Construction Industry Studies - Property

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

120 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Modern-day, sophisticated property professionals, in their roles as key advisers, developers or investors, are required to lead and / or act in close collaboration with a wide range of other professionals in the analysis and management of property development and property investment projects. Professional property practitioners need to gain a strong understanding of the principles, processes and systems associated with the design and construction of buildings. Construction is, effectively, the largest cost element in a property’s lifecycle, is a source of considerable risk, and its project management is of major importance.

This subject provides an introduction to that strategic knowledge. It discusses, for instance, residential low rise construction e.g. individual house-dwellings, master planned communities, and, commercial and industrial construction systems e.g. medium and high density residential, offices, warehouses, shopping centres, by providing a broad overview on the materials utilised, construction methods, the management of the construction process and the roles of the other professional that, as a team, deliver project.

The various design concepts and structural systems currently used are discussed with an emphasis on how those building features affect the use and cost of construction and, thereby, the value of a property. The selection of materials, its application and performance are incorporated throughout the subject, leading to an awareness of building performance and maintenance, which also impact on property performance, profitability and value.

The subject describes and emphasises the indelible links between the market’s demand for property, financial feasibility of projects, the design response, the methods, systems and cost of construction and their combined effect on property values.

This subject, will the delivered in a series of weekly lectures, tutorials and a number of visits to construction sites.

This subject intends to provide a broad introduction to construction concepts for property major students in the Bachelor of Environments degree.

Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:

• link basic design concepts with current construction practices through discussion in lectures and tutorials and visits to live construction projects;

• appreciate the factors affecting the choice of structural systems, and the choice of construction materials taking into account matters such as construction cost comparison, time / program constraints, analysis of the site including site access, client requirements, the construction and property marketplace including material and technology constraints;

• read and interpret construction drawings;

• understand a variety of project types and the broad construction and structural methods engaged to construct them through discussion in lectures and tutorials, guest speakers from industry and visits to live construction sites;

• comprehend the indelible links between market demand for property, financial feasibility of projects, the design response, property valuation, the methods, systems and cost of construction and their combined effect on property values through examination of the drivers of market supply and demand, elements of feasibility studies, presented in lectures and tutorials, guest speakers from industry and visits to live property development projects under construction.

Assignment 1 - Project Report (1000 words), due Week 5 (15%)

Assignment 2 - Project Report (1000 words), due Week 11 (20%)

Attendance and Participation in Tutorials (15%)

End of Semester Examination, TBA (50%)

R. Barry (1999), The Construction of Buildings, Vol. 1, Ed. 7, Wiley-Blackwell.
G. Wilkie (2003), Building Your Own Home, New Holland.
Subject Reader

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

The following generic skills will be developed in this subject:

• Analytical skills
• Problem solving skills
• Drawing reading skills
• Research skills