Advanced Computational Design (ABPL90123)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject focusses on computational tools, processes, and theories for architectural design. The topics covered range from basic scripting for design automation and fabrication to the application of optimisation and machine learning techniques for performative design.
This is not an introductory subject to computational design. It builds on previous knowledge of design thinking and computational design tools, processes, and applications.
Prescribed software programs with a cost
McNeel Rhino
Prescribed software tools
Image editing software
Vector editing software
Layout software
Details of software availability and pricing are captured at: https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/student-experience/it-support
Intended learning outcomes
Having completed this subject it is expected that the student be able to:
- Familiarise with a variety of computational design techniques, and appreciate both challenges and limits of using such techniques in real-world scenarios;
- Formulate a design problem in computational terms;
- Apply a variety of optimisation and machine learning techniques to solve design problems
- Develop a critical awareness of the relationship between design thinking and design computing
Generic skills
- Proficiency in the use of computational design tools for design automation (scripting), optimisation and machine learning.
- Critical reflection, thinking, and analysis, related to computation design tools, processes and theories.
- Problem-solving applied to computational design.
- Ability to illustrate a computational design process through diagrams, codes and in writing.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into a course at the Melbourne School of Design.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Completion of Contemporary Digital Practice (ABPL90149) and/ or Digital Design (ARCH20004) is recommended
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Folio, Part 1: Written and/or graphic submission on design automation exercises
| From Week 1 to Week 3 | 15% |
Folio, Part 2: Written and/or graphic submission on optimisation and Machine Learning exercises (Folio, Part 2)
| From Week 4 to Week 7 | 15% |
Folio, Part 3: Written and/or graphic submission on Advanced Computational Design applications
| From Week 8 to Week 12 | 55% |
Folio, Appendix: Individual review, reflections and quizzes on the weekly readings
| Throughout the semester | 15% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Alberto Pugnale Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025
Time commitment details
170 Hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
This subject has a Quota and priority will be given to UoM students
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025