MArch one, the 'Year of Education in Practice', is a work-based learning programme that aims to promote active learning in the practice setting. MArch one students typically work full-time in practice alongside their studies but return to Cardiff for intensive short courses. Modules require students to reflect on their professional experience, undertake preliminary work towards their MArch dissertation, and develop a substantial design project during the year.

The design module has four phases, structured by the RIBA Plan of Work, providing opportunities to mirror practice processes and practice professional skills. Initially, students adopt typical design team roles and must work collaboratively to define a costed business case and strategic vision. Teams must be explicit about their approach to enhance sustainability and life safety - ensuring opportunities and risks are rigorously explored from all interdisciplinary perspectives.

In line with this year’s exhibition theme, March one focuses on developing an intentional design process, drawing together the rigours and requirements of practice with more speculative ambition of the MArch studio. Throughout the year, design charrettes provide space to test new ways of working and encourage students to be self-reflective about their own developing design process over design production. The final phase asks students to integrate these explorations as drivers of design and critically reflect on process and outcome.

This year’s live design brief, developed with community partners, challenged students to consider ways to regenerate the Miners Welfare Building in Resolven, Neath Port Talbot. Students’ strategic research and visions for sustainable development were recently shared with the Trustees and stakeholders at a packed engagement event at the Welfare, sparking great enthusiasm for the project.

Caroline Almond & Arjun Rajah, MArch One Year Chairs