Construction As Alchemy (ARCH10002)

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2. Subjects
3. Construction as Alchemy

In 2021, there will be three delivery modes for your subjects – Dual-Delivery, Online and On Campus.Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.You’re currently viewing the 2021 version of this subject

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About this subject

OverviewEligibility and requirementsAssessmentDates and timesFurther informationTimetable(opens in new window)

Contact information

Semester 1

Subject Coordinator

Kirsten Day

[email protected]

Semester 2

Subject Coordinator

Kirsten Day

[email protected]

Overview

Availability	Semester 1 - Dual-DeliverySemester 2 - Dual-Delivery
Fees	Look up fees

This subject focuses on how design ideas are translated into built form through the process of construction. Students learn about the various professionals and trades that are involved, how construction information is communicated in contract documents, and about the structural principles and material properties that underpin the form and fabric of the built environment.Through analysis, observation, experimentation, testing and review, students explore how designs become buildings. Site visits and model making and other exercises are used to engage students with structures (e.g. force and support systems), materials (e.g. metals, masonry, ceramics, polymers and timber) and construction case studies.Physical and environmental properties of materials are presented together with their construction techniques and life cycle issues.

Costs to Students:

Students will be required to bring the drawing materials purchased for the prerequisite subject Foundations of Design - Representation. In addition an eight metre measuring tape, scale ruler and set of working drawings will be required along with printouts of assignments for submission; cost approx. $50-$100 per person.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who have successfully completed this subject should be able to:

 

• Convey their understanding of construction processes, detailing and the roles of various professionals, suppliers and trades;
• Understand basic structural principles and material properties that underpin the form and fabric of built environments;
• Explore physical measures that quantify length, area, volume, mass, weight and scale and their application to representations of objects (e.g. in drawings and models);
• Convey basic understanding of the range of building systems in terms of structure, materials, construction and function;
• Identify basic properties and behaviour of materials, manufacturing processes and the environmental implications of their selection and use within the constructed environment.

Generic skills

Students completing this subject will have developed the following generic skills:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
• Ability to learn from experiments and through reflection and analysis;
• Effective communication with peers and the community at large;
• Independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.

Next: Eligibility and requirements

Last updated: 1 March 2026