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Digital Design (ARCH20004)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
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.
This subject will involve the following software: Adobe Creative Suite, Rhinoceros, Enscape for Rhinoceros. Details of software availability and pricing are captured at https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/graduate-research/resources/it-support#software
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: 11 April 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
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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Weekly online quizzes
| Throughout the semester | 10% |
Module 1: written and graphic submission including digital model files. Contents to be presented via an ePortfolio format with reflective writing.
| Week 3 | 10% |
Module 2 : written and graphic submission including digital model files of Digital Fabrication protocols. Contents to be presented as an ePortfolio with reflective writing.
| Week 7 | 25% |
Module 3: written, graphic and audio / video submission including a short animation and an oral presentation.
| During the examination period | 30% |
Final Portfolio, containing curated artefacts produced during the semester, with reflective writing.
| During the examination period | 25% |
Additional details
Note: the hour indicated for the assessments excludes learning activities and contact hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Loh Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 52 hours: 8 x 1hour lecture, 32 hours studio and 6 x 2 hours workshop Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Course reader will be provided on LMS
Please also check the note section
- Subject notes
A laptop with faculty specifications found: https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/abp-specialist-it-support
Rhinoceros 3D software. Note: Apple-Mac users will require Windows operating system. - Incidental costs
Students will be required to purchase drawing and modelling materials for the course excluding software; cost approx. $250 to $300 per person.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- 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
- Bachelor of Science
- 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: 11 April 2024