Digital Furniture Fabrication

This subject is not offered in 2014.

150 hours

Admission into one of the following courses

MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)

PLUS

Students are required to have extensive experience with digital design software in particular Rhino 3D as all the fabrication equipment is operated using this program. Experience with Grasshopper is also desirable but not required.

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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject will explore the use of Digital Design and Fabrication Tools to design and make a piece of furniture. Students will be expected to utilise digital design techniques in combination with fabrication methods to investigate and manipulate outcomes which this technology allows. This may include things such as material qualities, formal possibilities, or parametric systems. All students will be expected to explore a particular agenda and will be required to build a final furniture piece which demonstrates this. Students will be provided with specific training in the operation and potentials of different fabrication equipment, in particular the CNC router.

The furniture piece should:

1. Highlight the use of digital fabrication equipment.
2. Exploit the combination of digital design software and digital fabrication equipment available.
3. Exploit the nature of materials that are used.

There are three work requirements for this subject which will contribute to 100% of the assessment:

1. A Research File documenting Influences, ideas and systems that are pertinent to finished design due in Week 6
2. A journal or job file showing and discussing the process due at end of semester
3. A piece of furniture due at end of semester

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Enhance student’s knowledge of digital design software and fabrication equipment and their relationship to contemporary design practices.

Provide greater understanding of materials and structure

Encourage debate and engagement with the theoretical and practical aspects of architectural design and production.