DESST 3514 - Construction III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

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 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
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge DESST 2518
    Restrictions Available to B.ArchDes 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: Stewart Caldwell

    Note I work full time so may be hard to contact outside my teaching day which is Wednesdays. When in need email me and I generally check these daily.
    Course Timetable

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

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

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

    1. Recognize the theory and practice of architectural construction.
    2. Explain the representation of construction.
    3. Evaluate the relationship between construction and design.
    4. Demonstrate the major changes that have occurred in the representation and construction of buildings between the modern and pre-modern eras.
    5. Employ research methods into construction practices.
    6. Identify requirements to achieve professional and disciplinary outcomes.
    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1,2,3,5
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    1,2,3,5,6
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,2,3,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Bedfore workshops commence in Week 5 all students will be expected to have completed the REVIT essentials course and series of tutorials in the Archistar Academy.
    Recommended Resources

    The following texts are suggested reading for this subject:

    • 'Detailing for water: why do buildings leak?' (Rico J Bonaldi. Pub Bonaldi Australia. www.bonaldi.com.au)
      (a portion of this text will be made available on MyUni)
    • Concrete Basics (this will be made available on MyUni)
    • 'Barrys Advanced Construction of Buildings' (Stephen Emmitt, Christopher A Gorse)
    • 'On Weathering' (Mohsen Mostafavi, David Leatherbarrow)
    • 'Building Your Own Home' (George Wilkie)

    Other locations for resources will be distributed during lectures.


    Speaker Series:
    The School has a fortnightly 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 is available from the School website and the Front Office.

    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.

    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 Lab based workshops, lectures and some student presentations. A brief description is as follows:

    LECTURES AND SEMINARS: Lectures and seminars will be a combination of directed sessions, guest speakers and student participation.

    WORKSHOPS: All workshops are REVIT based sessions. The first group of workshops will be dedicated to training in the use of REVIT. The second set of workshops will be dedicated to students developing assessment work.

    TUTORIALS: Those tutorials not dedicated to student presentations and assessments will have a theme. These will be the basis of a short presentation and discussion. The remainder of tutorial time will be dedicated to reviewing students ongoing draft assessment work. Bring printouts along.

    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
    Tutorials Those tutorials not dedicated to student presentations and assessments will have a theme. These will be the basis of a short presentation and discussion. The remainder of tutorial time will be dedicated to reviewing students ongoing draft assessment work. Bring printouts along. 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Workshops All workshops are REVIT based sessions. The first group of workshops will be dedicated to training in the use of REVIT. The second set of workshops will be dedicated to students developing assessment work. TBA

    Learning Activities Schedule
    Please refer to the Teaching Schedule.
    Specific Course Requirements
    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.

    Please pay attention to following policies:
    • fieldtrips: Field Work policy and guidelines (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/ohs/handbook/); and
    • insurance information (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/legalandrisk/insurance/information/);
  • 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 TaskTask TypeDue Date/WeekWeightingLearning Outcomes
    Assessment 1: Detail Study 25% 1
    1a.Interim submission Formative Wed 18/3/20
    In tutorial
    1b.Detail Study Summative Wed 1/4/20
    9:00am Physical submission.
    Location TBC
    Assessment 2: REVIT detail study 25% 1,2,5
    2a.REVIT Family and Tutorial Formative Wed 15/4/20
    5:00pm. Digital Upload.
    Location TBC
    2b.REVIT Detail Study Summative Fri 8/5/20
    5:00pm. Digital Upload and physical
    submission of drawings.
    Location TBC
    Assessment 3: Virtual Construction and Collaboration 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    3a.Student design for virtual construction Formative Wed 22/4/20
    5:00pm. Digital Upload.
    Location TBC
    3b.Collaboration Exercise Formative Wed 20/5/20
    In tutorial
    3c.Virtual Model, System analysis and Detailing Summative Monday 8/6/20
    Digital submission at 5:00pm
    Wed 10/6/20
    Printed submission In tutorial,
    Presentation schedule
    to be issued closer to the date.
    Total 100%
    Take note that for Formative submissions while the submission itself has no formal grade a non submission will deduct 5% from your total score of the Summative component of the Assessment.


    Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.

    In general all assessments will now become digital uploads and physical hand-ups will either be removed or replaced with something else.

    In addition the connection to your design studio V will be removed and replaced with an example project so assessment 3a will be
    deleted.

    Following is a more detailed summary of changes to each assessment. I will endeavour to get the assessment pages on MyUni
    updated ASAP.

    Assessment 1a: Already complete as digital upload.
    Assessment 1b: The physical model will be removed as a compulsory portion of the assessment. I still recommend people build a model as it will help with assessment 2 and I am happy if you built it and submit photos with your submission, but not building a model won’t influence you mark. The design journal will also be replaced with 4xA3 hand drawn sheets in portrait orientation comprised of the following drawings:

    Sheet 1: Elevation, architectural plan, structural plan all at 1:50
    Sheet 2: 1:20 section detail
    Sheet 3: 1:5 callout details
    Sheet 4: 3D Axonometric diagram illustrating the architecture and structure

    Each sheet to have a title block, scale, scale bar and student name and number. Sheets to be scanned and uploaded as PDF files (photos also acceptable, however pdf is much better). I will have more information in this weeks recorded lecture. Submission date and time to remain.

    Assessment 2a: Will remain as-is but I will provide a workshop session instructing you on how to complete this assessment.

    Assessment 2b; Assessment will remain as-is but printed submission to be replaced with digital submission. Digital submission to be comprised of a single bound .pdf print of your drawing sheets as well as the REVIT file.

    Assessment 3a: To be deleted. I will provide an example project for the class to work on.

    Assessment 3b: I am going to try and keep this assessment as-is as I think the process is very valuable. How this gets done I’m not too sure just yet but my thoughts are we get groups setup, possibly using slack as a collaborative environment, and get people to present in Zoom sessions. If the whole zoom thing isn’t working by this point ill think of something else.

    Assessment 3c: This assessment will essentially remain as-is, however the big difference from previous years is that instead of building your own design everyone will be building the same building. Therefore, I am proposing each student will build the completed building you develop as part of assessment 3b. This means each group of 3 will be building a slightly different building than the others, it also gives you each a couple of other students doing the same building for help and assistance. I will also replace the verbal presentation with a 250 word written submission.
    Assessment Detail
    • 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.
    • Most assignments will be marked within 3 weeks of the submission and the interim grades will be made available through the My Grades system. Students are expected to inform the Course Coordinator if there are any errors with the marks entered on the system.
    • The best examples of students’ work will be included in the All-In Exhibition to be held at the end of term alongside the best works from other courses and year levels.
    Submission

    Some submissions for this course will required uploading to a web hosted dropbox. Details will be forwarded before the first assessment is due. 

    Assessment Task Due Date/Week Weighting Submission Method
    Asessment 1a Wed 28/3/20 0 Presentation in tutorial
    Asessment 1b Wed 1/4/20 25% Physical submission
    Asessment 2a Wed 15/4/20 0 Digital upload to location TBC
    Asessment 2b Fri 8/5/20 25% Digital upload to location TBC and physical submission
    Asessment 3a 22/4/20 0 Digital upload to location TBC
    Asessment 3b Wed 20/5/20 0 Presentation in tutorial
    Asessment 3c Mon 8/6/20

    Wed 10/6/20
    50% Digital upload to location TBC and physical submission

    Presentation in tutorial

    All assignments must be submitted at the time and place as indicated above. Note that NO LATE submissions will be accepted unless it is due to illness and other accepted circumstances as explained in the School's Student Handbook.

    Selected submissions of the Final Assignment will be included in the All-In Exhibition at the end of the semester.

    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 assignments 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 15th June 2018.

    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
  • 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.