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Digital Design (ARCH20004)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject continues the knowledge from Foundations of Design: Representation. We will examine rule base thinking in digital design through processes of modelling and fabrication. The ability to develop these thinking through contemporary techniques of abstraction, evaluation, formulation, and transformation of information as ideas and knowledge is critical in digital design.

In this subject, students will develop an understanding of design process and workflow through modelling of information, both as virtual data and physical material. We will focus on using digital and physical modelling as iterative, progressive and generative techniques in developing form and design content.

A series of lectures will introduce students to a range of processes and techniques in digital design and its implementation in architecture and design. We will explore some of these methodologies in detail through a series of exercises and design brief. Students will learn rule based design process and developed skill in parametric design software resulting in physical artefacts using digital fabrication tools. The emphasis will be on developing a critical understanding of the relationship between media and its outcomes, and how modelling and digital fabrication techniques can encourage or constrain design possibilities.

Concluding each lecture, students will be introduced to self-teaching modules that will enable further experimentation with media and techniques. At the end of the semester, students will compile their personal portfolio with precision using reflective writing to anchor and demonstrate design thinking.

Costs to Students:

  • Students will be required to purchase modelling and drawing materials for the course including cost to cover laser cutting and 3d printing; cost approx. $300 to $380 per person.
  • Rhino 3d can be downloaded free for 90 days trial. Please note that future subjects in your major may require this software; especially if you are majoring in Architecture and Landscape Architecture.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) can be purchased on monthly bases. You will require Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign for this subject. (See Required Resources folder for further details)
  • Grasshopper and Enscape for Rhino are available free to student to download.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who have successfully completed this subject should be able to:

  • Familiarise with digital thinking through modelling exercises and by using parametric software
  • Use a variety of digital media and fabrication techniques with dexterity
  • Communicate complex relationships among digital entities through drawings, diagramming, and modelling.
  • Construct and develop design ideas from gathered information by using an appropriate parametric approach and digital techniques..
  • Apply an iterative modelling process to contemporary design workflow and case studies
  • Examine how abstract and analytical thinking are pivotal in the design process

Generic skills

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will have had the opportunity to develop the following generic skills :

• Develop precision, rigour and skills in physical and digital modelling
• To work cooperatively and professionally in group setting
• Develop communication skills through drawings, models and other media
• Developed capacity for independent critical thought, creative inquiry and self-directed learning
• Developed an understanding of how such techniques are related to creative thinking

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ARCH10001 Foundations of Design: Representation
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

ENVS20001 Digital Design and Fabrication

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Weekly online quizzes

  • 15 minutes (each)
Throughout the semester10%

Module 1: written and graphic submission including digital model files. Contents to be presented via an ePortfolio format with reflective writing.

  • 10-12 hours (of work required)
Week 310%

Module 2 : written and graphic submission including digital model files of Digital Fabrication protocols. Contents to be presented as an ePortfolio with reflective writing.

  • 25-30 hours (of work required)
Week 725%

Module 3: written, graphic and audio / video submission including a short animation and an oral presentation.

  • 30-36 hours (of work required)
During the examination period30%

Final Portfolio, containing curated artefacts produced during the semester, with reflective writing.

  • 21-25 hours (of work required)
Hurdle requirement: Regardless of assignment results, a pass grade must be achieved in the final Portfolio submission to pass the subject.		During the examination period25%

Additional details

Note: the hour indicated for the assessments excludes learning activities and contact hours

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorPaul Loh
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours52 hours: 8 x 1hour lecture, 32 hours studio and 6 x 2 hours workshop
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021
    Last self-enrol date12 March 2021
    Census date31 March 2021
    Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021
    Assessment period ends25 June 2021

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Further information

Last updated: 3 October 2023