Course Title: Provide design solutions for commercial buildings
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ARCH5311
Course Title: Provide design solutions for 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: +61399254818
Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 100
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 apply the theories and principles of design to the design of commercial buildings ((National Construction Code (NCC) Classes 2 to 9) of A or Type B or C construction.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU23453 Provide design solutions for commercial buildings |
Performance Criteria: |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
2.Determine principles for commercial building design |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify principles of design theories to inform and compare, methods and practice. 2.2 Research design solutions to identify tectonic concept. 2.3 Explore the intent of the design to determine the application of form, functionality, and aesthetics in design. 2.4 Research the relationship of human behaviour, functionality of spaces and aesthetics of architectural facades. |
Element: |
3. Apply design principles to the context of a commercial building site |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Analyse the project brief to determine client requirements for the design. 3.2 Analyse the correlation between human behaviour, function, aesthetics, typology, neighbourhood character and site context to determine patterns of movement, spatial relationships and the visual goals determined by the project brief. 3.3 Develop circulation patterns/bubble diagrams to illustrate patterns of movement and spatial relationships. 3.4 Integrate social, sustainable and technical factors according to relevant building and planning regulatory requirements and contextual and site restraints. 3.5 Establish information of precedent buildings to facilitate application to current concept development. 3.6 Analyse and apply town planning controls to design to comply with local council regulations. |
Element: |
4.Develop and express concepts |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Produce sketches to explain design solutions and concepts using appropriate media to illustrate details of construction, structural and aesthetic elements of the design. 4.2 Use visualisation techniques to enhance readability and interpretation and to display a range of material finishes. 4.3 Produce sketches with accurate proportions and according to project timelines. |
Element: |
5.Resolve and communicate design solutions to a commercial built form |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Evaluate and integrate architectural theories to a program. 5.2 Develop design solutions which meet the requirements of the project brief planning and regulatory controls. 5.3 Combine design theories, concepts and ideas to produce the design solution. 5.4 Integrate elements of human needs, environment, sustainability and technology into the concept design. 5.5 Develop and review a range of alternative responses and select the most suitable solution f or presentation to relevant stakeholders. 5.6 Confirm final design solution against the project brief and communicate to relevant stakeholders through appropriate presentation media. |
Element: |
1. Identify the key elements of global architecture in commercial building design |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify architectural terminology and language for application in research. 1.2 Identify emerging commercial design trends and key themes of change to inform application in practice. 1.3 Develop an understanding of global architecture through review and critical analysis of the influences and features of recognised works and emerging trends. 1.4 Examine and record characteristics of commercial architectural styles. |
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 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.
Activities will include:
-
- teacher directed and independent project work,
- teacher directed and independent research,
- studio critiques,
- student pin-ups and presentations,
- in-class instruction and demonstrations,
- site visits and/or excursions.
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Assessment Task |
| 1 | AT01 Issued |
| 3 | AT01 Prelim #1 Submitted |
| 4 | AT01 Prelim #2 Submitted |
| 6 |
AT01 Prelim #3 Submitted AT02 Issued |
| 8 | AT01 Resubmission (if reqd.) |
| 9 | AT02 Prelim #1 Submitted |
| 13 | AT02 Prelim #2 Submitted |
| 16 |
AT02 Prelim #3 Submitted NB: There is no resubmission option for AT02 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
- Owen Hopkins, Architectural Styles: a visual guide, Laurence King Publishing, 2014.
- Francis D. K. Ching, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture, Wiley, 2011.
- Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture Form Space & Order, Wiley, 2014.
- Lorraine Farrelly, The Fundamentals of Architecture, AVA Publishing, 2012.
- Lorraine Farrelly, Basics Architecture: Representational Techniques, Fairchild Books, 2015.
- Lorraine Farrelly, Basics Architecture 02: Construction and Materiality, AVA Publishing, 2017. ISBN: 978-1350274211
- Kari Jormakka, Basics Design Methods, Birkhauser Architecture, 2007.
- Bert Bielefeld & Sebastian El Khouli, Basics Design Ideas, Birkhauser Architecture, 2007.
- Gavin Ambrose & Paul Harris, Basics, Design Layout, AVA Publishing, 2005.
- Jan Krebs, Basics Design and Living, Birkhauser Architecture, 2018.
- Anthony di Mari, Operative Design, (A Catalogue of Spatial Verbs), BisPublishers, 2012.
- Charles Doidge, Rosie Parnell & Rachel Sara, The Crit, an Architecture Student’s Handbook, Routledge, 2016.
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/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
- Assessment Task 1 (AT01) Commercial Design Project
- Assessment Task 2 (AT02) Commercial Design Project
Refer to the Canvas Assignment Task Page for project brief and submission requirements.
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 on 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
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