K100 BArch Architecture and
K230 MEng Architecture and Environmental Design

Please create six panels of drawings or images that represent your personal statement, on thin white cards of 140x140mm. You can create the images using any media or technique(s) of your choice, including sketching, collage, painting, or pen work. You are encouraged to demonstrate a range of skills and techniques.  Please note that only one panel can be a photograph image.

• Panels 1 and 2 –  these should tell a story about why you are in Nottingham studying architecture: Panel 1 should be a response to, and be titled as: "What ideas, thoughts and events have led to you being on this course?"; Panel 2 should be a response to, and be titled as: "Why have you chosen to study architecture?".
• Panels 3 and 4 – Respond to the prompt "Where are you from?". with your own interpretation of this question.  You might choose to focus on where you live, where you were born, on aspects of your family, your identity, or your culture, rather than the physical place of your birth.  You should come up with your own titles for these two panels.
• Panel 5 – This panel should explore the big question of "what is beauty?". This panel should convey how you understand beauty, and why.
• Panel 6 – The last prompt for your visual statement is "how does architecture effect human well-being?". Architectural design focuses on creating spaces for living and thriving.  This panel should capture your understanding around this concept.

At the bottom of each panel, include a simple title and a short paragraph of between 50 and 100 words to explain what the image is trying to convey. Keep the text small. Please label the back of each panel with your name and a number.

You'll be asked to present these panels to your tutors and fellow students in person on the first day of studio. Once you have created all six panels, please also create a digital copy of each panel. These will be the opening pages of your digital portfolio submission at the end of term. Please keep in mind that this exercise is not an exam and remember to have fun and get creative in the process.

This list clarifies core equipment and materials required. Where appropriate, we've indicated when you may need them in the year.

Other than completing the visual personal statement (see above), there is no essential preparation. If you do wish to do some pre-arrival preparation, we recommend the following:

• Practice and extend your sketching skills (for example, sketching for half an hour each day for a week or more during the summer months).
• Read online book reviews for the books listed below; choose two or three from the lists below. These are available to you via UoN library, so you can read them when you arrive. However, undertaking some reading beforehand will be useful.

Books to help you develop your sketching and observation skills

• Visual Notes for Architects and Designers by Norman Crowe and Paul Laseau
• Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards (if you wish to learn how to sketch)
• The Urban Sketcher by Marc Taro Holmes
• Sketching for Architecture & Interior Design by Stephanie Travis

Books about architecture

• Analysing Architecture by Simon Unwin
• 101 Things I Learnt in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick 
• Architecture: Form, Space and Order by Francis D.K Ching 
• Materials, Form and Architecture by Richard Weston 
• Designing For Climate Change by Sofie Pelsmakers et al
• The Thinking Hand by Juhani Pallasmaa
• A History of Architecture: Settings & Rituals by Spiro Kostof
• The Environmental Design Pocket-book by Sofie Pelsmakers

Books recommended by previous first year students

• The Architect's Pocket Book by Charlotte Baden-Powell
• The Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data by David Littlefield

Films

• Urbanized, a film by Gary Hustwit. We also recommend the full range of Gary Hustwit's films on design, including Helvetica, Objectified and Rams.
• You can find a list of top 10 films on architecture here.

Whether you already have a device or are considering purchasing new IT equipment for your university studies, please check our equipment advice page.

There are computer rooms available on campus and a laptop loan service but both are offered on a first come first served basis. All students (home, EU, and international) who might struggle with financing IT equipment can apply for support via the Hardship Fund.

It is recommended that your device has:

• Minimum RAM is 8GB but recommended RAM is 16GB
• Your minimum screen size should be 15.6 inch
• A minimum of three USB ports is required; alternatively, an adapter to extend one USB port to three or more will be acceptable
• Your HDMI connection should be direct. 

It is helpful (although not essential) for you to have:

• a separate monitor with minimum screen size of 21 inch
• a device that enables you to draw

The following capabilities aren't essential but could help improve your comfort while studying:

• Rapid recharge of batteries or spare batteries to provide all day use
• Devices than can connect to a bigger screen (TV or monitor) for longer periods of study or collaborative work. Please note that university monitors use HDMI connections.

You do not need to purchase any software; Microsoft Office is available to download free of charge to all students for the duration of their studies and specialist software is available in our on-campus computer rooms and through a remote desktop connection.

Peer mentors are student volunteers who support new students settling in at university. They can share their experiences, tips for success, and generally be a friendly face. Peer mentors are based within their department and are allocated new first year students as mentees.