Course Title: Comply with relevant legislation in the design of commercial buildings
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ARCH5314
Course Title: Comply with relevant legislation in the design of commercial buildings
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 99254818
Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 60
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
NA
Course Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to access, interpret and apply relevant legislation to the design of commercial buildings.
It includes the ability to apply a range of design solutions to the construction or design of a commercial building (National Construction Code (NCC) Classes 2 to 9) and all types of construction (A, B, C) including minimum Type A, in compliance with the national and Victorian regulatory frameworks and make recommendations for alternative solutions as required.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU23445 Comply with relevant legislation in the design of commercial buildings |
Element: |
1.Classify buildings |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Determine the nature of building according to use and arrangement. 1.2 Determine the criteria of NCC to apply the defined type of construction A, B and C. |
Element: |
2.Access and interpret relevant code and other legislative requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify hierarchy within the Victorian building and construction regulatory framework. 2.2 Determine relevant building performance requirements and provisions within the NCC that apply to Class 2 – 9 buildings and types of construction A, B and C. 2.3 Access and interpret Australian Standards. |
Element: |
3.Analyse and document a range of solutions to the design problem |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify and propose alternative solutions to a construction or design problem that comply with the requirements of the NCC. 3.2 Analyse assessment methods referenced in the NCC to determine whether a construction or design solution complies with performance requirements or Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions of the NCC. 3.3 Identify and document performance-based solutions in accordance with the NCC. 3.4 Identify relevant documentation according |
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 in a remote (virtual) learning mode online.
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 on line delivery.
Virtual In-class activities will include:
• Tutorials and project-based work
• Group discussion
• Teacher directed activities/projects
• Class presentations
• Online research
• Independent project-based work
• Studio Practice
Out-of-class activities will include:
• Online investigation
• Independent project-based work
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Topic |
Assessment / Learning activities |
| 1 |
General Introduction Codes and Standards General Provisions - NCC Interpretation Classification of buildings Fire Resistance – NCC Type of Construction |
Start Week 1 Learning Activity: Legislative question |
| 2 |
Performance requirements Deemed to Satisfy Performance Solution Assessment Methods |
Assessment Task 1 – Building Regulations |
| 3 |
Access and Egress Access for People with Disabilities AS1428.1 – Design for access & mobility AS1428.4 – Tactile ground surface indicators for orientation of people with vision impairment AS 2890.1 Traffic Standard |
Submit Week 1 Learning Activity - Legislative question |
| 4 |
Health & Amenities Weatherproofing Sanitary and Other Facilities Room heights |
Start Assessment Task 2 – Case study |
| 5 |
Fire Resistance Compartmentation and separation Fire Resistance and Stability AS1530.4 Fire resistance tests on elements of construction |
Start Assessment Task 2 – Case study |
| 6 |
Access and Egress - NCC Provision for Escape Construction of Exits |
Submit Assessment Task 1 – Building Regulations, by no later than 23:59 of Thursday, WEEK 6 |
| 7 |
Services and Equipment Fire Fighting Equipment AS2419 – Fire hydrant installation AS2441 – Installation of fire hose reels Smoke Hazard Management AS/NZS1668 |
|
| 8 |
Services and Equipment Emergency Lights and Exit Signs AS2293 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs in buildings |
|
| 9 |
Energy Efficiency Building Fabric Glazing Building Sealing Air conditioning and Ventilation Systems Artificial Lighting and Power Access for Maintenance and Facilities for Monitoring |
|
| 10 | No scheduled class | |
| Mid semester break | ||
| 11 |
Designer’s responsibility Review working drawings |
|
| 12 |
Review Assessment Task Assist students with their Assessment Task |
|
| 13 |
Protection works Adjoining owner’s protection works procedures BA Part 7 BA Part 7 BR |
Submit Assessment Task 2 – Product Assessment, by no later than 23:59 of Thursday, WEEK 13 |
| 14 |
Enforcement Part 8 BA Building Notices and Building Orders |
Release Assessment Task 3 - Knowledge Questions |
| 15 |
General Review Assessment Tasks Review knowledge to existing design Final assessments Resubmissions if eligible |
Submit Assessment Task 3 - Knowledge Questions |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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 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 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 in Canvas.
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
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
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
IT orientation
It's time to get ready; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/new-student-guide
Get involved in student life at RMIT
Course Overview: Access Course Overview