Ex-Lab: Digital Furniture Fabrication

Subject ABPL90361 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 28-Jan-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016

Quota: 18

This subject is a quota subject and places are limited. Students may provisionally enrol via the Student Portal, but places are not guaranteed until selection is completed. You will be notified in writing by the Student Centre if you are selected.

Selection criteria: Academic merit. Priority will also be given to students with digital design software knowledge in particular Rhino 3D

For detailed information on the quota subject application process and due dates, refer to the EDSC Quota Subjects webpage: http://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/quota-subjects



Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 hours per week in lecture/workshop
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

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)

PLUS

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
January, Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

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.

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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/

Coordinator

Mr Jas Johnston

Contact

Email: jj@unimelb.edu.au

The Eastern Precinct (building 138)
(between Doug McDonell building and Eastern Resource Centre)

Enquiries:
Current Student: http://ask.unimelb.edu.au/
Web: http://msd.unimelb.edu.au/

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.


Assessment:
  • A Research File documenting influences, ideas and systems that are pertinent to finished design, 1000 words (30%) due week 6;
  • A journal or job file showing and discussing the process, 2000 words (30%) due end of Semester;
  • A piece of furniture. 2000 words (40%), due end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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.

Links to further information: http://msd.unimelb.edu.au/fabrication-workshop
Related Course(s): Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 200 point Master of Architecture
300 point Master of Architecture
Melbourne School of Design multidisciplinary elective subjects

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