Architectural Design and Theory

Unit code: NEA2102 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

Architectural design and theory includes two components: Component A (Theory) and Component B (Design).

Component A: Theory, Students must undertake study in areas of architectural theory including the language of Architecture (form and order, hierarchy, scale composition and proportion); the human body and anthropometrics; and drawing upon historical precedents evident in contemporary Architecture.

Component B: Design, introduces students to Architectural Design by exploring the complex process of thinking, where experience, meaning and philosophy are positioned as essential to the aesthetic, spatial and physical resolution of design. This subject immerse students into the architectural design process, including its theoretical, aesthetical, technical, professional and contextual basis. Students will develop a wide range of visual literacy, theory, and communication skills through the conceptual design process.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Review and synthesise a body of practical and theoretical knowledge to apply to the design process;
  2. Apply design knowledge to an architectural problem at an introductory level and demonstrate design skills through an iterative and considered design process, to resolve ideas from concept formation through to simple design development;
  3. Communicate design ideas at an introductory level, demonstrating through the building design & its representation;
  4. Produce two and three-dimensional drawings as determined by the project brief;
  5. Articulate the design rational, process and purpose coherently and through a medium that is universally recognised by other professionals as well as relevant stakeholders; and
  6. Work individually and with others, and communicate effectively with others orally and in writing on a range of built environment-related topics using appropriate language.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Individual portfolios and reports which provide evidence demonstrating that the learning outcomes for the subject have been achieved. The assessment material will include four major section as listed below that illustrate the importance of architectural design, theory, skills in abstract thinking and visual communication and skills in three-dimensional ‘spatial’ problem solving and model making.

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Individual quizzes (4)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 20%
Individual case study & initial design
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 20%
Group site analysis and schematic design
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
Group final design presentation (with 5% group member evaluation and 5% peer review)

Required reading

A comprehensive set of notes will be available for most topics. These notes will contain further references and reading material.

RECOMMENTED TEXTS: Elements of Architecture, Rem Koolhaas, 2018 Architecture: Form, Space, & Order, Frank D. K. Ching, 2023 Introduction to Architecture, Francis D. K. Ching, James F. Eckler, 2012

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Building Design
NBBD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Architectural Design
NUAD | Undergraduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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