Design Approaches and Methods (PG)

Subject ABPL90236 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 2 hour lecture; 1 x 2 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Entry into the Melbourne School of Design or approval of the subject coordinator.

Note: If you have not previously undertaken any design subjects it is recommended that you seek permission from a subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None specified
Recommended Background Knowledge: None specified
Non Allowed Subjects: 702-447 (ABPL40015) Design Approaches Methods (UG)
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Gregory Missingham

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
T: +61 3 8344 6417/9862
F: +61 3 8344 5532
E: msd-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

The subject will critically explore approaches and methods in architectural design. It aims to undertake a careful, reflective engagement with a range of design approaches in architecture - from maximalist to minimalist - to examine their pros and cons, their ease of use, their outcomes and their utility and efficiency. The subject aims to assist students in developing a flexible and considered personal approach to architectural design so that they are able to judge which methods and approaches are useful in certain design circumstances.
Objectives:

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

  • Clarify and consolidate their personal design predilections, tastes, working methods, approaches and ambitions;
  • Engage reflectively with a range of design approaches and methods to examine their pros and cons, their ease of use, their outcomes and their utility and efficiency. These features may be examined in general terms and in relation to the individual student.
  • Access a flexible, considered, "horses-for-courses" approach to architectural design;
  • Make balanced judgements about the optimal design methods and approaches that are to be applied to a given circumstance;
  • Make informed forecasts about the design outcomes (including advantages and/or shortcomings) that result from the application of particular design approaches;
  • Appreciate that works of architecture intended to be art need to cue attitudes, responses and/or interpretations in those that use them and propose how this might be achieved.
Assessment:
  • Class participation (15%);
  • A journal (45%);
  • A portfolio of worked examples (40%) to a total equivalent of 5000 words.
Prescribed Texts: None specified
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:
  • Awareness of different approaches to design tasks;
  • Ability to select the appropriate design approach.
Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
Related Course(s): Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture

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