Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Civil Engineering School
To deliver an effective solution to a given problem, a building designer must utilise a range of analysis and design methods. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to an extended range of powerful computational methods for digital building design, including parametric design, generative design, optimisation, and digital interoperability. The digital workflows developed in this course bridge between design, analysis, performance-driven structural geometry and advanced manufacturing.
To deliver effective solutions to building design problems, designers and engineers must employ a variety of analysis and design methods. This course aims to introduce students to an extended range of powerful computational techniques, including parametric design, generative design, optimization, and digital interoperability. These methods can be integrated with traditional structural analysis and design approaches, both theoretical and numerical, to enhance the engineer and designer's ability to provide efficient solutions to complex building design and delivery challenges. Additionally, the course will explore the application of computational methods in designing structures with performance-driven geometries (form-active, form-found structures) and advanced manufacturing techniques (digitally-fabricated, robotically-constructed structures).
Course requirements
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CIVL3340 or MECH3300
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ARCH7075
Restrictions
BE(Hons)/ME, GCEngSc, MEngSc, MEngSc(Man), ME
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Joe Gattas
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course has project-based deliverables and does not have exams.
Aims and outcomes
The purpose of this course is:
- ﾠto introduce cutting-edge computational design methods used in building design professions.
- ﾠto demonstrate the theory, application, strengths, and weaknesses of different computational methods.
- ﾠto explore digital design techniques for the design, analysis, and optimisation of advanced structures.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Formulate a computational problem from a design scenario and apply appropriate computational techniques.
LO2.
Undertake analysis and design of complex structural forms by considered application of computational methods.
LO3.
Evaluate the limitations of computational methods in structural and building design.
LO4.
Manage personal independent learning through use of resources to develop capacity in various softwares (e.g. online software tutorials, forums, etc).
LO5.
Apply model interoperability and collaborative digital workflow development with group work.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Component Design and Development report | 30% (Individual) |
13/08/2024 4:00 pm
Digital Submission: Via Blackboard |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Research framework and workflow report | 20% (Individual) |
8/10/2024 4:00 pm
Digital Submission: Via Blackboard |
| Presentation, Project |
Major Research Project (IVAH)
|
50% [30% (Individual) + 20% (Group)] |
5/11/2024 4:00 pm
Digital Submission: Via Blackboard |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Component Design and Development report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30% (Individual)
- Due date
13/08/2024 4:00 pm
Digital Submission: Via Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
There are two parts of Assessment 1 - Component Design and Development.
Part 1 - Formative
Submission of 3 Archistar Certificates. Further specific Assessment details will be made available via Blackboard.
Part 2 - Summative 30%
This midterm assignment submission will require students to demonstrate their understanding of the parametric modelling, generative modelling, and interoperable digital workflows as introduced in the first half of the course. The assignment will be an individual submission uploaded to Blackboard, with the submission to include a computational model and a short accompanying report. Further specific Assessment details will be made available via Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with a sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check the assignment preview and confirm successful submission. The student should regard the submission as unsuccessful if the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students experiencing upload issues must immediately advise the Course Coordinator by email and include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research framework and workflow report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20% (Individual)
- Due date
8/10/2024 4:00 pm
Digital Submission: Via Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Assessment 2 - Research framework and workflow is an interim submission leading to the final research project for the course.
This Assessment will comprise one submission uploaded to Blackboard:
Part 1 - Formative
Submission of 1 Archistar Certificates. Further specific Assessment details will be made available via Blackboard.
Part 2 - Summative 20%
An individual assessment component (20% weighting), including a research report. In this report, students should identify the background, aim, challenges, workflow, and framework for a final research project.
Further specific Assessment details will be made available via Blackboard.
Assessment Rationale:
Assessment 2 - Research framework and workflow is an interim submission leading to the final research project for the course.
An individual assessment component, including a research report. In this report, students should identify the background, aim, challenges, workflow, and framework for a final research project. Further specific Assessment details will be made available via Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with a sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check the assignment preview and confirm successful submission. The student should regard the submission as unsuccessful if the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students experiencing upload issues must immediately advise the Course Coordinator by email and include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Major Research Project (IVAH)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 50% [30% (Individual) + 20% (Group)]
- Due date
5/11/2024 4:00 pm
Digital Submission: Via Blackboard
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This final project is the major assessment item for the course. The project will comprise two submissions, both to be uploaded to Blackboard. The overall weighting of the final project is capped at 50%:
Part 1 - Summative 30%
An individual assessment component (30% weighting), including a highly resolved computational model and accompanying research report.
Part 2 - Summative 20%
A group assessment component (20% weighting), including a final computational model that integrates individual models from each group member; and a (pre-recorded) group presentation that demonstrates model design and operation.
Anonymous peer assessment will be applied to monitor group work and weight the marks.
Further specific Assessment details will be made available via Blackboard.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
NOTE: This assessment is Identity verified assessment with a hurdle (IVAH)
In order to pass this course students must achieve a minimum grade of 3 for the IVAH designated assessment item(s).
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied to receive a specific grade in the course. 'Assessment 3' is designated as a Hurdle in this course. This means a minimum achievement of 50% (a grade of 4) is required for this assessment item in order to pass the course. Meeting the hurdle requirement for a course does not guarantee a passing grade for the course and in order to pass this course, students also need to achieve a minimum grade of 4 overall.Submission guidelines
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fail. No assessable output from the student received. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fail. The students fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge of the course or understanding of the key concepts. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail. Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a fair understanding of the key concepts. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a good understanding of the key concepts. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood and the student has a comprehensive knowledge of the course. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood, comprehensive knowledge of the course, evidence of critical analysis and ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the course. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment may be considered in research courses in some circumstances, for example, if the research is complete and the findings are reportable but the final presentation of the work/dissertation is incomplete. However, supplementary assessment will not be considered on the basis of incomplete or unfinished research or in circumstances where there is no practical supplementary assessment option available.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3 or a non-graded ‘N’, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment. Supplementary assessment may not be available for all courses or for some of the assessment items for a course. Assessments 1 and 2 are not available for supplementary assessment. Assessment 3 is available for supplementary assessment. Following the supplementary assessment, the highest grade you can receive is a 4 or P. Details of the availability of supplementary assessment for this course are set out below.
This course is Partially Exempt from Supplementary Assessment.
Not all of the assessment components of this course may be re-assessed with supplementary assessment. A grade of 3 or N does not guarantee that supplementary assessment may be undertaken for this course, however students may apply.
Refer to my.UQ for how to apply for supplementary assessment.
Supplementary assessment can take any form, for example, an oral or a written exam. Students who are eligible and approved for a supplementary assessment and the form of assessment is an examination, are expected to be available to sit the supplementary exam during the University’s Deferred and Supplementary examination period. Once approved, supplementary assessment cannot be rescinded by the student.
If supplementary assessment is offered in this course, it will take the format of a two-week long, individual project.
Additional assessment information
Identity verified assessment with a hurdleﾠ(IVAH)ﾠ
To meet assessment validity and integrity obligations, this course includes at least one piece of individual Identity Verified Assessment with a Hurdle (IVAH) that is unambiguously completed by that student, and in which a minimum level of achievement is reached. IVAH assessment item(s) contribute at least 30% towards the final grade.
Examples of IVAH items include any activity in which a student’s individual performance is directly monitored, such as performances, fieldwork, oral assessment (including design critiques), design studio project work and invigilated exams.
In order to pass this course students must achieve a minimum grade for the IVAH designated assessment item(s) as stated in the Assessment Task Description in the ECP.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Archistar // Academy online learning modules https://academy.archistar.ai/login
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Lectures Week 1 - Parametric Design : Couse outline, computational design overview, parametric modelling, model development, and design. terminology, and operation of computation design. Week 2 - Parametric Design : Couse outline, computational design overview, parametric modelling, model development, and design. terminology, and operation of computation design. Week 3 - Extended methods for geometric modelling - generative assembly and subdivision. Week 4 - Extended methods for geometric modelling - generative assembly and subdivision. Week 5 - Development of digital workflows for larger and more complex systems and design problems. Week 6 - Development of digital workflows for larger and more complex systems and design problems. Week 7 - Performance Analysis, Responsiveness, Optimisation, and Form-Finding Week 8 - Performance Analysis, Responsiveness, Optimisation, and Form-Finding Week 9 - Performance Analysis, Responsiveness, Optimisation, and Form-Finding Week 10 - Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Fabrication, Mass Customisation, and Robotic Construction Week 11 - Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Fabrication, Mass Customisation, and Robotic Construction Week 12 - Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Fabrication, Mass Customisation, and Robotic Construction Week 13 - No lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Information technology session |
IT Labs Week 1 - Software labs to introduce various computational design tools and develop capacity in computational methods. Week 2 - Software labs to introduce various computational design tools and develop capacity in computational methods. Week 3 - Software labs to introduce various computational design tools and develop capacity in computational methods. Week 4 - Software labs to introduce various computational design tools and develop capacity in computational methods. Week 5 - Workflow design and research development Week 6 - Workflow design and research development Week 7 - Advanced component explorations, final assignment group selection and workflow development Week 8 - Advanced component explorations, final assignment group selection and workflow development Week 9 - Advanced component explorations, final assignment group selection and workflow development Week 10 - Advanced component explorations, final assignment workflow and component development. Week 11 - Advanced component explorations, final assignment workflow and component development. Week 12 - Advanced component explorations, final assignment workflow and component development. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: