DESST 2518 - Construction II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

In this course students will study the construction of architecture, landscapes and urban environments. The course will build on the topics introduced in Construction 1: history and theory; representation and documentation; materials and detailing; construction and design; and structure and fabric. The topics of: plants and planting; irrigation; grading; civil structural principles; and digital construction documentation will be introduced in this course. AutoCAD will be used. The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the areas of: the relationship between construction and design; the representation of construction in a historical and theoretical context; construction materials and detailing; and the relationship between civil structure and fabric. Students will have foundational knowledge, skills and techniques of: planting, grading and drainage; structural principles and digital construction documentation.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code DESST 2518
    Course Construction II
    Coordinating Unit School of Architecture and Built Environment
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Assumed Knowledge DESST 1507 or a 3 unit level I course
    Restrictions Available to B. ArchDes & B.E(Arch) 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 1: history and theory; representation and documentation; materials and detailing; construction and design; and structure and fabric. The topics of: plants and planting; irrigation; grading; civil structural principles; and digital construction documentation will be introduced in this course. AutoCAD will be used.
    The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the areas of: the relationship between construction and design; the representation of construction in a historical and theoretical context; construction materials and detailing; and the relationship between civil structure and fabric. Students will have foundational knowledge, skills and techniques of: planting, grading and drainage; structural principles and digital construction documentation.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sam Ridgway

    Sam Ridgway email: sam.ridgway@adelaide.edu.au
    Greg Bond - tutor
    Jesse Zilm - demonstrator
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Architectural Construction (weeks 1-6)

    1 Knowledge of the theory and practice of architecture and landscape construction

    2 Skills in the representation of construction

    3 Increased understanding of the relationship between drawings, models and construction

    4 Increased understanding of changes that have occurred in the representation and construction of buildings between the modern and pre-modern eras


    5 Knowledge and skills in representing construction in a fashion that acknowledges its centrality to meaningful architectural production.


    6 Ability to investigate, understand and represent the construction of an existing building and to design an appropriately constructed addition.

    Landscape Construction (weeks 7-12)

    7. Knowledge of construction revealed through drawings.

    8. Practical problem solving and ability to simplify detailing to improve ease of construction.

    9. Overall quality of construction drawing set.

    10. Ability of drawings to represent the nature of the landscape works and details.

    11. Development of consistent themes and materiality in the detailing of landscape elements.

    12. Use of AutoCAD drawings, 3D SketchUp and other graphic techniques.

    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 4, 7,8,9, 11, 12
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 6,
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2, 6, 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 5,
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 3, 7, 10,
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1, 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    See reference list attached to assignment handout. This will be issued in hard copy and will also be available on MyUni.

    Recommended Resources

    See information in assignment handout.

    Academic Support:
    The Professions Learning Centre (PLC) provides postgraduate coursework students of the Faculty of Professions free academic skills advice on critical analysis and structuring assignments, paraphrasing, referencing, oral presentation skills and other skills to assist with success at university. You are encouraged to take advantage of the service to enable you to improve your performance in your studies. To contact a Learning Advisor please send an email to professions.learningcentre@adelaide.edu.au

    Online Learning

    All course information including references, required texts, copies of assignments handouts and provisional marks will be available on MyUni. The discussion board on myuni can be used to communicate with other students and staff in relation to questions and issue that arise within the course.

    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.

    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-student-architecture/current-student. Students can also access a copy of the Student Handbook available on the School's website.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    The first four weeks of this course consist of an one hour lecture followed by a two-hour workshop in the School’s Computer Suite. After the first four weeks the one-hour lecture will be followed by a two-hour tutorial. It is a requirement that students attend all scheduled lectures, workshops and tutorials. 

    Lectures will be the mode of delivering information and developing the intellectual and practical substance of this course. Tutorials and workshops will provide the setting for further discussions of this material and for students to present their project work in progress so they can receive feedback and guidance on its development. In tutorials the primary mode of learning is for students to actively participate and engage with each other and with their tutor. This is primarily a small group discovery activity where students will participate and contribute rather than one-on-one tuition. Where specified in the course handout students will be asked to engage in more specific activities or present material to the tutor and other students in a more formal way, the presentation of assignments for example.

    Workload

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

    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:

    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

    These 120 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.

    Learning Activities Summary

    See schedule attached to assignments handout

  • 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
    Task/Assignment No. & NameDue DateTimeWeightTypeLearning Outcomes
    Assignment 1 week 1 by 10pm on myuni discussion board 5% formative 2
    Assignment 2 week 6 Beginning of tutorial 45% summative 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    Assignment 3 week 9 Beginning of tutorial 15% summative
    Assignment 4 week 12 Beginning of tutorial 35% summative
    Assessment Related Requirements

    For assignments submitted in tutorials it is a requirement that students pin up and present their work. Feedback will be verbal feedback in the tutorial session. Students are advised to ask one of their peers to make notes of the feedback for later reference.

    Assessment Detail

    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.
    Submission

    Submissions (General):

    • 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.

    • In addition, all assigments need to have an Assignment Cover Sheet which must be signed and dated by the student before submission. Please attach the cover sheet in front of the document, to the top left hand corner.

    • 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:

    • There is an early submission box located on Level 4 which is cleared out daily at 10am. Please mark your submission clearly before placing in box.

    • 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%.

    • The deadline for all re-submissions is 12pm on Friday 14th June 2013.

    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 within 5 business days of the condition becoming applicable.
    • The application forms are available from the Front Office and at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html and need to be submitted at the Front Office along with any supporting documentation.
    • Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance and the Course Coordinator will inform the applicant if the application is accepted. Please DO NOT contact the Course Coordinator directly.

    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 Front Office along with a doctor’s certificate 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 may be lodged with the Front Office.
    • Please note that this is only available for certain military, religious, or legal obligations and does not extend to minor personal problems. (Refer to Student Handbook at http://www.architecture.adelaide.edu.au/current/resources/ for further details or contact Student Advisor).

    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 the University Transition and Advisory Service at 8313 0100 or transition@adelaide.edu.au, or approach the Counselling Service on 83035663 for an individual appointment.

    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 the University Disability Services at 83135962 or disability@adelaide.edu.au for supporting documentation 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 http://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
    Course Support Staff:

    For issues concerning enrolment or queries about the School’s programs contact Clement Low, Student Advisor, 8313 5877, clement.low@adelaide.edu.au.

    For issues related to discrimination or harassment contact the Course Coordinator or Velice Wennan, School Manager, 8313 5475, velice.wennan@adelaide.edu.au.

    For issues relating to health, safety and wellbeing contact Ian Florance, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Officer, 8313 5978, ian.florance@adelaide.edu.au.

    For issues relating to first aid contact Alison Bosnakis, First Aid Officer, 8313 5836, alison.bosnakis@adelaide.edu.au
  • 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.