MA Architecture Spatial Design Practices

Spatial design embraces the specialisms of urban, landscape, interior, and architectural design. It engages with contemporary arts practices and public art, and draws on various disciplines—including geography, sociology, and ecology—to focus on working with people, place, and the environment in ethical ways. Expand your approach to the spatial design process on our Spatial Design Practices Master’s course, and discover new interdisciplinary ways to understand, design, and make spaces that have the power to transform the world.

This course emphasises that the components of spatial design, like materials and constructions, are connected to not only our senses and perceptions but also other ‘dimensions’ such as technologies, the biosphere, society, identities, and our thoughts and feelings. You’ll study the practical and theoretical frameworks to engage with spatial design’s interconnected practices, which will help you situate it in and amongst these dimensions (called ‘situated ecologies’).

You’ll also take part in current debates on spatial design and learn about the symbiosis between design and environmental analysis to create complex, engaging, and environmentally protective spaces. In the process, you’ll find that you can start your idea at any stage—be it a construction or made artifact—and develop theoretical frameworks to produce finished spaces and objects. There will also be many opportunities for you to work through the entire design process: from concept to realisation and testing your design ideas.