Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

Technology is an essential part of the vocabulary of the designer and technical and scientific issues are an integral part of design projects. It is a fundamental task of architectural design to achieve the comfort requirements of the users. This unit introduces you to the basic technologies and sciences associated with architectural practice and in particular technical skills required for simple design projects dealing with Environmental Design.

Aims

The aims of this unit are centred on the development of working understanding of the importance of climate responsive design and environmental factors on the design development of buildings. The studio work aims to promote your understanding and awareness of natural means of control of indoor conditions.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Identify thermal properties of building materials;
   
2. Demonstrate your understanding of the basic principles of environmental conscious building design;
   
3. Apply the climate conscious building design principles to design projects;
   
4. Demonstrate your understanding and ability to use the various architectural methodologies to achieve physical comfort for building occupants.

Content

Topics covered in this segment of the unit include:

1. Heat transfer, and thermal properties of building materials
   
2. Bioclimatic classification
   
3. Climate and climatic elements as environmental factors influencing architectural design
   
4. Methodologies used in ventilation, condensation, lighting, and thermal performance.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is delivered in the form of lectures, studio, and hands-on practical exercises, integrated with design projects. Teaching and learning will include flexible delivery, assisted by lectures and design studio (Problem based). Some practical exercises will be conducted in groups (Team based and Experiential learning), others individually (Individual learning) forming parts of assessment.

Teaching Mode:
Hours per week:
Lecture: 2
Studio/Tutorial: 2

Learning Approaches:

Learning in this unit will be focused on your ability to apply the information introduced in the lectures:

• to solve problem-based exercises in class;


• to critically assess a building in terms of its response to climate and to present that to class;


• to undertake hands-on experiments that explore the importance of building colour and material and design for daylighting;


• to use computer software for analysing the climate conditions of a region and for analysing, understanding and enhancing the thermal performance of buildings.

Assessment

Overview of Assessment:
Assessment will be based on two problem-based learning assignment logbooks and a design project. Formative feedback will be offered during the semester at weekly tutorials as feed back for assignment work in progress.

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. Formative Assessment:
Assessment type: Ongoing
Weighting: Nil

Tutors will offer formative feedback during the semester at key times to assist students undertaking the assignments.

Assessment name: Log/Workbook 1
Description: A record of observations, completed tasks or goals that have been met.
Relates to objectives: Exercises and experiments will assist architectural decisions for choosing materials and elements, ventilation of spaces; forming teams and working as a cooperative and productive team member (LO 1, 2, 4)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Application of theory and practice with 2 pin-up presentations during the project period and 1 final presentation.
Relates to objectives: Designing buildings appropriate to 2 specific climatic regions; integration of knowledge gained through hands-on experiments into design (LO 3).
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Assessment name: Log/Workbook 2
Description: A record of observations, completed tasks or goals that have been met.
Relates to objectives: Exercises and experiments helping to take architectural decisions for natural lighting of spaces; observing effects of colours; and working as a cooperative and productive team member (LO 4)
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
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

There are no set texts for this unit. However, recommended reading material will be advised at the beginning of the semester.

Materials:
Drawing and model making materials.

Risk assessment statement

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the workshops under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the Faculty. The Faculty's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions.

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