ARCH13-120: Philosophy of Design

Description

The Philosophy of Design subject focuses on a critical analysis and investigation of themes, precedents and paradigms that inform architectural design thinking and appreciation of architecture. This subject builds upon the knowledge acquired in the prerequisite undergraduate subjects by developing competencies both in theoretical understanding and design synthesis on a higher level of application; through the critical study of a specific selection of architects, canonical buildings, cities, their experiential qualities, tectonic attributes, morphological conditions, technologies, and theories, the students examine and analyse their objective contribution toward forming one's own strategy as an architectural designer. The subject is seminar based, with students developing research investigations which are presented to the class for review and discussion. Coursework is both written and graphic (2D and 3D), including a small scale architectural design project, which aims to advance the students’ design thinking and analytic writing skills. The assessments provide opportunities to demonstrate competency in the learning outcomes and complex applications required in architectural design and possible postgraduate studies.

Subject details

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of design procedures, systems and the history of design methods (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.1.1).
2. Demonstrate an understanding of design precedent, critique, analysis and movements in design theory (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.1.1).
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the tangible and intangible channels to architectural creativity (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.1.1).
4. Demonstrate an ability to engage imagination and to think creatively (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.1.2).
5. Demonstrate an ability to reconcile divergent factors and integrate domains of knowledge in the creation of a design solution (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.1.2).
6. Demonstrate an ability to gather information and apply analysis and critical judgment (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.1.2).
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of structure and their application to the design of built environments (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.2.1).
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between environment, materials and structure (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.2.1).
9. Demonstrate an ability to gather information and apply analysis and critical judgment (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.2.2).
10. Demonstrate an awareness of philosophical, cultural and political movements (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.3.1).
11. Demonstrate an ability to utilise speculation, iteration and reflection in critical discourse (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.3.2).
12. Demonstrate an ability to inform action through knowledge of historical and cultural precedents in architecture (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.3.2).
13. Demonstrate an awareness of social and cultural dimensions of place (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.6.1).
14. Demonstrate an ability to define personal values systems and ethical positions (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.6.2).
15. Demonstrate an ability to effect action or communicate ideas through the exercise of skills of collaboration, speaking, writing, drawing, modelling and evaluation (AIA Tertiary Education Policy category 3.7.2).

Enrolment requirements

Subject outlines

• September 2020 [Standard]
• September 2019 [Standard]
• September 2018 [Standard]
• September 2017 [Standard]

Subject dates