshop is integral to the curriculum, encouraging students to explore and respond to urban challenges through design. This course involves collaborative efforts with faculty and focuses on understanding urban transformation through practical projects. The programme also includes lectures on Critical Urbanism and Sustainable Urbanism, establishing a theoretical foundation for students' design work.

Students will delve into the social and economic contexts of housing and urban change, examining how policy and planning influence urban governance. The courses on Housing Form and Urban Form will review significant architectural contributions to housing design and urban fabric, while the Domesticity course will address evolving living arrangements and housing challenges.

In the Thesis Seminar, students will present their research, fostering peer-based learning and rigorous individual inquiry. Additionally, the programme includes a Study Trip and Workshop Abroad, offering students the chance to engage with exemplary projects in a European city, thereby enhancing their understanding of international design challenges.