OK, back to study in a weeks time. I've enrolled for my units this coming year. Which will be:

ARK522 Design, Technology & Communication

Unit Synopsis
The aims of this unit are -
- To explore the relationships between design, technology and communication by carrying out a detailed design project
- To introduce specialised architectural CAD packages suitable for generating 3-D visualisations for presentation to clients and as a visual interface to a database for organising the construction and maintenance of a building

Because of the level of detail required, the physical size of the project may be relatively small.

ARK541 Design & Society

Unit Synopsis
This unit introduces theories about interior, architectural and urban space by studying texts that, together, represent a broad range of contemporary thinking. The unit recognises that the role of the designer includes not only the considerations of the formal qualities of the designed object or environment in relation to its immediate audience but also encompasses a broader set of responsibilities to society as a whole.

The aims of this unit are -
- To investigate the context of each theoretical proposition, its antecedents and its consequences
- To explore the relationship between architectural thinking, writing and practice
- To introduce a range of social relationships and responsibilities that present design practices, both past and present, as "social art"
- To develop study skills associated with independent study

ARC0102 Architectural Design

Unit Synopsis
The aims of this unit are for students -
- To engage with principles, theories or concepts,
- To develop their powers of analysis,
- To understand the consequences of their design decisions and
- To implement them in architectural design projects e.g. housing, landscape, public buildings etc.

Students undertake design projects set by the tutor to explore principles, theories or concepts and apply them to design problems. Appropriate working methods are introduced and guided by the tutor. Defined products are required at intermediate stages and at the end of each project.

I'm looking forward to continuing this year, as I think my approach to this course has changed since starting, and I am starting to think more design, rather than technically correct. On two of my projects last year, I approached the brief in the wrong way, and I ended up going through a long process of redesign until, something clicked and I designed a good project. This I think helped by making me think about my approach more, thinking more about the concept and the route to a final design, rather than going straight to a finished design.

I am especially looking forward to the course trip to Barcelona this year, I know a lot of people think of this as a 'done' place. But I visted there when I was about 16 on a school trip and never got a real chance to explore. I'm hoping this trip gives me a good chance to.