Design and Construction (ABPL90287)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject articulates the idea of architectural design as a process where the global environmental agenda, design concepts, and tectonics are intertwined. Students associate technological implementation with architectural design intent by identifying and applying specific building materials, systems, and components to produce responsible and sustainable architecture, critically reflecting on how technological awareness can support and inform appropriate architectural solutions.
The assessment tasks encompass the iterative and environmentally responsive design processes through research, detailed assessment of options and the integration of technical solutions to maintain or enhance the design intent. The documentation set and final detailed design include selecting coherent material systems, components, and systems, also based on building codes and standards.
Prescribed software tools
Drafting software (e.g. McNeel Rhino, AutoCAD)
Image editing software (e.g. Affinity Photo)
Layout software (e.g. Affinity Publisher).
Details of software availability and pricing are captured at https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/student-experience/it-support#software.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Associate technological implementation to architectural design intent by identifying and applying specific building materials, systems, and components, to produce responsible and sustainable architecture;
- Integrate the basic building performance requirements relevant to the National Construction Code and applicable Australian Standards into the design development process;
- Conduct project-based and industry-relevant research on building materials, systems, components, and implement such research in the development of a coherent design proposition;
- Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting and communicating with methods of technical representation as used by the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
Generic skills
- Research skills to comply with the project brief and meet building industry standards and codes throughout the implementation of a design project.
- Critical thinking, specifically in the way detailed design is developed consistently with the design concept.
- Critical approach to reading and researching.
- Public speaking or presenting, related to resolving, detailing and communicating an architectural project through diverse project stages.
- Recognising an opportunity to take detailed Global Climate Actions in each design phase, as Global Citizens.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90286 | Construction Methods | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ABPL90284 | Master of Architecture Studio A | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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 |
|---|---|---|
Written and/or graphic submission. Concept design, including drawings, models, and building product research.
| From Week 3 to Week 4 | 10% |
Written and graphic submission. Preliminary architectural documentation, including drawings, models, building product research, and construction details.
| From Week 8 to Week 9 | 25% |
Written and graphic submission. Final architectural documentation, including drawings, models, building product research, and construction details.
| First week of examination period | 25% |
5 mins individual presentation on the link between conceptual and detailed design.
| From Week 9 to Week 11 | 10% |
Quizzes (10 sessions, each worth 3 points, 30 min each)
| Throughout the teaching period | 30% |
Additional details
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Sofia Colabella Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 4 hours (two hours lecture + two hours tutorials) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
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
- Subject notes
Teaching Methods: Face-to-face lectures include Q&A sessions and preparation for the weekly assessed tasks. Tutorials include assessed activities related to the content of the lectures and assignments, peer-to-peer feedback, one verbal group presentation with a guest, and weekly group and individual feedback on the work in progress. One 30-minute online video introduces students to basic drawing conventions, standards, and communication strategies. A virtual site visit introduces students to the construction stages of a typical Australian residential project. Learning resources are provided weekly on Canvas.
- Incidental costs
- 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025