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Unit of study_

DECO2103: Architectural Modelling and Prototyping

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit teaches students basic understanding of digital modelling and architectural prototyping. Students will develop skills in creating and using 3D modelling software for various design tasks. The unit further introduces students to rapid prototyping fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing and laser cutting with the aim to understand how to prepare a digital model for physical fabrication. Students will learn how physical objects are represented in 3D digital models by modelling various 3D geometric entities. Key concepts covered in this unit include: joinery, composite material and solid modelling.

Unit details and rules

Unit code DECO2103
Academic unit Design Lab
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
DESA1555 and completion of at least 36 credit points
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Basic understanding of design principles and design processes and how to apply them in practical design projects

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Koji Ryui, koji.ryui@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Michelle Lee, michelle.lee1@sydney.edu.au
Brett Lambie, brett.lambie@sydney.edu.au
Peter Wake, peter.wake@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assessment 1 - Progress
Reports of early study, modeling & prototyping tests
5% Week 03
Due date: 05 Mar 2024 at 12:00
2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Assessment 1 - Final
Presentation, Report, and Physical prototypes
35% Week 05
Due date: 19 Mar 2024 at 12:00
4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Assessment 2 - Progress
Reports of early study, modeling & prototyping tests
10% Week 08
Due date: 16 Apr 2024 at 12:00
2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment Assessment 2 - Final
Presentation, Report, and Physical prototypes
50% Week 11
Due date: 14 May 2024 at 12:00
5 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Students will develop their skills on digital modelling and prototyping by replicating an existing object based on their choice into two different versions: The first replica should be made of 3D printed parts in combination with other materials. The second replica should only be made with laser-cutting techniques. Both replicas do not have to maintain the same scale as the original object, but they should be around 30 x 30 x 60 cm for easier assembly.

Assessment 2: Students will advance their digital modelling and prototyping skills by fabricating a scaled portable/deployable shelter. The shelter should have a total area of approximately 3m x 3m and provide shelter for two to four people. The student is free to define a specific context and function for their deployable shelter. The final model will include a scaled 1:10 composite model, a 1:1 or 1:2 detail model.

Assessment 1 and 2 will have progress submissions to monitor the students' progress and encourages continual development of the project and good time management. See the assignments page on Canvas for more detailed brief.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis,
synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis,
insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the
learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the
learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the
learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

[1] It is expected that unless a simple extension, special consideration or disability adjustment has been granted, students will submit all assessment items for a unit of study on the due dates specified. If an assessment is submitted or otherwise completed within a period of extension granted by successful application for simple extension, special consideration or an assessment adjustment determined by Disability Services, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. [2] If an extension is not sought, not granted, or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: (a) For non-public assessments, work submitted after the deadline will incur a penalty of 5% of the total marks earned for the assessment per calendar day. Work submitted 20 calendar days or more after the deadline will not be assessed and will receive a mark of zero. (b) For assessments involving public, oral, and/or visual presentations completed after the deadline, a penalty of 10% of the total marks earned for the assessment will be imposed per calendar day. Work completed 10 calendar days or more after the deadline will not be assessed and will receive a mark of zero.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to modelling and prototyping Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Introduction to digital modeling Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO2
Week 02 Additive Prototyping and Solid Modelling Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Solid Modeling Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 03 Subtractive Prototyping and Frame Modelling Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Frame Modeling Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 04 Deformative Prototyping and Forming Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Prototype Documentation Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 05 Assessment 1 Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Deployable Shelter Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Prototype Visualization Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO4
Week 07 Advanced modelling and prototyping 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Project Development Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO4
Week 08 Advanced modelling and prototyping 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Progress Review Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 09 Industrial modelling and prototyping Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Project Development Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Modeling and Prototyping 4.0 Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Project Development Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Assessment 2 Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Students are required to be in attendance at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non-attendance on any grounds that is insufficient to claim special consideration or disability adjustment will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be included in the requirements specified for a unit of study.

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or relevant Unit Coordinator. The Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or relevant Unit Coordinator may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Kolarevic, Branko. Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing. Florence: Taylor & Francis, 2003.

Dunn, Nick. Digital Fabrication in Architecture London: Laurence King Publishing, 2012.

Beorkrem, Christopher. Material Strategies in Digital Fabrication Second edition. New York: Routledge, 2017.

Rael, Ronald, and Virginia San Fratello. Printing Architecture : Innovative Recipes for 3D Printing First edition. Hudson, New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2018.

Filson, Anne, Gary Rohrbacher, Anna Kaziunas France, and Bill Young. Design for CNC : Furniture Projects and Fabrication Technique  1st edition. San Francisco, California: Maker Media, Inc., 2018.

Adrover, Esther Rivas. Deployable Structures London: Laurence King Publishing, 2015.

Ching, Francis D. K. Building Construction Illustrated 5th ed. Hoboken: Wiley, 2014.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. conceive effective strategies to model objects and environments
  • LO2. demonstrate competence in fundamental skills for 3D modelling
  • LO3. use 3D modelling software to prepare precise geometry for digital fabrication
  • LO4. compose lighting, texture and render a 3D scene for presentational impact.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessments have been simplified from last year.

This unit will use Rhino software to develop students skills on digital modeling.

DMAF induction module (DESA1555) needs to be completed in week 1 or before to be able to use their lasercutter and 3d printer facilities.

Additional costs

There will be additional costs required to use the DMAF lab facilities and to buy materials for making the physical prototypes. Students can also use off-campus fabrication facilities if necessary.

Work, health and safety

When working on a physical model, please be careful when using sharp, hard, and/or electric tools and materials. Prototyping could result in injuries if not carefully managed. Please follow DMAF lab safety protocols when using their facilities. If you are using off-campus facilities, make sure that it is safe to access and use their equipments.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.