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Construction as Alchemy (ARCH10002)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject focuses on how design ideas are translated into built form through the process of construction. Students learn about the various professionals and trades that are involved, how construction information is communicated in contract documents, and about the structural principles and material properties that underpin the form and fabric of the built environment.
Through analysis, observation, experimentation, testing and review, students explore how designs become buildings. Site visits and model making and other exercises are used to engage students with structures (e.g. force and support systems), materials (e.g. metals, masonry, ceramics, polymers and timber) and construction case studies.
Physical and environmental properties of materials are presented together with their construction techniques and life cycle issues.
Costs to Students:
Students will be required to bring the drawing materials purchased for the prerequisite subject Foundations of Design - Representation. In addition an eight metre measuring tape, scale ruler and set of working drawings will be required along with printouts of assignments for submission; cost approx. $50-$100 per person.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who have successfully completed this subject should be able to:
- Convey their understanding of construction processes, detailing and the roles of various professionals, suppliers and trades;
- Understand basic structural principles and material properties that underpin the form and fabric of built environments;
- Explore physical measures that quantify length, area, volume, mass, weight and scale and their application to representations of objects (e.g. in drawings and models);
- Convey basic understanding of the range of building systems in terms of structure, materials, construction and function;
- Identify basic properties and behaviour of materials, manufacturing processes and the environmental implications of their selection and use within the constructed environment.
Generic skills
Students completing this subject will have developed the following generic skills:
- Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
- Ability to learn from experiments and through reflection and analysis;
- Effective communication with peers and the community at large;
- Independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ARCH10001 | Foundations of Design: Representation |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS10003 | Constructing Environments | No longer available |
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Construction design and detailing exploring mass, timber and steel construction due weeks 4, 8 and 11
| From Week 4 to Week 11 | 65% |
Quizzes based on subject content conducted throughout the semester
| Throughout the semester | 15% |
One exam, conducted in class (equivalent to 800 words)
| Week 11 | 20% |
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects Informal specialisation Non-allowed Breadth Subjects within the Bachelor of Design - relating to specific majors - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 March 2024