Course Title: Undertake complex architectural projects
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: ARCH5236
Course Title: Undertake complex architectural projects
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
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 4819
Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Lisa Mee
email: lisa.mee@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 280
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 specifies the outcomes required to undertake complex architectural projects for residential (National Construction Code) Classes 1 and 10) and/or commercial (NCC Classes 2 to 9) buildings.
It includes consultation with a client to prepare a project brief and the development and presentation of a design concept that meets the requirements of the brief, relevant legislative requirements, including codes and standards.
It requires the preparation of all necessary documentation and the development of a critical path management chart.
It requires thorough knowledge of the NCC, relevant Australian Standards and local authority regulatory requirements.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU22469 Manage architectural project administration |
Element: |
Determine requirements for the project |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Client is consulted to confirm details of building design to develop the project brief. 1.2 Preliminary analysis of planning and local authority regulations is undertaken to ascertain requirements. 1.3 Feasibility study is performed to determine and document the viability of the project. 1.4 Site analysis and survey are undertaken and a detailed site analysis is prepared for planning permit application 1.5 Brief is drafted and evaluated against client requirements and submitted to client for confirmation, and any amendments are negotiated. |
Element: |
Develop design concept |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Design response is developed in accordance with client brief and presentation drawings/models are produced for client presentation. 2.2 Design concept is presented to client using a variety of presentation materials to assist in understanding key concepts. 2.3 Approval for the final design is obtained from client, and the relevant documentation is finalised for client contract. |
Element: |
Finalise design |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The approved design is finalised and reviewed against the budget and the appropriate documentation is developed to adequately communicate the design. 3.2 A preliminary selection of materials and finishes is selected in accordance with project brief. 3.3 Planning application documents are prepared and the client is assisted with lodgement of the Town Planning application and the processes to complete the application and advertising process. 3.4 Consultation is undertaken with local authorities, neighbours and other interested parties, if required. 3.5 Design work to be undertaken by external personnel is coordinated, as required. 3.6 Design concepts for internal spaces, finishes and services are developed and relevant documentation is developed or obtained. |
Element: |
Prepare a critical path management diagram |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Suitable methods for building procurement are determined according to project brief and organisational procedures. 5.2 Requirements for project supervision are determined to ensure design intent and specifications comply with contract documents and project schedule. 5.3 Stages for the implementation of progress claims, claims for extensions of time and issuing of progress certificates are identified according to the project schedule. 5.4 Stages for the preparation of defect notices and certificates for practical completion and final completion are identified according to the project schedule. 5.5 A critical path management diagram is finalised and confirmed with relevant stakeholders for all stages in the design and construction process. |
Element: |
Prepare and coordinate documentation development |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Documents are prepared in accordance with workplace procedures to enable the project to be tendered. 4.2 Details of specifications are integrated into documentation, as required. 4.3 Joinery and internal spaces and electrical documents are prepared or facilitated for inclusion into contract set. 4.4 Drainage and landscape documents are prepared or facilitated for inclusion into contract set. 4.5 Work from specialist consultants is coordinated and integrated into architectural documentation. 4.6 Opinion of probable cost is prepared or facilitated and completed documents are checked and submitted for building approval. |
Learning Outcomes
This unit of competency supports the attainment of the skills and knowledge required for building designers to complete complex architectural projects, which comply with the BCA and other relevant legislation. Work is expected to be undertaken in consultation with other stakeholders and under limited supervision. It requires the problem solving skills to complete the design and documentation of a complex architectural project.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is assessed in a close approximation of a workplace environment, with simulated and project-based assessment techniques replicating building design workplace conditions, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
This unit requires extensive teamwork.
This unit is delivered in 3 modes, all of which require full weekly attendance;
- the UCAP deign and documentation studio,
- a digital support class,
- a guest lecture series.
The following list is indicative of the range of activities undertaken in the course:
- supervised and independent project work,
- supervised and independent research,
- group work,
- studio critiques,
- student pin-ups and presentations,
- peer reviews,
- in-class demonstrations,
- lectures,
- site visits and/or excursions,
- on-line quizzes.
Refer to Canvas for details
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Teaching Schedule
This is a general outline only and may not reflect the timetabled classes, public holidays, mid-semester breaks or other factors that affect the delivery.
The Canvas shell contains a more detailed teaching schedule and must be referred to on a regular (weekly) basis.
Further updates may be communicated via Canvas Announcements by your teacher or the course coordinator.
While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change.
| Week | Topic | Submissions |
| 1 | Predesign | AT-01 Issued |
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | AT-01 submission due | |
| 5 | Concept Design | AT-02 Part A issued |
| 6 | ||
| 7 | ||
| 8 | AT-02 Part A submission due | |
| 9 | Finalise Design | AT-02 Part B issued |
| 10 | ||
| Mid-semester break | ||
| 11 | ||
| 12 | AT-02 Part B submission due | |
| 13 | Contract Documentation | AT-02 Part C issued AT-03 (quiz) opens |
| 14 | ||
| 15 | AT-03 (quiz) closes | |
| 16 | AT-02 Part C submission due | |
| 17 | AT-02 Resubmission if applicable* | |
| 18 | Exhibition |
* There may be re-submission opportunities for assessments not meeting a satisfactory standard across all assessment criteria if the student has;
- demonstrated a commitment to their learning,
- has worked with integrity, and
- has produced sufficient work in a timely manner throughout the semester.
** Open and close times are subject to change. You will receive a Canvas announcement informing you of such.
Refer to Canvas for details
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Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Refer to Canvas for unit specific 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 replicate building design workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1 - Product
Assessment Task 2 - Product
Assessment Task 3 - Product
Assessment
This course is delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment.
CA: Competency achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for Assessment
All work for assessments is required to be submitted on the due date and time as outlined in the Assessment Tasks. Exception to this is where an approved Equitable Learning Services plan after discussion with teacher, an application for Special Consideration or an approved Extension of Time is in place, submitted before the task’s due date with appropriate documentation. Any extensions will be in relation to the original submission date only. There are no extensions to resubmissions.
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension of time for your assessable work.
Please see following access for the details on applying for extension of time to assessments;
Special consideration;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Application for extension of time;
Equitable assessment arrangements (EAA);
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/equitable-learning
If your work is incomplete, you are strongly encouraged to submit your work on the due date, in order to meet the submission requirements. Should it be below competency you may be asked to resubmit within 5 working days.
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Assessment Matrix
The Assessment Matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.
Refer to Canvas for details.
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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:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Academic Progress:
Academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Please see following access to the Student progress policy webpage: 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
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.
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
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Course Overview: Access Course Overview