INTEGRATED DESIGN 1 - 2023/4

Module Overview

The focus of this module is to bridge the gap between theory and practice in structural design and construction. This module brings together, within realistic case-study projects, several subjects studied within Semester1. These include topics covered in Civil Engineering Practice ENG1074 and Materials and Statics ENG1063. For example, sustainability study and preparation of sketches, as well as Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings and Graphic Information System (GIS). Different types of light weight structures will be introduced in this module and students will propose solutions for real world design projects. Sustainable bio-based construction materials (e.g bamboo) will also be explored. The module is based on group work in DAD Project (Design, Assemble and Dismantle), that is a hands-on activity using both, small-scale and full-scale physical models. Additionally, students get involve in international collaboration with student groups from different countries such as Mexico, Iran and China. Knowledge and skills developed in this module will be used in different modules in Levels 5 & 6 including Construction Materials ENG2100, Engineering Surveying, Health and Safety ENG2105, Integrated Design 3 ENG3138 and Individual Project ENG3135.

There are three projects in this module, namely DAD Project, Conceptual Structural Design and Feasibility Study.

Module provider

Sustainability, Civil & Env Engineering

Module Leader

BEHNEJAD Alireza (Sust & CEE)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Conceptual Structural Design

This project is about the preliminary design of a light weight structure (e.g tensile membrane structure) for a specific location. Group of students will construct (i.e assemble and dismantle) a full scale teaching kit to develop their understanding about these structures. They will also visit examples of such structures to focus on practical considerations in design. Then each student have to prepare a conceptual design report for their client to apply for planning permission. Also, tutorial sessions on how to model a membrane structures in a specialised software will be organised.

Design, Assemble and Dismantle (DAD) Project

The group participants should design the configuration of their own structure using all or part of the provided full-scale structural kit consisting of prefabricated tubular steel members, as well as the required connectors. Then, they have to prepare all the documentation for the structure including technical drawings, construction requirements, assembly/dismantling plan and risk assessment and to present the design to all groups. The group then exchange their design and construct (assemble/dismantle) a structure designed by another group. Finally, each group should make a short video about their experience in the DAD Project. Students may also get involved in international collaborations in the DAD Project and exchange their designs with groups from other universities.

Feasibility Study

Feasibility study focuses on quantitative assessment of producing a sustainable design, constructional planning and health and safety issues. Identification of applied loads on structures and possible/probable load combinations. Preparing reports including site selection using spatial data and GIS tools, construction sequence, construction health and safety, appraisal and presentation of working drawings and qualitative consideration of sustainability principles. There are elements of both, group work and individual assessment in the Feasibility Study.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Alternative assessment DAD project: Individual report to critically review a past project and to provide alternative solutions for the design and construction. Feasibility study: Individual report to critically review different aspects of an existing structure including the location, function and structural system.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• The ability to use a CAD package for the production of appropriately dimensioned 2D engineering drawings and 3D structural models


• The ability of sketching to explain design concepts and details


• The ability of designing a structure using available structural elements and producing all the necessary documents for their design


• The ability to communicate with group members, as well as other groups in a professional manner


• The understanding of practical considerations in design and the application of their knowledge in health and safety


• The ability to propose alternative design solutions, depending on planning, constructional and design constraints, which are sustainable and conform to health and safety principles through a group portfolio and group presentations


• The elements of creativity using conceptual design alternatives, accompanied by criticism of their 3D structural behaviour, through design portfolio and presentations

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Conceptual structural design: Individual report on the design of a lightweight structure (20%)


• DAD project: Group effort to design, assemble and dismantle a full-scale structure and making a 1-2 minute video (40%)


• Feasibility study: Group portfolio and presentation on a structure, as well as a self-reflection report on the group project (40%).

Formative assessment and feedback

Group performance will be assessed during the practical sessions and formative feedback will be provided by the academic staff and teaching assistants. Also, peer students will provide feedback during the review sessions, workshops and following the group presentations.

Module aims

• Provide the ability to appraise structural and planning needs for construction projects and determine solutions to design problems.
• Familiarise students with conceptual structural design.
• Enrich students with concepts and considerations related to sustainable design.
• Develop teamwork attributes, group management and interpersonal as well as presentation skills.
• Develop practical considerations in structural design.
• Offer integration of Civil Engineering disciplines.
• Extend knowledge of structural design methods and principles related to site layout in regard to health and safety, cost estimation and construction planning.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Bring together different aspects of Civil Engineering, introduced to the students throughout the duration of Semester 1, to be applied to realistic design projects. It runs in parallel with ENG1076 in which the students are taught the principles of structural analysis and design which they then apply to real case structures considered as part of the conceptual structural design. Furthermore, this module gives the opportunity to the students to utilise their knowledge acquired in ENG1074 in terms of sketching, CAD, sustainability principles and health and safety in design and construction.

The delivery of the module starts with lectures/tutorials through which the links between ENG1076 and the case studies are being highlighted. The first part of the module involves the conceptual structural design of a realistic project (e.g. a shelter) which is carried out through independent group work for which feedback is provided during the tutorial sessions from academic staff. It also focuses on health and safety, constructional planning and production of design drawings. Sustainability is considered in a qualitative manner.

For the Feasibility Study, groups of students will study existing structures made by bio-based material (e.g bamboo) and then make a tabletop model of a structure to develop their understanding about the design and construction limitations, as well as potential solutions. The groups then prepare a report to discuss the feasibility of a similar structure for a specific location. Each group member also needs to submit a self-reflection report to discuss their group experience and identify the ways of improving their performance in similar projects.

Parallel to the above, the concept of lattice spatial structures is being introduced to the students during the first week as an introduction to the DAD Project. Then each group develops their ideas both independently and in the lab meetings supervised by academics, where they have access to small scale physical models, as well as the actual structural elements. The groups present their design and submit the project documents to be given to another group. Later in a second group meeting, they practice the construction of a structure designed by another group and finalise the plan for the assembly/dismantling, taking place at the end of semester. The Project will conclude with an invited lecture by professionals in the field of design and construction of spatial structures, as well as providing feedback on the overall group performance.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG1077

Other information

Surrey's Curriculum Framework is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas:

Digital Capabilities: will be developed using different software packages like AutoCAD, SketchUp and MPanel.

Employability: Students will provide solutions for several real life problems, so improving their Employability.

Global and Cultural Capabilities:  are developed and expanded through the International collaborations on the DAD Project .

Resourcefulness and Resilience: The three projects in this module pose interesting challenges for individuals and groups, providing an excellent opportunity for developing Resourcefulness and Resilience.

Sustainability:, students will work on light weight structural systems (to reduce the consumables), as well as bio-based construction materials (to reduce the carbon footprint).

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.