Course Title: Architecture Professional Practice 3

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Architecture Professional Practice 3

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
ARCH1039	City Campus	Undergraduate	315H Architecture & Design	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007
ARCH1336	City Campus	Postgraduate	315H Architecture & Design	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013
ARCH1336	City Campus	Postgraduate	320H Architecture & Urban Design	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016, Sem 2 2016, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 2 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020, Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Ben Milbourne

Course Coordinator Phone: Via email

Course Coordinator Email: ben.milbourne@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B100

Course Coordinator Availability: Appointment via email

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None. 

Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

There are no formal prerequisite courses, but it is assumed that students have completed Architecture Professional Practice 1 (ARCH1331) and Architecture Professional Practice 2 (ARCH1334).

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where input from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience.

Course Description

The Professional Practice stream of courses is a core area of study within the architecture program and forms a key study stream supporting design studio learning and the School of Architecture and Design’s integrated practice research model.

Together, the three compulsory courses develop competencies and skills outlined in the ACCA competency standards for accreditation as well as the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Education policy, and will enable you to enter practice under the supervision of an architect and to apply for registration following completion of required practical experience. The professional practice stream also prepares you for working more broadly within an expanded field of practice and in shaping the built environment by developing an understanding of the complex systems within which the built environment is shaped, funded and procured.

The Professional Practice subject area is underpinned by the idea that professional practice and project management are tools which enable architects to turn design ideas into built outcomes. Each of the three compulsory courses are presented with case study projects and invited lectures from industry and practice with intention of highlighting the context within which architecture is practiced and innovative design projects are realised.

Architecture Professional Practice 3 is the capstone course in the Professional Practice stream of courses in the Master of Architecture program. It consolidates and builds upon knowledge introduced through these courses. It is specifically focused on contemporary innovations in the delivery of architectural projects mediated by digital design tools.

The content of the course addresses issues related to project delivery that promote collaboration and integration among building professionals (including clients), with the aim of improving design outcomes. Key issues addressed include:
- traditional and alternative design practice models
- collaborative structures and team management
- design process management
- information exchange and accountability
- project representation & scope communication
- traditional vs. extended architectural services
- digital fabrication and the architect/contractor relationships
- contractual relationships and risk

This is a designated WIL course for MC163, Master of Architecture and includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where input from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course specifically addresses the following Program Learning Outlines of the Master of Architecture, this course contributes to your ability to:

- Critically analyse, evaluate and make informed arguments on a complex range of architectural problems and situations
- Master an advanced body of knowledge and specific research and technical skills, demonstrating judgement by challenging and extending this knowledge in architecture through your design work
- Professionally communicate, transmit and defend complex design ideas through verbal, visual and written media to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Reflect upon your learning achievements in design, taking responsibility for an articulated position toward the discipline of architecture and theorise about its contribution to the profession
- Demonstrate and apply an advanced awareness of complex environmental, ethical and social factors affecting the built environment
- Demonstrate and apply an advanced awareness of the legal, economic and political context for professional practice in architecture

 

Course Learning Outcomes

By the conclusion of this course you will understand the key differences between traditional and emerging design practices, and will have the basic skills for operating within a collaborative design and project procurement team.

You will be able to creatively apply problem solving within the context design practice, and will be able to:

Evaluate and argue the benefits and risks of a range of traditional and alternative project procurement models and contracts;
- Examine environmental performance, project cost and lifecycle cost relationships in the design of a building;
- Analyse and apportion risk in relation to collaborative project procurement, specifically within the establishment and management of project teams and digital project information;
- Develop and implement workflow and management tools to communicate design changes within a digital project environment;
- Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary project team to develop a design project, using digital modelling and information exchange tools;
- Incorporate and coordinate input from a range of specialist consultants into an Integrated project model;
- Propose and implement a digital fabrication/rapid prototype workflow and analyse risk allocation in relation to design and fabrication services.

 

Professional Competencies

This course addresses core competencies included in the Architect’s Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) National Standard of Competency for Architects. Through successful achievement of the course learning outcomes listed above you will have demonstrated the following performance criteria: 

9.1 Knowledge and implementation of appropriate practice model to ensure efficient, effective and ethical professional service. 

Overview of Learning Activities

Professional Practice is taught in a combination face to face mode and online content. The online lecture/seminar learning modes are extended with individual & group projects and regular feedback and review sessions.

Learning activities include weekly teaching sessions consisting face to face tutorials with tutors drawn from architectural practice or related fields. The tutorial and review sessions will review ongoing and completed assessment tasks. These sessions offer the opportunity for discussion and questions. You will spend additional time each week working in organised groups on project work to develop collaboration, communication and management skills relevant to a professional setting.

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities including:
- Self-directed research and presentation of findings
- Attending tutorials and participating in class discussion
- Research through library holdings and online sources, indirect and primary sources
- Written, visual and verbal presentation of research presented in progress and through a detailed final report
- Critical and constructive feedback to peers
- Online communication

Professional Practice courses incorporate high levels of work integration through assessment tasks and learning activities. You will simulate the resolution of practice and professional issues in design projects with assistance from industry tools and documents. The course includes online lectures from professional architects and/or consultants. In addition, the core staff and sessional tutors are predominantly practicing architects. Consideration of the role of client input/brief revision, consultant collaboration, digital model management, design process management, liaison with fabricators, quantitative design analysis, project and life-cycle cost control in the development of a design practice is simulated within the course.

Overview of Learning Resources

The Professional Practice subject area has an extensive backup of online resources with a dedicated library web portal including an interface with the AIA’s Acumen, the BCA and other related professional links. The course has a dedicated Canvas site where you can access course notes, handouts, assignments and additional resources.

Overview of Assessment

Professional practice courses require you to apply content of online lectures and research to simulated project-based assignments. You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment will include a series of case studies investigation innovative design practices, and a related set of projects simulating practice, design and project management problems. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

Equitable Learning Services: If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Assessment Policy: Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy 

Student Charter: The Student Charter provides an overview of key responsibilities of RMIT Staff and Students to ensure a successful experience of university life. www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/