Course Title: Provide design solutions for residential and commercial buildings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: ARCH5234

Course Title: Provide design solutions for residential and commercial buildings

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6161 - Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Course Contact: Catherine Ciavarella

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4818

Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Andrew Rodda

andrew.rodda@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 200

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply the theories and principles of design to the design of buildings. It can be applied to both residential buildings (BCA Classes 1 and 10) and commercial buildings (BCA Classes 2 to 9). It requires the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information on the history and elements of architecture and their influence on current practice. It includes developing a design response which meets the requirements of a project brief, and communicating a final design solution to relevant stakeholders.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22465 Provide design solutions for residential and commercial buildings

Element:

Apply design principles to the context of a site

Performance Criteria:

3.1 

The project brief is analysed to determine client requirements for the design. 

3.2 

The correlation between human behaviour, function, aesthetics, typology, neighbourhood character and site context is analysed to determine patterns of movement, spatial relationships and visual goals determined by the project brief. 

3.3 

Circulation patterns/bubble diagrams are developed to illustrate patterns of movement and spatial relationships. 

3.4 

Social, sustainable and technical factors are integrated in accordance with relevant building and planning regulatory requirements and contextual and site restraints. 

3.5 

Information of precedent buildings is established to facilitate application to current concept development. 

3.6 

Town planning controls are analysed and applied to design to comply with local council regulations. 

Element:

Determine design principles

Performance Criteria:

2.1 

The history and main principles of design theories are researched and examined to inform, compare and contrast with present beliefs, methods and practice. 

2.2 

Sound and innovative design principles are researched and its application to a tectonic concept is analysed. 

2.3 

The relationship between art, architecture and nature is explored to determine the application of form, functionality and aesthetics in design. 

2.4 

The relationship of principles of symmetry, rhythm and symbolism in art and architecture are researched and their application and influence in design is explored with current theories of culture, politics and technology. 

Element:

Develop and express ideas through freehand sketching

Performance Criteria:

4.1 

Principal elements of sketching are identified and explored through visual and sketched studies of built forms and their internal and external features. 

4.2 

Sketches are produced using a range of media to interpret design solutions and concepts and to illustrate details of construction, structural and aesthetic elements of a design. 

4.3 

Selected visualisation techniques are used to enhance readability and interpretation and to display a range of material finishes. 

4.4 

Sketches are produced with accurate proportions and in accordance with project timelines, as required. 

Element:

Research the key movements of global architecture

Performance Criteria:

1.1 

A range of research techniques is used to source information on the influential periods of global architecture in residential and commercial building design through the works of recognised architects and designers. 

1.2 

Architectural terminology and language is identified for application in research. 

1.3 

Emerging residential and commercial design trends are identified and key themes of change explored to inform application in practice 

1.4 

Own knowledge and understanding of global architecture is developed through review and critical analysis of the influences and features of recognised works and emerging trends. 

1.5

The principal characteristics of predominant architectural styles are researched and recorded. 
 1.6  

Impacts of global architecture are analysed for their influence on Australian regional architecture. 

Element:

Resolve and communicate design solutions to a built form

Performance Criteria:

5.1 

Architectural theories are evaluated and integrated to a conceptual program. 

5.2 

Features of comparable building designs are researched to inform the development of a design solution. 

5.3 

Design theories, concepts and ideas are combined to produce a design solution. 

5.4 

The elements of human needs, the environment, sustainability and technology are integrated into a concept design. 

5.5 

A range of alternative responses is developed and reviewed and a final solution is selected for presentation to relevant stakeholders. 

5.6 

The final design solution is confirmed against the project brief and communicated to relevant stakeholders through appropriate presentation media. 


Learning Outcomes


This unit of competency supports the attainment of the knowledge and skills required for building designers to apply the principles and theories of design to residential and commercial building projects.


Details of Learning Activities

  • Course content is delivered through individual design studios.
  • Assessment tasks are a combination of independent study, self-directed learning and supervised practice in a studio context.
  • Correspondence and additional information is provided through the RMIT Canvas Course shell.
  • It is essential that project work is presented at key milestone points for review and feedback as indicated on the teaching schedule and as directed in studio. Failure to regularly present work prior to final submission will result in a not yet competent grade for that task.


Teaching Schedule

T E A C H I N G.  S C H E D U L E

32 Week Course Syllabus
Semester 1
Semester 2
Residential Design
Commercial Design
  Assessment Tasks         Assessment Task    
Wk. No. AT01 AT02 Content Topic Additional Notes   Wk. No. AT03 Topic Additional Notes
1 AT01: Research Task[1.1-1.4] AT02: Design Task
  • Course Introduction
  • AT:01 Project Brief
  • AT:02 Project Brief
  • Course Introduction:
    • Design as a problem solving tool, way of thinking).
    • Importance of exchange of ideas/ interaction.
  • Course Guide Review
    • Required
  • RMIT LMS
    • Familiarisation of site. Discussion threads.
    • M.S. Teams
    • Conceptboard
    • Sketchfab etc
  • AT01 + AT02 Project Brief Introductions.
1

AT03:

Design Task
  • AT03: Project Brief
  • AT01: & AT02 Review of Tasks
  • Commence Site Data Gathering
  • General themes and feedback of tasks 01 & 02
    • Good outcomes
    • Areas that need further development.
      • Students take notes.[3.1]
  • AT03: Project Briefing. Focus on key themes. Such as, inclusion of existing building fabric.
  • Pre-site data gathering as per AT02.
  • Commence Site Model
2
  • Precedents[5.2]
  • Site Data
  • Site Analysis checklists
  • Online Site Data prior to visit.
    • One Dig
    • LASSI or Mapshare
    • Property Report
    • Google Earth
    • Preliminary Regulatory Requirements
    • Precedents of: function, materials, form.
  • Student to commence Site Model (physical or digital)
 2
  • Site Visit
 Meet on site
Take Field Notes (sketches[4.1])
Neighbourhood Character Study[3.5]
Precedence & Photo Studies[3.5][5.2]
3
  • Site Visit

Meet on site record information
Field Notes

Students MUST bring appropriate equipment.

Photo survey context.
Neighbourhood Character Study

 3
  • Functional Planning
  • Brief Analysis
  • Room Data Sheets[5.4]
  • Bubble Diagrams[3.3]
  • Area Analysis
  • Feasibility/ Response to brief.[3.2]

also//
Collate and compile Site Analysis information.
Continue/ complete site model.
4
  • Diagramming Architectural Information
 Draw and collate site information
30x40 Workshop Arch.
Architecture diagrams.		 4 Prelim. Presentation #1

Present gathered site analysis information
Create .pdf and upload to Canvas [AT03: Design Project]
5 Prelim. Presentation #1 Present gathered site analysis information
Create .pdf and upload to Canvas [AT02: Design Project]		 5
  • Concept Design[2.1][2.4]
  • Brainstorming[2.4]/ Mind maps[5.3]
  • Massing/ Form Studies[2.2][4.1]
 Studio: 1 hr brainstorm/ mind map.
Conceptual Sketches
3D Models massing studies
6 Concept Design[2.1][2.2][4.2]
Brainstorming[5.3] Mind maps
Massing/ Form Studies[2.3][4.1]
Sustainable Factors[3.4]		 Studio: 1 hr brainstorm/ mind map.
Conceptual Sketches
3D Models
Axonometric Drawings
Apply MP01 Design Statement for project.[2.1][5.1]		 6 Composition[2.3][4.4]
Materials Selection[4.3]
Sustainability[3.4]		 Materials studies
Elevational compositions
7 Functional Planning[3.1]
MP:01 upload to canvas		 Room Data Sheets[5.4]
Bubble Diagrams[3.3]
Feasibility/ Response to brief.		 7 Regulatory Checklist[3.4][3.6]
Standards
BCA
Shadow Diagrams

Review BCA and Australian Standards to project response. Specifically but not only,

Universal Access/ Ramp and Stair Geometry.

Facilities numbers and fixtures.

Town Planning shadow dates and times.
8 Materials Selection[4.3]
Composition[4.4]		 Materials studies: to brief and regulatory requirements.
Elevational compositions
 8 Prelim. Presentation #2

Concept Design Sign off. 

Project phase moves from architectural design to graphic design/ presentation phase.

Create .pdf and upload to Canvas [AT03: Design Project]
  Mid Semester Break (typically occurs weeks 7-10 does not affect submissions or project process).   Use the semester break to reflect on topics covered. Teachers assess and notify students at risk. 
9 Regulatory Checklist[3.4]
Standards
BCA
Shadow Diagrams[3.6]		 Studio Session to reflect and build in the previous weeks. Prep for Preliminary Presentation #2. 9 Media experimentation
Previous Student exemplars		 Digital workflows: modelling, editing screening.
Twin Motion (Unreal)
Lumion
Enscape
Sketchfab
Sketchup
Revit
Editing Software/ imovie etc…
10 AT:01 Upload to Canvas Prelim. Presentation #2

Concept Design Sign off. 

Project phase moves from architectural design to graphic design/ presentation phase.

Create .pdf and upload to Canvas [AT02: Design Project]

 10 Write the Design Response[3.1] Written Design Response
Focus on verbal presentation
11   Graphic Design and student exemplars[3.5] Graphic Design
Project Layouts/ Compositions
Rule of thirds
Photoshop filters:
Clay-model renders
Experiment with different layouts.
11 Continue Physical/ Digital model making. in class model work.
12   Writing Design Language

Writing the design response
• Voice
• Language
• Grammar/ Spelling

Teacher to complete Assessment of AT01.

 12 Prelim. Presentation #3[5.5]

(Formative) Review of student changes.

Students to Resubmit AT01 if required.

Create .pdf and upload to Canvas [AT03: Design Project]
13   Speaking Architectural Design

Focus on verbal presentation
Written Design Response
Written Neighbourhood Character Study

Consider and apply appropriate terminology from AT01

 13 Corrections and changes based on Pres. #3

Individual review of student changes.

(Students are informed whether achieving a satisfactory outcome is achievable based on work to this point.)
14  RESUBMIT DUE DATE Prelim. Presentation #3

(Formative) Review of student changes.

Students to Resubmit AT01 if required.

Create .pdf and upload to Canvas [AT02: Design Project]

 14 In studio work Catch up on missing elements prior to submission…
15   Final Presentation[5.6]
AT02: Final Upload to Canvas

Teacher to complete grading of AT01 Resubmits, and commence preliminary grading of AT02.
Inform any students whether they will need to resubmit work.

NB: All preliminaries and final submission are required to be uploaded into canvas on the weeks indicated to authenticate the student work.

 15 Final Presentation[5.6]
AT03: Final Upload to Canvas

Teacher to complete grading of AT01 Resubmits, and commence preliminary grading of AT02.
Inform any students whether they will need to resubmit work.

NB: All preliminaries and final submission are required to be uploaded into canvas on the weeks indicated to authenticate the student work.
16   Resubmit work period

Students required to resubmit use this week to do modify project criteria deemed "not yet satisfactory".

 16 Resubmit work period

Students required to resubmit use this week to do modify project criteria deemed "not yet satisfactory".
17  

 RESUBMIT DUE DATE

(Friday)

NO formal classes
Assessment & Moderation Period

All studio teachers place 'at risk' students onto program spreadsheet.

Design staff Formal moderation

   17

 RESUBMIT DUE DATE

(Friday)

 NO formal classes
Assessment & Moderation Period		 All studio teachers place 'at risk' students onto program spreadsheet. Prior to RPO

Design staff Formal moderation

NB: Due to the nature of a design studio, some minor variations in the delivery sequence may occur.

If any significant change to the schedule occurs, all affected groups will be notified in advance.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

RMIT Library:
Library Subject Guides: Architecture, Building Design and Urban Design
https://rmit.libguides.com/architecturebuildingandurbandesign

including:

  • Australian Standards Online (SAI Global)
  • Acumen (Australian Institute of Architects) and more...


RMIT Study Support  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub 

including:

  • One-on-one consultations
  • Peer mentoring
  • Studiosity
  • Learning Lab and more...

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Overview of Assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate design drafting workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. Holistic or project-based assessment with other related units is recommended.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
• research and apply knowledge of global architecture, architects and designers and their influences on modern design theories
• apply architectural concepts to a built form
• develop a design solution which meets the requirements of the project brief
• communicate design solutions to stakeholders using a range of media.
 


Assessment Tasks

The course consists of 3 Assessment Tasks

  • MP01: Research: History/ Theory (Self directed learning)
    • Duration approximately 6 weeks.
  • MP02: Residential Design Project
    • Interim presentation reviews.
    • Uploaded to Canvas, refer teaching schedule for dates.
  • MP03: Commercial Design Project.
    • Interim presentation reviews.
    • Uploaded to Canvas for final assessment, refer teaching schedule for dates.

All projects must be submitted to be eligible for a final competency

Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal, or a combination of both.
Each assessment task is graded as satisfactory or not satisfactory.
A final grade of competency achieved or not yet competent is determined at the end of the course.

CA  Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
 

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.  To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.


Assessment Matrix

The Assessment Matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.

These mapping documents are available through the Program Administration if required.  

_________________________________________________

Other Information

The links below are to various parts of the RMIT website and should be referred to on a regular basis until familiarity with them is achieved.

Academic Integrity:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity

Academic Progress:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress

Appeals:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/appeals

Apply for Credit:

  • Credit Transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

Assessment (including submission):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/assessment

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.  
It is expected that you will attend all timetabled sessions and engage in the required learning activities.
This is the only way to ensure you maximise your opportunity to complete this course successfully. 
Regular studio participation is an essential requirement for authentication of student work, and project feedback and improvement.

Employability skills:
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/m1ad83koqygu.pdf

Extensions and special consideration:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

Student Charter:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/charter

Student Responsibilities:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/statement

_________________________________________________

Attendance:

Regular studio participation is essential  for evidence of assessment task validation of authorship, and project feedback and improvement.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview