Course Title: Undertake Site Survey and Analysis to Inform Design Process
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: ARCH5309
Course Title: Undertake Site Survey and Analysis to Inform Design Process
Important Information:
Please note that this course has compulsory engagement attendance requirements for teaching activities.
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see when this course requires mandatory attendance.
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6188 - 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
Nominal Hours: 40
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 describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake a site survey and a site analysis for residential Class 1 or commercial Class 2-9 building projects.
It includes the ability to use basic surveying equipment, record and interpret data and produce measured drawings and documentation that comply with relevant national and Victorian regulatory frameworks, local council guidelines and workplace procedures.
This unit applies to building designers who undertake site surveys and site analysis for building projects within the context of relevant legislation and the legal responsibilities of building designers.
No occupational licensing or legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, this unit forms part of a minimum qualification requirement for the registration class of Draftsperson, Building Design (Architectural) category, with the Victorian Building Authority.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU23441 Undertake Site Survey and Analysis to Inform Design Process |
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Element: |
1. Prepare to carry out a measured survey |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
2. Undertake a site analysis and record site and building information |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
3. Measure and record linear distances on-site |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
4. Interpret and apply data from a site survey to determine horizontal and vertical angles |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
5. Plot contours and cut and fill |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
6. Produce measured drawings and documentation |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place this semester with a blended classroom model using industry standard tools and resources. Classes will be face to face with online activities.
Refer to your Course schedule and Canvas shells for specific information on how each of your courses is delivered this semester.
You will also be required to undertake independent study.
Reference mode of delivery for this course is face to face delivery.
Face to face class activities will include:
• Tutorials and project-based work
• Group discussion
• Teacher directed activities/projects
• Online research
• Independent project-based work
• Studio Practice
Out-of-class activities will include:
• Online investigation and research
• Independent project-based work
Teaching Schedule
| WEEK | LECTORIAL | ASSESSMENT / LEARNING ACTIVITIES | ASSESSMENT DUE |
| 1 | Site Survey Week 1 Video's 1,2 & 3 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio AT1U Introduction Part A - Survey for Building Designers, Australian Standards, Preparation of Property Reports, Land Titles, AHD Markers & Survey Equipment | |
| 2 | Site Survey Week 2 Video's 1 & 2 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio Part B - Contours Cut & Fill Finialising AT1U Project | AT1U: Due date Refer to Canvas |
| 3 | Site Survey Week 3 Video's 1,2, 3 & 4 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio AT2U Introduction Part A - OHS Checklist, Surveying Tools & Equipment Checklist, JSA, Site Inspection Checklist & Prepare Property Research | |
| 4 | Site Survey Week 4 Video's 1 & 2 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio Part B - Site Measures Finialising AT2U Project | AT2U: Due date Refer to Canvas |
| 5 | Site Survey Week 5 Video's 1,2 & 3 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio AT3U Introduction Part A & B Prepare Checklist & Prepare Drawings | |
| 6 | Site Survey Week 6 Video 1 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio Part A & B Continue, Part C Complete Checklist | |
| 7 | Site Survey Week 7 Video's 1 & 2 (Released Friday Prior) | Studio Part D & E - Cut & Fill Calculations & Site Survey Equipment Finialising AT3U Project | AT3U: Due date Refer to Canvas |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Key References:
- Australian Standard AS3959
- NCC Volume One and Two
- Relevant Australian Standards
- Building product manufacturers information
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...
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.
To be assessed as 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.
- AT01, 2 parts - Knowledge Questions & Contours Cut & Fill Drawing.
- AT02, 2 parts - Site Research & Site Measurement.
- AT03, 5 parts - Checklist, Drawings, Cut & Fill calculations & Site Survey Equipment.
Project sequence may be subject to amendment.
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
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 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;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
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.
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above)
These mapping documents are available through the Program Administration if required.
Other Information
Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, demonstration and production.
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to be successful in this course.
Canvas
Use Canvas to access your course content and announcements, submit assignments, and receive your grades and feedback;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/it-services-for-students/canvas
Student feedback at RMIT:
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
The following link is an outline and ways that you will receive your feedback at RMIT;
Student Progress Monitoring
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
Submitting Assessments onto Canvas
Here is a guide to submitting assessments on Canvas; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/submitting-assessments-in-canvas
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.
Please see following access for more information on Academic Integrity at RMIT; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
IT orientation
It's time to get ready; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/new-student-guide
Get involved in student life at RMIT
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
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.
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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview