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Design Processes and Techniques (ARCH20004)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject builds on the knowledge and skills learnt through its prerequisite “Foundations of Design: Representation” by introducing students to contemporary design-enabling approaches and techniques.
Students will be exposed to various architectural design processes and workflows through a set of exercises focused on the diagramming, computing and prototyping of design precedents. Such exercises will require the students to apply an iterative design thinking approach based on the abstraction, formulation, evaluation and transformation of ideas, which is an essential component of any design studio activity. Students will learn how to communicate design ideas, processes and outcomes using architectural drawings, and a variety of visual media and techniques.
The lectures will present and discuss a range of processes and techniques in both the analogue and digital domains, with particular attention given to the most recent development in performance-oriented computational design and fabrication. The lectures will support the students in developing a critical awareness of the relationship between design tools and outcomes. Such an understanding of how parametric modelling and fabrication strategies affect the design process will be developed and tested through reflective writing.
Costs to Students:
Students will be required to purchase modelling and drawing materials to complete this subject, including costs to purchase 3D modelling software and cover laser cutting and 3d printing activities; the overall cost is estimated to be approx. $300 to $400 per person.
Rhinoceros3D offers a 90-day free trial version. Note that future subjects in your major may require this software, especially if you are majoring in Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Therefore, purchasing a student license is recommended.
Students can subscribe to use Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) for a monthly fee. Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign from the CC are required in this subject.
Other software and plugins recommended for this subject are available for free, e.g. Grasshopper for Rhinoceros3D.
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:
- Apply a variety of design production techniques to analyse and reinterpret precedents, using both analogue and digital tools of abstraction, formulation, evaluation, development of ideas.
- Use a variety of model making techniques to support design thinking, including physical and digital models, as well as laser cutting, 3D printing and other digital fabrication methods.
- Communicate complex spatial conditions and formal properties within an architecture project through drawings, diagrams, workflows and prototypes.
- Reflect on the digital and physical artefacts produced during the semester by curating an ePortfolio that includes reflective writing.
Generic skills
- Problem identification, formulation and solution.
- Independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.
- Communication skills in written and graphic formats through a variety of media.
- Proficiency in the use of analogue and digital design processes and techniques.
- Independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.
- Communications skills in written and graphic formats.
- Time management.
- Teamwork.
Last updated: 3 October 2024