The document provides information about the Birmingham School of Architecture (BIAD). It details that BIAD has been operating for over 100 years and offers RIBA accredited degree programs in architecture. It offers Bachelor's, Master's and postgraduate degrees. The school has a boutique size of only accepting 65 students per year to ensure an intimate learning environment. It emphasizes a balanced curriculum between design, theory, and professional skills. The school is moving to a new state-of-the-art building and has strong industry partnerships. It concludes with information about qualifying as an architect through the RIBA framework.

1. Welcome to
Birmingham.

2. Library of Birmingham / New Street Station / John Lewis / Selfridges

3. The Cube / Ikon Gallery / Symphony Hall / The Mailbox

4. Victoria Square / The Bullring / The Water’s Edge / Gas Street Basin / National Indoor Arena

5. BIAD

6. We are 104 years old !

7. Key facts:
• Formed in 1908 with courses recognised by the RIBA since 1923
• The only RIBA accredited School of Architecture in the West Midlands and one that mirrors the
diversity of the region
• We have RIBA exempt courses in Part 1, 2, and 3
• We are one of the few Schools to offer Part Time courses for students in industry
• We collaborate with almost 100 practices and construction consultants
• Our programmes typically strike a balance of 50% design, 25% conceptual and theoretical, and 25%
professional.
• This is a boutique School, accepting only 65 students each year to ensure an intimate and bespoke
learning environment which is full of character and energy,
• Moving to a new state-of-the-art building at Eastside in September 2013

8. Organisational structure:
HEAD OF SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF
RESEARCH CULTURAL CONTEXT DESIGN TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL
PRACTICE
ZERO CARBON
PROGRAMME LEADER PROGRAMME DIRECTOR PROGRAMME DIRECTOR PROGRAMME DIRECTOR PROGRAMME DIRECTOR: PROGRAMME DIRECTOR:
MA ARCHITECTURE
URBAN DESIGN PG LANDSCAPE BA (HONS) LANDSCAPE BA (HONS) M.ARCH ARCHITECTURE PG ARCHITECTURAL
ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE (PART 1) (PART 2) PRACTICE (PART 3)
& RETROFIT
SENIOR LECTURERS
LECTURERS

9. Our new home….
£57 million building adjacent to the new City Park

10. City Park and Phase 2:
City Park / BCU Phase 2 (including library and student services)

11. City Park:
City Park

12. New building as a teaching resource (and New Street Station):

13. So, what is Architecture?
“The art or practice of designing
and constructing buildings”

14. Stirling Prize winner 2011: Evelyn Grace Academy, Brixton – Zaha Hadid
or is it?

15. School Philosophy:
The School is defined by the relationship between Architecture and Landscape
and ‘Urbanism” in between.
Over 50% of the World’s 7 Billion people are urban, by 2050 this will have
passed 80%; the school’s programmes explore innovative approaches to design
and intervention in the urbanised field which will shape life in the 21st Century.
The School a collaborative and pro-active conduit between research and
practice, this is captured by our 8 Research Hubs (which include Zero Carbon
Design and Urban Futures) and our commitment to Live Projects via our Co-
Lab modules
We address projects via Concerns………

16. Concern(s): vb
1. to relate to; be of importance or interest to; affect. 2.
(usually followed by with or in) to involve or interest (oneself):
he concerns himself with…. – n. 3. something that affects or is of
importance to a person; affair; business. 4. regard for or
interest in a person or a thing. 5. anxiety, worry, or solicitude
6. important bearing or relation.

17. Modus Operandi:
contemporary - social, cultural, geographical, political,
These concerns are normally
environmental, artistic, professional, technological, and always contextual - and often
informed by historical precedent.
These concerns are incredibly diverse and whether they are centred on the everyday, critical theory,
or current affairs, they are real issues, albeit in hypothetical scenarios, but nevertheless, real,
inspiring students to face the challenges of the world we live in.
We expect students to make responses to the issues they are dealing with and to construct an attitude,
a journey of discovery which takes students through identification to investigation, to response and proposition.
This process is fundamental to our way of thinking.

18. Staff in Practice:
Kevin Singh (the space* studio) / Mike Dring /
Alessandro Columbano / Matt Lucas / Jim
Sloan

19. Research leaders:
Lubo Jankovic / Kathryn Moore / Ruth Reed (Immediate Past President of RIBA)

20. BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH HUBS: POOL 1: ACADEMIC
URBAN FUTURES
WELLBEING
POLITICAL SPACE
CULTURAL CONTEXT
Dr Maria Caserio /Prof Mohsen
Prof Richard Coles
Dr Hazem Ziada
Oscar Naddermier Prof
Aboutorabi

21. BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH HUBS: POOL 2: PRACTICE
ZERO CARBON
CRITICAL ARTISTIC
PEDAGOGY / EMPLOYABILITY
COLLABORATE
THINKING IN DESIGN
Prof Ruth Reed
Alessandro Columbano
Dr Lubo Jankovic
Prof Kathryn Moore

22. Working with industry:
“Performing the role of visiting critic has been
a great experience that has enabled the
practice to develop a strong symbiotic
relationship with students at the school,
mutually benefiting from an exchange of
experience and fresh thinking. Perhaps the
best endorsement is that students from the
school have been key players in a number of
the award winning schemes carried out by the
practice.”
Phil Howl, Howl Associates

23. Alumni:
Wembley Stadium: Angus Campbell
Big House: Pierre D’Avoine
W Hotel London: Mike Evans
Foster & Partners
Pierre D’Avoine Architects
Jestico and Whiles

24. Live Projects:

25. Will Alsop exhibition at The Public

26. Will Alsop exhibition at The Public

27. Manufacturers:
Seven hours later, we landed at Newark Airport. As we it appeared less cosmopolitan yet a cleaner city. One of
ibstock headed towards customs, we looked back to catch a
glimpse of New York’s skyline in the distance, behind what
was a very dull and cloudy afternoon. It was at this moment
that we felt like pinching ourselves to see if this was real
and not a dream.
the highlights of Chicago was a visit to the John Hancock
skyscraper allowed views of the Chicago skyline which
included Lake Michigan, the Willis Tower, and a lit-up grid
of the City.
From the planned itinerary, the buildings I was looking Rather quickly, the trip came to an end, and we all had to
forward to seeing were the Rockefeller Centre, the Brooklyn head back to our lives in the UK. Nevertheless, we brought
Ibstock and Birmingham School of Architecture
Bridge, and the New Museum by Sanaa. I was particularly back with us great memories and, most importantly,
drawn to the latter, with its six stacked vertical boxes made inspiration from the many buildings we had visited.
Ibstock have for the past 25 years been supporting Schools
from aluminium mesh, each offering a different experience.
of Architecture by assisting with funding for study trips
The reason for this attraction was the fact that I was giving a
which provide future architects with an appreciation of how
presentation on it, and had also used it as a precedent study
buildings have altered over the years. Having an Ibstock
for my university projects. As such, it would be interesting
representative on the study tour ensures that a relationship
interpreting the building in real terms rather than from
can be built with individuals who we hope one day will
published material.
be in a position to specify Ibstock . They have also been
supporting the BA (Hons) Architecture students with a brick
After arriving at the hotel, we checked in, freshened up
laying course.
and headed straight to Times Square which was within
walking distance from the hotel. From here, we took the
subway to the Brooklyn Bridge. The plan was for us to walk
the 486.3m of the longest steel suspension bridge in the
world while the sun was setting. Unfortunately, and to our
dismay, by the time we had arrived at the bridge New York
USA Trip was refusing to get dark, which was unusual for that time of
day. After walking across the bridge, from lower Manhattan
Strong industry relationships allow the School to offer some to Brooklyn, we decided to stop off in a nearby Brooklyn bar
students the opportunity to undertake additional studies where we would wait for the dark. After approximately one
such as the annual USA trip. Each year Ibstock generously hour in the bar, we headed back out towards the bridge,
provide M.Arch Architecture students with bursaries to visit where everything was glowing. At that moment, and as we
New York. The trip has been running for over 20 years and witnessed what is perhaps the most beautiful picturesque
has become an ‘institution’ within the School and the wider view of the Manhattan skyline, we as a group became very
Birmingham architectural community. grateful for such an honourable trip sponsored by Ibstock
and organised by Birmingham City University.
This year students visited New York and Chicago, one of the
The other great moment of our trip to New York City was
Stateside the Rockefeller Centre. This offered an uninterrupted
panoramic view of the New York skyline, with the Empire
State Building and the Chrysler Tower to one side, and
break, and with only three days to go, we could not wait for
our trip stateside to begin, taking in the Big Apple followed tiring days of solid walking in New York City, we headed to
by a visit to the Windy City. Finally, departure day arrived, Chicago for the remaining two nights of our stay Stateside.
and on a sunny but cold Saturday morning we arrived at As we arrived in the Windy City, and as we headed out of
the subway and started to walk to the hotel, I noticed that,
in fact, this city was not so dissimilar to New York, although
24 25

28. SAS student society:

29. Qualifying as an Architect:
The route to qualification Did you know...
‘The art of architecture can
be practised by people with
a wide range of skills – if
I had to have maths or physics
From left to right: Newcastle University; Welsh School of Architecture © Kieran Ridley; Kent School of Architecture; Welsh School of Architecture; Niall McLaughlin Architects; John McAslan + Partners.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 I wouldn’t (and probably
(interim award) (final award) (professional examination)
University undergraduate University degree – varies
couldn’t!) have become
Welsh School of Architecture
The final qualifying
degree e.g. BA or BSc from school to school e.g. examination in professional an architect.’
Three years full-time / develop BArch, Diploma, MArch practice and management is Sir Terry Farrell, Architect
a broad range of skills and Two years full-time / enhanced taken at an RIBA validated
architectural understanding architectural knowledge and course provider
From Year 1 you are eligible for
Stage 1 project complexity Stage 2 Architect
Professional Experience Professional Experience Candidates will be assessed
free RIBA Student Membership Students are still regarded on the following elements: Having gained the Part 1, 2 & 3
Paid professional experience – as undergraduate students Paid professional experience – – 24 months of professional qualifications you can register
Some UK architecture courses
run exchange programmes
usually in an architectural in the architectural education in an architectural practice; experience in a recognised as an architect with the ‘Studying architecture
practice; typically one year process, but students should
with universities abroad for up in duration seek clarification on fee status
minimum of one year in duration,
to make up two years recorded
recorded format such as Architects Registration Board
(ARB); the title architect is
gives you the opportunity
to a year of study e.g. Erasmus the PEDR
programme. Students record their at individual schools. work experience in total, though – Professional C.V. and career protected by law so that the to learn multiple skills –
Some Part 1 graduates gain
experience on the PEDR Students may choose to
many students choose to work
for a longer period to ensure
evaluation
– Case study
public can always be sure
that they are dealing with
including crafting, drawing,
website, monitored by a return to the school where
further qualifications in Professional Studies Advisor they completed Part 1, or apply
they are fully prepared for the – Written examination a properly qualified architect. photography, graphics and
specialist related fields such Part 3 examination
as planning, urban design
(PSA) from their University to study for Part 2 at another – Final oral examination At this point it is recommended 3D modelling. Architecture
and an employment mentor school. At this stage, graduates will that you apply to become
or conservation. also teaches you to be much
London Metropolitan University
from their practice. be given more responsibility a Chartered Member of the
There will be opportunities
Other Part 1 graduates move The RIBA provides model for students to carry out
on projects and begin studying RIBA. This gives you access more investigative as
on to work in something aspects of practice, to a wide range of services
different with the skills they
contracts for students
and employers to refer to
specialist study and research,
management and law on a and benefits, and entitles you you are constantly looking
possibly abroad.
have developed at this level. on the PEDR website, and Part 3 programme. to become part of a national for inspiration for your work.’
encourages students to work and international network
RIBA membership at this stage Pascal Bronner, Student
for an RIBA Chartered Practice. of architects.
offers a range of services and
Some students choose to benefits appropriate to the
work for longer than one year needs of graduates at this stage
at this stage – to save money of their career. ‘The best thing about an
or gain a wider range of
professional experience.
The RIBA encourages post-Part architectural education
2 graduates to contact their RIBA
Other students take time out regional office and get involved is the breadth of skills
to work in overseas practices with various programmes. and depth of thought that
or to travel. Others may join, or wish to is developed and which
establish, a young practitioners
panel or similar network in their will always be with you.’
local area. Tim O’Callaghan, Graduate

30. BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1)

31. the undergraduate programme
habitation
year one

32. Level-4 | Year-1:
Graphic Observations of the City | Tentative Publics

33. Level-4 | Year-1: A foundation in graphic skills, exploring urban insights

34. Level-4 | Year-1: Reimagining underused urban settings

35. Explorations of Mateirlaity

36. Propositions

37. A ‘machine’ for urban narratives and memories

38. Urban Lighthouse
Ar D4 - 2 Tentative Publics Proposed Lighting Conditions
Proposed Shadow Map : View below Mezzanine
Pro
p
ose
dS
had
ow
M ap
: Ae
r
ial
ewVi
Fro
m
Flo
od
g
ate
St
Proposed Shadow Map : View From River Rea
Urban Lighthouse
Propo
sed S
hado
w Ma
p : Vie
w Fro
m Ste
ps / S
e ating
Proposed Shadow Map : View From Floodgate St Roadside
Proposed Shadow Map : View From Mezzanine Bridge
Student : Myles Robert Sharples Student No. 11528042

39. Down to Earth

40. the undergraduate programme
production
year two

47. site boundary
habitation>
production>
MOBILITY

58. M.Arch Architecture (RIBA Part 2)

59. "
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2009-2010 presentation

62. 2009-2010 presentation

63. 2009-2010 presentation

64. 2009-2010 presentation

81. "
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2009-2010 presentation

83. "
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2009-2010 presentation

84. "
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2009-2010 presentation

85. "
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2009-2010 presentation

94. Recent Student Achievements:
RIBA Silver Medal shortlist 2011
Shortlisted for 3D Reid Student Award
Winner of Olympic £5 coin competition
Andy Hassell
Melisa Ramos
Saiman Miah

96. www.bcu.ac.uk/biad
Facebook: Birmingham School of
Architecture _ Part 1
Twitter: @Head_BhamArch
www.architecture.com (RIBA)