Architectural Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

136 hours

Admission to the 200 point (stream 1) or the 300 point Master of Architecture program.

(Unless prior approval is obtained from the subject coordinator).

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/

This intensive subject covers a wide range of objectives related to Architectural Practice.

The course is intended to introduce students to and cover the following AACA National Competency Standards (2008): Unit 3 Project Management (Elements 3.1.1-3.1.5 and 3.2.1-3.2.6. 3.3.1 and 3.3.2) Unit 4 Practice Management (Elements 4.1.1-4.1.5.)

At the conclusion of the course students should be able demonstrate the following competencies:

1. To articulate understanding of the Australian architectural profession including its professional norms, ethics, registration pathways, and regulatory context.
2. To prepare fee proposals by choosing and costing various architectural services for different types of building projects.
3. The ability to communicate in writing to clients the specific legal and ethical aspects of architectural services in a given project situation. In particular those related to: Negligence, Contract Responsibilities, Insurance, Planning and Regulatory Issues, and Intellectual Property.
4. To communicate in writing to clients in order to manage client expectations and project risks.
5. To analyse situations in order to prepare for and develop appropriate tactics in different negotiation contexts.
6. To anticipate, manage and propose solutions for the project risks that might arise in architectural the practice lifecycle.
7. Nascent project management skills commensurate with the students individual architectural experience.

None specified

4 x written assignments (4 x 500 words), due Week 5, (40%)
1 group assignment/report (1500-2000 word equivalent), due End of semester, (30%)
1 x 2 hour written exam (1500 word equivalent), due End of semester, (30%)

Acumen. The AIA online practice advisory service for architects. Access available via unimelb library.

A good general textbook is: Emmitt, Stephen. Design management for architects. Oxford, Blackwell, 2007.

For negotiations an essential text is: Roger Fisher and William Ury, Getting to Yes : negotiating an agreement without giving in. New York, Penguin Books, 1983.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Particular attention is given, both in lecture and assignment content, to the development of the following abilities:

1. To anticipate and solve problems within the context of architectural practice.
2. To understand the different modes and protocols of business communication and negotiation.
3. To work in small teams and to understand issues of leadership and performance that affect team outcomes.
4. To negotiate in different situations and contexts.
5. Project management skills.