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Flexible Urban Modelling (ABPL90304)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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This elective focuses on integration of geospatial data into iterative, procedural, rapid, large-scale design modelling, using a range of emerging tools including GIS, 3D modelling, CIM (Civil Information Models) and associated scripts and plugins. In this subject you will develop methods to model and interact with complex built form, difficult terrains and integrate social, environmental, and ecological data into your design decision-making.

This subject offers an opportunity to build upon prior skills and interest in areas such as biomorphic form making, 3D printing, photogrammetry, agent-based simulation, particle systems, material networks, online mapping, GIS analysis, motion graphics and performance-based design. It is recommended for students of urban design, landscape architecture, and architecture.

Subject note: In 2021, this subject will be taught through Blended Synchronous Learning (BSL), available in both an online and on campus format. All software is available free to students on personal machines. Whether learning remotely or on campus, it is highly recommended you have the following equipment available to you:

A PC (Windows Operating System) desktop/laptop that complies with the MSD recommendations with a webcam, headphone and microphone please refer: 

https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/student-experience/it-support.

You will predominantly use Autodesk software’s 3ds Max and Civil3D, please ensure you set up an Autodesk account before downloading and installing free 1 year licence:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/account-management/autodesk-for-education/students-and-educators/get-started-for-students-and-educators

Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) is also free software, and can be downloaded using the following instructions: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q61LSk9n3U8&list=PLxhO2rXtBrKEwCHRYXXs8aQ3SswxXOTR8&index=2&t=0s

ArcGIS Pro is available free through request for a licence. Please contact It licencing: itlicensing-info@unimelb.edu.au

Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) can be accessed through MyUniApps or purchased on monthly basis:

https://students.unimelb.edu.au/campus-life/campuses-and-facilities/elearning-and-it/myuniapps

Most other plugins and scripts are also available free, though we are also in the process of accessing home licences for others.




Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the strengths and limitations of working between GIS based data and cartesian modelling environments.
  • Understand a range of possibilities for spatial data to inform design decisions and design modelling.
  • Engage with and apply a variety of emerging spatial modelling technologies to address design objectives in both complex existing conditions and to future climate, density and transport projections.
  • Develop practical, rapid and refined, knowledge capture and presentation techniques for design communication and design modelling, including visualising data in online map platforms.

Generic skills

  • Develop complex file management protocols and data transition techniques between a range of software platforms.
  • Develop familiarity with online platforms for urban and ecological data acquisition.
  • Develop and apply computational thinking skills to address spatial design problems.
  • Develop and apply time-saving modelling techniques.

Last updated: 3 November 2022