Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 8 months (2 semesters)
This program can be completed in 8 months (2 semesters)
Students must complete the following thirty credit points (30CP) of subjects
This subject explores architecture and its relationship to the natural environment to further the principles and values of sustainable design. Primary environmental design principles will be expanded to include observations of cities and their regions, as well as cultural, societal, climatic, and economic systems and challenges. A range of concepts and understanding in building science and climatic analysis will be introduced along with discussion around resilience, passive design systems, building envelopes, materials and microclimates. The subject emphasises a holistic approach to creating and sustaining living environments and covers fundamental principles of embodied and operational carbon via Life Cycle Analysis of buildings to support the transition towards a carbon-neutral built environment.
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.
Read moreStudents must complete fifty credit points (50CP) of foundation subjects, including one Design Futures Studio, one Creative Design Studio, and one History subject. Subject selection is based on when the program is commenced, and students must follow the program sequence plan for enrolment.
This subject requires students to undertake a short workplace immersion experience at an architectural practice to observe and develop an understanding of the role of an architect and the day-to-day activities necessary to the profession. Students will undertake intensive seminars to prepare for their placement, including an introduction to architecture professional practice.
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 studentsโ 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 design studio engages with urban projects addressing the pressing issue of density. Utilising creative and speculative design solutions, students will explore and develop an understanding of mixed-used urban density models appropriate to our region. Students will do a combination of group and individual creative design work led in a studio-based educational context. Output is focused on collaborative methods of design production in 2D and 3D drawings and models utilising the FSD Fabrication Workshop.
Read moreDesign Futures Studio: City Lab is a studio-based subject engaging in experimental design projects at all architectural scales, selected for their opportunity to investigate pressing contemporary issues related to the occupation of the urban realm, environmental sustainability, emerging technologies, or other matters of sociocultural or disciplinary concern. Students will engage in an inclusive studio environment to develop solutions in team-based collaborative studio work. This subject asks students to explore the agency of architectural form, material, technique, technology, and meaning in a variety of scenarios. Design proposals are expected to critically engage with a contemporary urban and architectural discourse through project work that exhibits detailed integration of design process work and conceptual endeavour. Projects will be explored through both manual and digital techniques, both collectively and on an individual basis. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction of models and/or large scale constructions for inhabitation utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop.
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 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 studentsโ 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 moreThis subject introduces students to digital fabrication techniques. Students will develop basic parametric modelling skills and work through design workflow and protocol to create models using digital fabrication techniques. Workshop-based tutorials will develop practical skills with classroom-based instruction to develop the software skills required to design. Students will be introduced to the state-of-the-art in the global application of robotics in architecture and reflect upon emerging technologies and their impact on design.
Read moreThis subject will introduce students to the fundamentals of 3D modelling, texturing, rendering, and key principles of animation. Students learn to communicate their ideas through traditional and cutting-edge visualisation pipelines, and apply their knowledge using industry-standard digital creation tools, including Autodesk Maya / 3d Studio.
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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.