Units
Architectural Design 2
Unit code: DAB210
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit offers a focused introduction to the field of design through engagement with the explicit process of design as applied to architecture. It uses developmental exercises to enhance student perceptions of the built environment in a problem based learning environment. Architectural design as a manageable process in explored through a number of exercises and design projects. Discrete steps in the process of architectural design are made explicit through staged activities that build to a complete design project. Orthogonal drawing exercises, freehand sketching, presentation graphics, and model making all form part of the unit content. Teaching and learning activities are spread across lectures, tutorials, and studio based activities.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Extending your foundation studies, DAB110 Architectural Design 1 explores, examines and exposes architectural design as a rigorous and manageable process with measurable qualities. DAB210 builds on the knowledge gained in DAB110.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide you with an appreciation for the technological and artistic processes of design within an architectural context. It seeks to provide you with an ability to develop architectural designs of controlled complexity, with particular focus on aspects of spatial quality. It also aims to make you aware of the discrete steps in the process of architectural design.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills pertinent to architectural design.
2. Engage with aspects of architectural design knowledge and demonstrate the capacity to analyse, imagine and test architectural ideas.
3. Demonstrate an understanding that design problem solving is a manageable process.
4. Develop a range of communication techniques to represent architectural problems and their solutions.
Content
Topics covered in this unit include:
- Exposure to a basic processes of architectural design
- An understanding of general contextual issues relevant to architectural design
- Generation of architectural design concepts
- Refinement of initial architectural design responses
- Communication of architectural design ideas using visual and oral techniques
- Orthogonal drawing exercises, freehand sketching, presentation graphics, and model making
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode: Hours per week: 4
Lecture: 1
Studio/Tutorial: 3
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, and desk critiques of your work. On occasion 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.
Learning Approaches:
Learning approaches will cover the following:
- Problem based
- Self-learning
- Individual learning
- Reflective
- Exposition
- Presentation
Assessment
Overview of Assessment:
Assessment will be based on three problem-based learning assignments (design projects). Each of these will require a range of analytical exercises to be performed in a structured order that will inform the development of an architectural proposition in response to a given brief. Processes and methods of managing creative thinking will be guided through weekly exercises that build up to provide a body of knowledge that will inform the design assignments.Tutors will offer formative feedback during the semester at key times to assist you in the development of your design projects.
Assessment name:
Design Presentation
Description:
An oral presentation and defence of your formative design proposal.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 4
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Early - Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Design Debate
Description:
An argument for, and a defence of your evolving design proposal.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 4
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Design Exhibition
Description:
A display and oral defence of completed design proposal.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End 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
Blackboard:
QUT Blackboard will, apart from the weekly lectures, be the primary source of communication in this unit.
Set text:
Weekly readings for this unit will be set and these will be available via the QUT Blackboard.
Additional Costs:
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'
- A2 sheets of detail paper - tracing paper
- Roll of detail paper - plain or yellow detail paper - approx. 300mm wide
- Fine line black felt pen - eg. 0.2 or 0.4mm
- Pencils - HB, 2B, 4B, 6B regular pencils or broad lead drafting pencils (eg. 2mm)
- Drafting pencils with coloured lead - blue and red
- Adjustable set square
- T-square - approx. 900mm long
- Compass
- Coloured pencils - set of 24 minimum
- Pencil sharpener, and eraser
- 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
Risk assessment statement
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.
Health & Safety Inductions
Students are required to complete, if haven't already previously completed, the following Inductions / Certificates
1. General Safety Induction
2. J-Block Workshop Induction
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: 29-May-2012
