ABD105 Spatial Materiality

Unit Outline: College 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit provides an exploration of the materials of the built environment, with a focus on sustainability and technological advances. It will cover a number of thematic considerations for materials, including: physical and psychological properties, extraction and creation processes, positive and negative environmental impacts, and applications for creating sustainable works of architecture, interiors, and landscapes. The unit will consider historical and cultural uses, including historic and contemporary uses by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through observation, analysis, and reflection, you will gain an understanding of key materials and how they can be used to heighten the human experience of spatial environments, and have a positive environmental impact.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the physical properties of common construction materials. (CLO1, CLO3)
2. Explain the historic development of the built environment through its physical creation. (CLO1, CLO3)
3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the process of materials selection and their impacts on design outcomes. (CLO1)
4. Demonstrate a fundamenatal understanding of operational and embodied energy and whole life carbon implications of materials. (CLO1)

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching which includes weekly self-directed eContent that is supported by your active participation in timetabled classes. eContent will be provided on the unit Canvas site for you to engage with before your classes. It could include videos, readings, self-reflection and/or peer activities designed to enhance your learning experience. During the timetabled activities, you will explore critical knowledge and engage in practical activities that facilitate the integration of theory and practice. After your weekly classes, you are expected to continue engaging with unit resources to ensure you consolidate your understanding of key concepts and their application in practice. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

Assessment will take the form of a late-semester report and an examination at the end of semester. The report will seek to assess your deep understanding of a single material/system and its properties, applications, and impacts; while the examination will seek to assess your breadth of knowledge across many materials, systems, and applications in the built environment.

Assessment expectations will be provided through criteria referenced assessment (CRA) sheets, and discussed during relevant classes. Teaching activities at key times through the semester will provide guidance and feedback on assessment tasks.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Report

You will investigate and report on the physical properties, and social and environmental impacts, of a chosen building material and/or construction system. The report will take the form of a 'user guide' for designers and builders.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination

Short answer examination to identify building materials and construction systems, their properties, applications, and impacts. The questions will be drawn from lectures, tutorial activities, and readings.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

There are no additional costs or special requirements associated with this unit.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom-based activities in this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

AB02 Diploma in Architectural Studies

1. Demonstrate foundational theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills relevant to the disciplines of architecture and built environment.
   Relates to: Report , Examination
2. Communicate fundamental knowledge, ideas and creative solutions to a range of audiences using diverse modes.
   Relates to: Report , Examination