Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ARCH5315
Course Title: Apply structural and construction technology to 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 9925 4819
Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 120
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 apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings.
It includes the ability to identify and apply Victorian regulatory framework and the provisions for National Construction Code (NCC) Classes 2 to 9 (Types A, B and C) and relevant Australian Standards as they apply to the structural and construction components of a commercial building.
This unit applies to building designers who are required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings within the legal responsibilities of building designers for construction methods.
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: |
VU23443 Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings |
Element: |
1. Determine legislative requirements for the design of commercial buildings |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Interpret relevant regulatory requirements impacting on design and construction for a commercial building of classes 2-9, Types A, B and C. 1.2 Interpret relevant sections of the NCC and Australian Standards that apply to the structural and construction principles of commercial buildings 1.3 Review local government planning regulations for the design and construction of a commercial building |
Element: |
2. Investigate site |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify site features and available services to plan site preparation to inform the design intent and for preparation of documentation 2.2 Interpret soil engineer’s report to determine specifications for footing systems appropriate for foundation design 2.3 Identify and control environmental issues impacting on the site according to regulatory requirements. |
Element: |
3. Analyse and apply construction techniques and methodologies |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Analyse structural systems and apply construction methodologies to solve construction system and design issues. 3.2 Integrate structural principles into the building fabric to accommodate materials and finishes according to relevant standards and design intent. 3.3 Identify alternative approaches to the construction of commercial buildings to accommodate special conditions. 3.4 Develop, sketch and document compliant construction design solutions |
Element: |
4. Specify structural requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Design, draw and detail timber wall, floor and roof framing systems according to timber framing code and in consultation with engineer, as required. 4.2 Design, draw and detail bracing and tie-down system to meet structural requirements. 4.3 Identify, draw and detail steel framing systems according to construction practices in consultation with engineer. 4.4 Identify, draw and detail unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems for the construction of internal and external walls according to relevant legislation. 4.5 Detail weatherproofing to meet relevant Australian Standards. 4.6 Document all structural requirements that incorporates fixings and materials 4.7 Design, draw and detail waterproofing requirements for basement construction and balcony construction. |
Element: |
5. Comply with fire resistance requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Design building to maintain structural stability and provide safeguards in the event of fire. 5.2 Confirm specifications for building design to comply with statutory requirements for fire separation and relevant legislation. |
Element: |
6. Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Design and draw wet area details that incorporate materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions. 6.2 Design, draw and document facilities and room heights according to relevant regulatory framework requirements. 6.3 Select sound insulation materials according to relevant regulatory framework requirements 6.4 Design provisions for safe movement and access according to relevant regulatory framework requirements and Liveable Housing Design Standard where applicable 6.5 Design, draw and detail acoustic separation for walls, floors and ceilings, that incorporates selecting sound insulation to reduce sound transmission and determination of compliant Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index) levels. |
Element: |
7.Specify requirements for construction |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Design, draw and notate details for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings according to relevant regulatory framework requirements. 7.2 Design, draw and document details of materials and finishes for joinery fabrication and installations. 7.3 Specify provisions for the installation and connection of services according to relevant regulatory framework requirements. |
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,
- student pin-ups and presentations,
- peer reviews,
- in-class instruction and demonstrations,
- lectures,
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Lecture Content |
Studio Content |
Issue and Due |
Week 1 |
Course Intro, CCT & CWD AT1 Intro Friday, Services Lecture |
AT1C, Research Project and Document Project |
AT1C Issued |
Week 2 |
CCT Lecture 1(Friday 8:30am) CCT & CWD AT2 Factory Project Intro Factory Construction System, Portal Frames Commercial Construction Terminology |
AT1W, Research & Document Project |
AT1C Due AT2C Issued |
Week 3 |
CCT Lecture 2(Friday 8:30am) Steel framing & connections (structural & light weight), shopfronts. Fire resistance, Fire separation |
AT2C, Factory Project |
|
Week 4 |
AT2C, Factory Project |
||
Week 5 |
AT2C, Factory Project |
||
Week 6 |
CCT Lecture 3(Friday 8:30am) Floor slabs, floor systems, Basements & retaining walls |
AT2C, Factory Project |
|
Week 7 |
AT2C, Factory Project |
||
Week 8 |
CCT Lecture 4 (Friday 8:30am) AT3C Richmond Low Rise Project Intro Low rise / high rise construction & curtain wall |
AT2C, Factory Project |
AT2C Due AT3C Issued |
Week 9 |
AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project |
||
Week 10 |
CCT Lecture 5 Services Core, wet areas, stairs, services ducts & voids, fire rating |
AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project |
|
Week 11 |
AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project |
||
Week 12 |
CCT Lecture 6(Friday 8:30am) Facade Systems & Building’s Second Skin |
AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project |
|
Week 13 |
Services Lecture |
AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project |
|
Week 14 |
CCT Lecture 7(Friday 8:30am) CLT and timber framed commercial buildings. |
AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project. |
|
Week 15 |
CCT AT3C, Richmond Low Rise Project |
AT3C Due |
|
Week 16 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Other Resources
Refer to Canvas for Lectures and studio briefings, also the Architectural drafting handbook and examples. The Australian standards are available via RMIT library.
You should register with the Australian Building Codes Board to download the National Construction Code (NCC)
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
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.
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