Design Projects 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

480 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

In this subject students undertake one or more negotiated projects aimed at further developing their knowledge, skills and understanding of designing for live performance. The project(s) will require students to develop design concepts that creatively meet a complex set of demands that may include designing within the constraints of budget, time, OHS and minimisation of environmental impact.

Students will have the opportunity to design for one or more of the productions mounted by VCA however they may also choose to undertake theoretical design projects aimed at their specialised area of interested.

Students are also offered to opportunity to undertake a minor thesis of 10,000 words developed in conjunction with, or independent of, their practical design projects. Successful completion of a minor thesis will enable students to meet entry requirements for a PhD.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• exhibit a high degree of specialist skill and knowledge in a design specialisation for the performing arts;
• demonstrate strong creative and technical skills;
• effectively plan and organise work and apply specific knowledge to a complex practical project;
• exhibit strong ability to lead a team as well as participate at a high level as a crew member of a collaborative team, while respecting individual differences;
• demonstrate the capacity to develop and design theoretical frameworks and research processes appropriate to design projects, including those involving new forms;
• demonstrate skills in the gathering and organisation of research materials;
• effectively document the creative process.

Negotiated Design Project 1 (equivalent to 10,000 words) - End of Semester 1 (50%)

Incorporating:

• Research (visual and contextual)
• Documentation of designs (including floorplans, scale models, concept sketches, etc.)
• Written rationale of designs

Negotiated Project 2 (equivalent to 10,000 words) - End of Semester 2 (50%)

Incorporating:

• Research (visual and contextual)
• Documentation of designs (including floorplans, scale models, concept sketches, etc.)
• Written rationale of designs

OR

A 10,000 word thesis, excluding bibliography, footnotes and appendices, on an original research topic approved by the Subject Coordinator.

Hurdle requirement: Students must meet the following stage for the minor thesis:

1) 500 word detailed proposal

2) mid-year review of progress

3) Submission of draft 5 weeks prior to final due date

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• demonstrate the capacity to evaluate and synthesise data and other information;
• demonstrate an ability to access data and other information from a range of sources;
• demonstrate an advanced ability to discourse on artistic practice in the context of wider aesthetic, social and historical domains;
• demonstrate an ability to apply relevant research processes to specific cultural practice;
• demonstrate the ability to communicate in oral and written form;
• demonstrate a capacity for critical thinking.