Course Title: Undertake complex architectural projects

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: ARCH5318

Course Title: Undertake complex architectural projects

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: 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 describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake complex architectural projects for commercial (National Construction Code (NCC Classes 2 to 9 Type A and B) buildings.

It requires the ability to consult with clients to prepare project briefs, develop and present design concepts and documentation that meets the brief and relevant national and Victorian regulatory frameworks and local council guidelines. It includes developing critical path management diagrams.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VU23458 Undertake complex architectural projects
Element:	1.Determine requirements for the project
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Confirm details of the building design with client to develop the project brief. 1.2 Conduct preliminary analysis of planning and local authority regulations to determine requirements. 1.3 Conduct feasibility study to determine the viability of the project. 1.4 Undertake a detailed site analysis and survey and prepare the planning permit application. 1.5 Evaluate draft brief against client requirements and submit to client for confirmation or amendments.
Element:	2.Develop design concept
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Develop design response, models and presentation drawings according to project brief. 2.2 Present the design concept to the client. 2.3 Obtain approval for the final design to finalise client contract.
Element:	3.Finalise design
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Review approved design concept against the budget and produce documentation to communicate the design. 3.2 Select a preliminary range of materials and finishes according to project brief. 3.3 Prepare planning application documents for lodgement. 3.4 Undertake consultation with local authorities, and other interested parties, as required. 3.5 Coordinate design work to be undertaken by secondary consultants as required. 3.6 Develop or obtain design concepts and required documentation for internal spaces and finishes.
Element:	4. Prepare and coordinate documentation
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Prepare documents for the project to be tendered according to workplace procedures. 4.2 Provide details of specifications into documentation as required. 4.3 Prepare or facilitate joinery, internal spaces and electrical documents for inclusion into contract set. 4.4 Prepare or facilitate drainage and landscape documents for inclusion into contract set. 4.5 Coordinate and integrate work from specialist consultants into architectural documentation. 4.6 Prepare or facilitate opinion of probable cost. 4.7 Check completed documents and submit for building approval.
Element:	5.Prepare a critical path management diagram
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Determine suitable methods for tendering and building contract according to project brief. 5.2 Determine requirements for project supervision to ensure design intent and specifications comply with contract documents and project schedule. 5.3 Confirm a critical path management diagram with relevant stakeholders for all stages in construction process. 5.4 Identify stages for the implementation of progress claims, claims for extensions of time and issuing of progress certificates according to the project schedule. 5.5 Identify timeframes for the preparation of defect notices and certificates for practical completion and final completion are identified according to the project schedule.

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 NCC 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

Learning activities will take place in a classroom using industry standard tools and resources. Classes will be face to face and/or in a remote (virtual) learning mode online.

Refer to your course syllabus 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 and research.

This unit is delivered in 3 modes, all of which require full weekly attendance.

• the UCAP design and documentation studio,
• a digital support class,
• a guest lecture series.

Activities will include:

• teacher directed and independent project work,
• teacher directed and independent research,
• group work,
• studio critiques,
• student pin-ups and presentations,
• peer reviews,
• in-class instruction and demonstrations,
• lectures,
• site visits and/or excursions,
• on-line quizzes.

Teaching Schedule

Week	Topic	Studio Assessment / Learning activities	Assessment
Week 1	Predesign	Predesign introduction	AT01 issued
		Project setup: report document & Gantt chart
		Research the site
		Undertake site analysis
		Refer also to the week 1 modules
Week 2	Predesign	Continue AT01
		Client research
		Brief development
		Refer also to the week 2 modules
Week 3	Predesign	Continue AT01
		Feasibility study
		Complete your Predesign submission
		Prepare & rehearse your AT01 presentation
		Refer also to the week 3 modules
Week 4	Predesign	Reflect on feedback, resolve and repair for resubmission	Present & submit AT01 AT02a issued
		Refer also to the week 4 modules
Week 5	Concept Design	Concept Design introduction	Resubmit AT01 if eligible
		Project setup: report document & Gantt chart
		Undertake concept ideation & communication
		Refer also to the week 5 modules
Week 6	Concept Design	Continue AT02a
		Develop massing studies (based on your concept)
		Set up views
		Undertake bubble diagramming & spacial diagramming
		Refer also to the week 6 modules
Week 7	Concept Design	Continue AT02a
		Prepare plans, sections, area summary & complete your concept submission
		Prepare & rehearse your AT02a presentation
		Refer also to the week 7 modules
Week 8	Concept Design	Reflect on feedback, resolve and repair for resubmission	Present & submit AT02a AT02b issued
		Refer also to the week 8 modules
Week 9	Finalise Design	Finalise Design introduction	Resubmit AT02a if eligible
		Set up drawing set including drawing & consultant lists
		Update Gantt Chart
		Structural system & facade section
		Refer also to the week 9 modules
Week 10	Finalise Design	Continue AT02b
		Develop planning application drawings to industry standards
		Complete planning application form, existing conditions & design statements, & estimated construction cost
		Develop key interior space/s
		Refer also to the week 10 modules
Week 11	Finalise Design	Continue AT02b
		Communicate ESD intentions
		Prepare a schedule of materials & finishes
		Complete your finalise design submission
		Refer also to the week 11 modules
Week 12	Finalise Design	Reflect on feedback, resolve and repair for resubmission	Submit AT02b
		Refer also to the week 12 modules	AT02c issued
Week 13	Contract Documentation	Contract Documentation introduction
	Establish scope of drawing set & set up required drawings	AT03 opens
		Update Gantt Chart
		Produce sketches and other explanatory drawings of key details for discussion
		Existing conditions & demolition
		Refer also to the week 13 modules
Week 14	Contract Documentation	Continue AT02c
	Develop Working Drawings to industry standards
		Produce sketches and other explanatory drawings of key details for discussion
		Plans, sections & details
		Refer also to the week 14 modules
Week 15	Contract Documentation	Continue AT02c	AT03 closes
	Produce sketches and other explanatory drawings of key details & interior fit out for discussion.
		Refer also to the week 15 modules
Week 16	Contract Documentation	Reflect on feedback, resolve and repair for resubmission	Submit AT02c
	Refer also to the week 16 modules	Resubmit AT02 parts A & B if needed
Week 17	No class	Exhibition preparation	Resubmit AT02c if eligible

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Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

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

Assessment Task 2

Assessment Task 3

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 course syllabus. Exception to this is where an approved Equitable Learning 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.

Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available in Canvas.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview