Prefabrication in Building

This subject is not offered in 2016.

170 Hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)
MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)
MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)
MC-CM Master of Construction Management
MC-CONMG2Y Master of Construction Management (200 points)
MC-CONMG3Y Master of Construction Management (300 points)
MC-PROP Master of Property
MC-PROP2Y Master of Property (200 points)
MC-PROP3Y Master of Property (300 points)
MC-URPL Master of Urban Planning
234AA Master of Design
234AH Master of Design (Heritage)
373AA Graduate Diploma in Planning and Design

Or approval from the subject coordinator.

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

The subject will expose you to the latest international developments in prefabrication and its application within construction. You will develop an appreciation for how prefabrication can be used to minimise or avoid many of the issues currently faced by the construction industry as well as the environmental, financial and social benefits that are possible.

The construction and associated challenges and benefits of prefabrication will be demonstrated through a series of case studies and site visits.

The use of prefabrication in construction will be covered at various scales and levels of complexity, including an in-depth look at a range of componentised, panelised and modular construction systems.

You will also develop professional expertise in the analysis of prefabrication as an alternative approach to procurement within the construction industry.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Build a critical appreciation for off-site construction approaches;
• Analyse and compare the different procurement approaches used in prefabricated construction against conventional construction practices;
• Quantify the benefits of prefabricated construction;
• Develop an awareness of the latest international developments in prefabricated construction.

• Case study equivalent to 1000 words (20%) due in week 5, researching an existing international example of a prefabricated construction system.

• Prefabricated building model (10%) due in week 7, designing and building a scaled model demonstrating an understanding of some of the principles associated with optimising prefabricated construction.

• Prefabrication Report equivalent to 2500 words (45%) due in week 11, describing a prefabricated construction system for improving the performance of construction projects and firms.

• Class presentation of 15 minutes (25%) held in week 12, communicating the major findings of the Prefabrication Report and highlighting recommendations for improving the performance of the construction industry using a prefabricated construction system.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

Relate current research to industry practice;
Analyse and evaluate current procurement approaches;
Envisage and plan alternative construction procurement approaches;
Communicate in verbal, written and graphic forms appropriate to particular contexts;
Critically evaluate the work of others and provide constructive feedback.

Safety boots, safety glasses and a high visibility vest are required for construction site visits in this subject (to be provided by the student)