Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Design is arguably the core activity of architecture. As such, design is a major component of the architecture course. This design unit offers a broad introduction to the practice of design in an architectural context, and is therefore offered at the commencement of the course.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with an introduction to the discipline of architecture and to provide an overview of the fields of knowledge with which architects must concern themselves. It seeks to promote an awareness of thinking like an architect.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate and ability to:

1. Observe, critically analyse, and discuss architectural designs and buildings.

2. Apply a process of problem-solving; through imagining, representing, and testing to develop architectural ideas, and be discerning in their application.

3. Communicate architectural ideas and proposals through a range of visual representation techniques.

Content

Topics covered in this unit include:

• the imagination and development of architectural ideas
  
  
• introduction to design processes
  
  
• representation and communication of ideas
  
  
• observation and imagination
  
  
• orthogonal drawing techniques and methods
  
  
• physical modelling techniques and method
  
  
• analysis and testing of ideas
  
  
• urban and natural context
  
  
• spatial quality and place making
  
  
• planning, adjacencies and hierarchies
  
  
• tectonics, materials and assembly
  
  
• form generation and abstraction

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Your learning in this unit will be fostered predominantly by problem-based learning exercises, delivered in a studio setting. Your work in the design studio will be supported by formal lectures, group tutorials, desk critiques of your work, and on-line resources. You will be required to display your work for critiques in a group setting, giving you opportunity to explain your ideas and their implementation in your project work. Formative feedback will be given at key times throughout the semester to foster the development of problem-based learning projects.

Teaching Mode: Hours per week:
Lecture: 1
Studio/Tutorial: 3

Learning Approaches:
Learning approaches will cover the following:

- Problem based
- Self-learning
- Reflective
- Exposition
- Presentation

Assessment

Assessment will be based on two assignments, one of which is a 'design project'. Each of these will require a range of analysis exercises to be performed in a structured order that will inform the development of an architecture proposition in response to a given brief. Each of these will require you to practice a method of imagining, representing, and testing in order to engage with a process of creative and critical thinking.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.Tutors will offer formative feedback during the semester at key times to assist you in the development of your assignment projects.

Assessment name: Exhibition & Oral Presentation
Description: You will exhibit two dimensional and three dimensional representational work, as a visual summary of the analysis of a range of architectural environments and give an oral explanation of your understanding.

You will submit an A4 journal/compilation of drawings and other images to show the design process supporting your representational work. This will also be a record of your skills development in this unit
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Design & Oral Presentation
Description: You will prepare, exhibit and explain drawings of your architectural design for a small building. Specifics of image format and requirements will be provided with the project brief.
You will submit an A4 journal/compilation of drawings and other images to show the design process supporting your representational work. This will also be a record of your skills development in this unit
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No Set text
Further readings and resource materials will be recommended at lecture or on the unit Blackboard site

Materials
Participation in this unit will require a broad range of drafting and artistic materials and supplies. Typical requirements include:

A4 size sturdy pre-bound sketchbook - good quality art paper - 'visual diary'
Roll of detail paper - plain or yellow detail paper - approx. 300mm wide
Fine line black felt pen - eg. 0.2 or 0.4mm
Pencils -2B, 4B, 6B regular pencils or broad lead drafting pencils (eg. 2mm)
Coloured pencils - set of 24 minimum
Pencil sharpener, and Eraser
Adjustable set square
T-square - approx. 900 long
Compass
Scale ruler - 300mm, flat, scales - 1:5 1:10 1:20 1:50 1:100 1:200 1:500
Scissors
Glue stick or pot of glue
Roll of masking tape or sticky tape
Range of other possible drawing media such as pastel, ink, watercolour, paint, etc
Range of possible model making media such as white paper, stiff cardboard, foam coare, wood, wire, string, etc.

Risk assessment statement

In this unit you will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. The unit includes local site visits by bus and/or walking and possible exhibition of student work in a public space. Students are expected to take the normal care expected when using public transport or walking in an urban environment or display of work in a public space. You may choose to use the school workshop facility for some of your model making activities - use of the workshop requires attendance at an induction course offered by school workshop staff (information offered in 'O' week). If you are using the school workshop facility, you will be required to comply with safety clothing requirements, and with safety directions given by workshop staff.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Oct-2012