DESST 3514 - Construction III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

In this course students will study the construction of architecture, landscapes and urban environments. The course will build on the topics introduced in Construction II: history and theory; representation and documentation; materials and detailing; engineering structure and fabric; structural engineering principles; plants; grading and drainage; and digital documentation. The topics of: building codes, regulations, standards, specifications, building procurement and contracts; and parametric modelling will be introduced in this course. Revit and Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be introduced.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code DESST 3514
    Course Construction III
    Coordinating Unit Architecture and Landscape Architecture
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge DESST 2518
    Restrictions Available to B. ArchDes, B.E(Arch),B.E(Civil), B.E.(Hons)(Civil), B.ConsMgmt, B. ConsMgmt(Hons) and Assoc. Deg.ConsMgmt students only
    Quota A quota will apply
    Course Description In this course students will study the construction of architecture, landscapes and urban environments. The course will build on the topics introduced in Construction II: history and theory; representation and documentation; materials and detailing; engineering structure and fabric; structural engineering principles; plants; grading and drainage; and digital documentation. The topics of: building codes, regulations, standards, specifications, building procurement and contracts; and parametric modelling will be introduced in this course. Revit and Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be introduced.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ms Mirai Morita

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Refer to the Teaching Schedule on My Uni for more information
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Compose a clear and compelling drawing set for construction documentation.
    2. Convey design and construction through the use of 2D and 3D documentation.
    3. Understand and represent building design for construction.
    4. Apply developed digital skills to communicate a design for construction.
    5. Skilfully integrate various types of digital tools to visually communicate construction and design.
    6. Develop skills to work with 2D and 3D thinking through building design for construction.

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,2,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,2,3,4,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    - You will need continual access to MyUni for regular updates and course material
    - The lectures will also facilitate discussion to course related matters.
    - All students are expected to read and be familiar with all provided course information available on MyUni.

    ***Software Prerequisite***
    This course requres the use of Revit and Rhinocerous. Students are expected to have advanced knowledge of Revit and Rhinocerous. If you are not confident with your Revit and Rhinocerous skills you MUST complete the online lesson available on ARCHISTAR ACADEMY before the start of the semester. To enrol, enter your details, the email address will have to end in @adelaide.edu.au or @student.adelaide.edu.au for ArchiStar to register your account. You are expected to have the equivalent knowledge/skill to Essentials, Designer, Advanced Courses for both Revit and Rhinocerous in Archistar. We will not be covering these software skills in class, you will be expected to know. If you don’t know, you will not succeed in this course.


    Further relevant information is given when appropriate, and made accessible through MyUni.
    Recommended Resources

    The following texts are suggested reading for this subject:

    Other resources will be distributed during lectures and tutorials.


    Speaker Series:
    The School has lecture series where respected practitioners and academics from the field deliver a public lecture on contemporary architectural practice. In order to expand your knowledge of contemporary directions in design it is recommended that you attend these sessions. The exact detail of dates and speakers will be announced in due course.

    Online Learning
    University Email:
    The school uses the University email system to get in touch with the students. So it is imperative that you check your email regularly and keep up to date with any new announcements.

    MyUni:
    MyUni is an essential online tool which will be used to communicate information regarding the course including details of assignments and interim grades. There are many other learning resources and assessment pieces that rely on the MyUni system for delivery. Therefore it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the various functions of MyUni and employ it to its fullest extent. https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au

    Discussion Board:
    The MyUni Discussion Board can be used to interact with other students and tutors and is an essential tool to discuss information and increase your understanding of issues.

    Lecture Recording:
    In certain cases the recording of the lectures is made available in electronic format for students to listen through on their own time and make notes, and is provided through the MyUni system. However, this service is only available for lectures with essential course content and may not include guest lectures. Furthermore, where the presentation content is subject to copyright or the guest speaker is uncomfortable with the recording of the content, the lecture recording will not be made available online. So students should not rely solely on this mode of learning and arrange to attend or get lecture content from peers.

    Archistar Academy:
    Free online tutorials for computer software. To enrol, go to the following link here https://academy.archistar.ai/enrol enter your details and you will be ready to go. The email address you use will have to end in @adelaide.edu.au or @student.adelaide.edu.au for ArchiStar to register your account.

    Noticeboard / Handbook:
    General information about the activities at the School is available online from the Student Noticeboard which can be accessed at
    https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/professons-studentarchitecture/ current-student
    Students can also access a copy of the Student Handbook at the following link:
    https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/professons-student-architecture/enrolments
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    This course will be taught with a combination of Lectures and Lab based workshops. A brief description is as follows:

    LECTURES: Lectures will be a series of recorded sessions giving a description fo key concepts important for the successful completion of the course. Its expected students will attend these lectures before tutorial sessions and bring questions to the tutorials.

    WORKSHOPS: All workshops are REVIT and or RHINO sessions. Workshops consists of exercises and project work; scaled or prototype production of design projects. Students are required to present their work each week in class, subjecting it to analysis, critique and response by staff and fellow students.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (ie. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote at least 48 hours per week to their studies. Accordingly, students undertaking this 3 unit course are expected to devote 12 hours per week to contact activities and self-guided studies.

    Based on this framework here are some figures that might assist workload management (delete as appropriate):

    For a 3 unit course:
    Total workload hours: 12 Hrs per week x 13 weeks = 156 Hrs
    Total contact hours: 3 Hrs per week x 12 weeks = 36 Hrs
    Total self-guided study: 156 Hrs – 36 Hrs = 120 Hrs

    For a 6 unit course:
    Total workload hours: 24 Hrs per week x 13 weeks = 312 Hrs
    Total contact hours: 6 Hrs per week x 12 weeks = 72 Hrs
    Total self-guided study: 312 Hrs – 72 Hrs = 240 Hrs

    For a 12 unit course:
    Total workload hours: 48 Hrs per week x 13 weeks = 624 Hrs
    Total contact hours: 12 Hrs per week x 12 weeks = 144 Hrs
    Total self-guided study: 624 Hrs – 144 Hrs = 480 Hrs

    These 120 or 240 or 480 hours should be used towards preparation of weekly tasks and for completion of the various assignments associated with the course, including development of various skills required to complete the same. Please organise your time wisely.

    While there is some opportunity for students to develop assessment work during tutorials and workshops it is expected that a majority of student work is completed outside of contact hours. Students will be required to spend time increasing their skills in the use of REVIT and other digital tools including SketchUp and possibly NAVISWORKS. On weeks including lectures students will be required to attend two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorials. On weeks including workshops students will be required to attend two hours of workshop and one hour of seminar time.

    This is a 3 unit course. Recommended study commitments are meant to be hours of full time study, not just sitting thinking about the subject! The seminar workshops and other activities, including reviews of work in progress are an important component of your learning in this course. Some additional time may be required to familiarise yourself with the software required for assessments. The communication skills developed by regularly and actively participating in discussions are considered to be most important by the School and are highly regarded by employers and professional bodies.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Learning & Teaching Activities Learning & Teaching Activities Summary Related Learning Outcomes
    Lectures Lectures will be a combination of directed sessions, guest speakers and student participation. 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Workshops All workshops are REVIT and or RHINO sessions. Workshops consists of exercises and project work; scaled or prototype production of design projects. Students are required to present their work each week in class, subjecting it to analysis, critique and response by staff and fellow students. 1,2,3,4,5,6

    Learning Activities Schedule
    Please refer to the Teaching Schedule.


    Specific Course Requirements
    For this course you will need the ability to navigate Revit and Rhinocerous software.

    Software Prerequisite: This course expects that students have advanced knowledge of Revit and Rhino. If you are not confident with your Revit a nd Rhino skills you MUST do the online lesson available on ARCHISTAR ACADEMY: https://academy.archistar.ai/enrol. To enrol, enter your details, the email address will have to end in @adelaide.edu.au or @student.adelaide.edu.au for ArchiStar to register your account.
    You are expected to have the equivalent knowledge/skill to ARCHISTAR ACADEMY Revit Advanced and Rhino Advanced. If you are confident that you have the skill equivalent to Revit Advanced Rhino Advanced you are not required to do the online course. However, if you have forgotten or need to brush up your skills, you must complete the available online courses before the start of semester. Students are recommended to do Rhino and Revit Essentials, Designer and Advanced. We will not be covering these software skills in class, you will be expected to know. If you don’t know, you will not succeed in this course. 


    It is highly recommended that you own a personal laptop computer which can support computer software such as Revit and Rhino, photoshop, illustrator, indesign. Ideal spec for student laptop: 17 inch, Windows 64 bit, minimum of 16 gig of RAM, Intel i7 (or equivalent). Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 or higher; ATI Radeon HD 4890 or better.

    Failure to attend teaching due to medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances is dealt with the School Policy, administered by the School Office. Submit the appropriate application for supplementary consideration together with the original signed medical or other relevant officer, to the School Office. If you foresee a problem contact the Course Coordinator BEFORE the problem actually occurs. Otherwise, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible and submit the appropriate application for supplementary consideration to the School Office.

    If you choose to visit the site , ensure that you exercise respect for the owners and patrons, obtain permission to enter the building if required, and observe an appropriate duty of care during your visit.

    Students who miss more than 25% of the scheduled teaching (lectures, studios, field trip) and whose overall mark is below 45 will not automatically be granted extensions and/or replacement examinations, even if the application is submitted.


  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment TaskDue Date/WeekWeightingLearning Outcomes
    Lecture Quiz each week 10% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Weekly Progress each week 15% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Assignment 1 Week 6 25% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Assessment 2 *Assesment Hurdle* Week 13 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Total 100%
    Grading is based on a comparison with current and previous student work, and with the instructors’ expectations relative to the objectives of the course.

    Details of the assesment will be available on MyUni.

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance is compulsory at lectures (where also each session / assignment is introduced) and at the weekly workshops. Weekly tasks are specified in handouts.

    Although the teaching–staff aim to accommodate (where possible) the wide variety of ‘personal issues’ that can impinge upon a student’s ability to attend all lectures and tutorials throughout the semester, attendance to all lectures and tutorials are mandatory. This requirement has been instigated in order to aid students in gaining appropriate competency standards in the subject matter, and aid in the student’s ability to apply this knowledge through set assessment tasks.

    It is expected that you will come to class prepared with equipment, materials, and ongoing work for discussion

    You must keep every sketch, text, concept model, to assist your practice of thinking and making; these are part of the process of design, and can be crucial to the final outcome; teaching staff will often ask you to show them this work, and sometimes this work becomes relevant at the oddest moments.

    You are expected to produce work between one workshop session and the next. If you do not have work to discuss with staff in class then there can be no feedback; research and process are the methods of a design practice. Part of the process is showing, sharing, and talking.

    Do not sit in class waiting for someone to come and talk to you, class is a place for you to work, (that’s what it’s for), this can be drawing, testing, reading, making.
    Assessment Detail
    Lecture Quiz (10%)
    There will be quiz to be completed for each lecture. The quiz will be based on the lecture that is given on the day. Results of the quiz will add up to 10% of the total course mark.

    Weekly Progress (15%)
    You are required to complete 12 compulsory tasks designed to help you complete your submissions on time. Completed tasks are expected to be used in the production of your submissions for assignment 1 and 2.
    Failing to present/submit a task on time, or not attending and presenting your work, or submitting inadequate work will result in incomplete. Tasks must be uploaded on MyUni or pinned up in class at instructed deadline each week. If your task is deemed inadequate, your tutor may give you an opportunity to complete and resubmit in order to avoid receiving an Incomplete.

    Assignment 1 (25%)
    Detail will be available on MyUni and discussed in class.

    Assignment 2 (50%) *Assesment Hurdle*
    Student must pass this assignment (grater than 50%) to pass the course.
    Detail will be available on MyUni and discussed in class.


    **Details of the assignments may change during the semester. It will be announced in class, email or through MyUni.**


    Marking & Feedback (General)
    • Final results for the course will only be available through Access Adelaide and students should not contact the course coordinator or the tutors for the same.
    • Feedback for in-class submissions will only be available during the tutorial as oral critique in the style of studio wall-crits. Students should arrange with peers to make notes for reference.
    • In week 14 a selection of the most innovative work from this studio be exhibited in the School of Architecture and Built Environment’s ‘All-In’ public exhibition. Details of which will be provided at a later date.


    Submission
    - All submissions must include Student Name and Student ID Number. Submissions without Student Name or ID Number will not be considered for marking, and will receive zero marks in accordance with the guidelines.
    - Please adhere to submission deadlines and follow instructions provided.
    - Students must not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course without prior approval from the Course Coordinator.
    - On occasion, the lecturer/tutor may wish to retain students’ work for future reference and the relevant student will be informed at such a time.

    Early Submission:
    - Early submission is not accepted without prior agreed arrangement with the course coordinator.
    - Models for in-class presentation cannot be handed in early.

    Late Submission:
    - The school will NOT accept late submissions and any such assignment will receive zero marks. This also applies to electronic submissions.
    - Printing delays & hard disk crashes will not be entertained as legitimate causes for delay, so please ensure that the work is finished in advance.

    Re-submission:
    - The school has a resubmission policy whereby students can redeem failed work by submitting additional work for a maximum of 50%.

    Good practice:
    - Students should ensure that they regularly backup their work on multiple locations as hard-disk crashes are an unfortunate reality.
    - When relying on community printing facilities, students should attempt to finish their work in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.
    - Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted (digital or hardcopy), as originals may be lost during the submission process.

    For modified arrangements of submission and assessment due to special circumstances see the following Assessment Task Extension(s) & Additional Assessment guidelines.

    Modified Arrangements (General)
    - Students can apply for extensions or modified arrangements based on Medical conditions or other Extenuating circumstances. However, students need to submit their application along with supporting documents prior to the Assessment Deadline.
    - The application forms are accessible online: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/assessment-applications
    - Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance and the Course Coordinator will inform the applicant if the application is accepted.

    Medical Reasons:
    - In case of an extended medical condition which makes it impossible for the student to submit the work on time, an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Medical Circumstances may be lodged with the above procedure within 5 business days.

    Extenuating Circumstances:
    - If the student is unable to submit the work on time due to extenuating circumstances an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Extenuating Circumstances can be submitted to Course Coordinator.
    - Please note that this is only available for certain military, religious, or legal obligations and does not extend to minor personal problems.

    Compassionate Grounds:
    - In case of certain extraordinary personal problems students can apply for extensions based on compassionate grounds. However, these must first be discussed with the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.
    - To maintain privacy relating to personal issues students can contact https://youx.org.au/support/studentcare/

    Additional Assessment:
    - If a student receives a Fail grade for the course with an overall mark between 45 and 49, they may be eligible for an Additional Assessment which would allow them to get a maximum of 50 Pass for the Course.
    - Additional Assessment offers are made by the School and the student will be informed directly once these are made available.

    Disability:
    - Students who have a disability and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements need to contact https://www.adelaide.edu.au/disability/ and then communicate these to the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.

    Elite Athlete:
    - Students who have national/international sporting commitments and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements need to register with the University Elite Athlete Support Scheme at https://www.adelaide.edu.au/eliteathletes/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.