Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 8 months (2 semesters)
This program can be completed in 8 months (2 semesters)
Students must take eighty credit points (80CP) of directed subjects taken from the following list of options. Subject selection and sequence differ based on when the program is commenced; the program study plan provides guidance on this for students.
This subject explores how design strategies and methodologies can play a fundamental role in understanding and addressing contemporary global environmental, cultural and social challenges through the lens of First Nation Knowledge. The subject will explore our place and position amongst a complex web of ecological systems and world views. A particular area of focus is on the analysis of environmental practice and how we can address Climate change through an understanding of care, health and well-being for Country. The subject will introduce you to First Nations knowledge and discuss design and environmental practice through a decolonisation lens.
Read moreThis subject places an emphasis upon the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a tool for design, development, documentation, and information management within architectural and construction practices. Students will develop fundamental skills required to communicate their projects to a high degree of resolution for documentation, coordination, analysis and construction purposes. An understanding of the various scales and types of drawn representation is synthesised with accompanying documentation methods and techniques common in contemporary construction. Students will learn the building information modelling (BIM) process via the Revit software platform.
Read moreThis subject covers the history of world architecture and urbanism from the early days of humans as builders until most recent architectural phenomena today. Because the second semester subject, entitled Architecture and Urbanism of the Asia Pacific, focuses on that part of the world, this first semester subject is mainly concerned with architecture in the other regions. The goal in examining aesthetic concepts; philosophical, social and environmental issues; vernacular typologies and indigenous cultures; materials; construction methods; as well as evolution of science and technology, is to provide a framework for critical evaluations and analyses of architectural and urban design. There is strong emphasis on linking the discussed, interrelated examples and theories with the cultural, social and environmental imperatives of the 21st century. Significant concepts, works, architects, planners, and contexts are highlighted for precedent studies and future referrals in order to develop the students’ design thinking skills.
Read moreThis subject aims to introduce students to design thinking through graphic medium and representation. Students will explore drawing and visualisation as a means of creative action and an aid to unlock design potential and strategies. Using a mixture of hand drawing and digital software, students will be introduced to fundamental ideation, drawing and modelling techniques through a series of skill development exercises covering graphic presentation using diagrams, storyboards, vignettes, and iterative sketching. Design assignments will allow students to explore the application of drawing and digital modelling techniques as design thinking tools to develop ideas, create technical drawings and visualise spatial imagination. Students will practise communication skills involved in organising and making presentation graphics in the form of design panel layout, portfolio, and in-class verbal presentation.
Read moreThis subject will introduce a range of concepts and intuitive levels of understanding of fundamental construction materials, the methodologies involved in their making and application in basic construction systems. Principles in the consideration of material employment, such as embodied energy, wastage, environmental impact, ethical manufacturing practices, structural integrity, economy, efficiency, thermal mass, durability and maintenance are explored. In addition, the experiential qualities of weight, colour, surface, reflectivity, luminosity, transparency, opacity, translucency, resonance and solidity are also investigated. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction and assembly of materials and systems utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop.
Read moreThis subject explores material and detail in relation to the design process. Students interrogate a small-scale urban plot and are given a design brief with functional programs. The studio will develop and extend design thinking related to human scale, ergonomics, materiality, and craft. Processes will be explored and refined through research and prototyping. A design drawing and model-making skills discovery course is integrated into the subject.
Read moreThis subject will observe a landscape and its associated environments to develop understandings of place from which design proposals can be established. Understandings of terrain, climate, space, place, environment and cultural landscapes will be explored through field work studies, drawing and model making. Students critical and responsive design thinking will be focussed through proposed landscape interventions. The Designing for a Sustainable Future course will be closely related to the subject. A design drawing and model making discovery course is integrated within the subject.
Read moreIn Urban Futures + Parametric Cities, students will investigate design speculations for master planning strategies for urban built form utilising digital platforms with a focus on social, cultural and environmental outcomes. A comparative analysis with an emphasis on density, form, scale, public space, access, climate, history, typology and geographical determinants of a particular global city will be undertaken to inform creative speculations. Lectures and presentations will expose students to a range of cities, comparing and contrasting their design characteristics. Algorithmic tools will be used to examine and evaluate different variables to understand their implications for city design. Students will work individually and in teams through workshops and exercises to develop content awareness and application.
Read moreThis subject covers the history of world architecture and urbanism from the early days of humans as builders till most recent architectural phenomena today. Because the first semester subject, entitled World Architecture and Urbanism, focuses on other areas, this second semester subject is mainly concerned with architecture in Asia and the Pacific region, including Australia. The goal in examining aesthetic concepts; philosophical, social and environmental issues; vernacular typologies and indigenous cultures; materials; construction methods; as well as evolution of science and technology, is to provide a framework for critical evaluations and analyses of architectural and urban design. There is strong emphasis on linking the discussed, interrelated examples and theories with the cultural, social and environmental imperatives of the 21st century. Significant concepts, works, architects, planners, and contexts are highlighted for precedent studies and future referrals in order to develop the students’ design thinking skills.
Read moreThis subject will explore experiential and spatial exploitations of form, light and material with a particular focus on architectural atmospheres. Fundamental skills in the application of design thinking and process, narrative, critical thinking, observation and analysis will be developed. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction of a full-scale space utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop. A design drawing and model making discovery course is integrated within the subject.
Read moreGraphic Design provides students with an introduction to visual communication principles and graphic design elements such as colour, type, line, shape and form as foundations for understanding the aesthetic, function, and social applications of design. Students will use industry-standard content tools from Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
Read moreThis subject provides students from non-engineering backgrounds with a basic understanding of building structures and soil mechanics. Fundamental structural engineering concepts such as calculation of forces and reactions, properties of common construction materials, bending moments and shear forces are introduced. Structural principles encompassing Strength, Serviceability and Stability are covered. Soil properties are examined, and foundation systems introduced.
Read moreUnderstanding Buildings provides an overview of the building construction process. Focused on detached housing development, this subject introduces the stakeholders and the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting the development of a building. It investigates the parts of a building and their functions in detail, as well as the construction sequence and methods adopted. Construction terminology is examined and spatial awareness and drawing interpretation are practised.
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Take the guess work out of planning your study schedule. Your program's study plan has been carefully curated to provide a clear guide on the sequential subjects to be studied in each semester of your program. Your study plan is designed around connected subject themes to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required as you progress through your course.