ABB101 Design 1: Space and Scale
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABB101 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101 or ABD101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,896 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABB101 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101 or ABD101 |
| Coordinator: | Sheona Thomson | s.thomson@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces foundational principles and elements of spatial design, focusing on space and scale.
Informed by essential design theories, methods, and processes, you will explore how space and scale apply in the distinct but related fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design.
You will use your creative imagination, research and study existing designs for inspiration, and think critically to formulate and refine your design ideas. This includes experimenting with the qualities of space and form.
Learning in this unit is project-based, involving collaboration with peers and supported by lectures, readings, practical exercises, and formative reviews in the fabrication workshop and design studios. Summative presentations occur at the end of each assessment.
You will be introduced to professional knowledge that aligns with item 18 of the AACA national competencies for Architects.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Recognise, analyse, and apply the elements and concepts of spatial design in project-based tasks.
- Develop and document design processes that address spatial and scalar challenges in project work.
- Investigate and analyse two- and three-dimensional spatial relationships across various scales, applying insights from nature, built forms, and visual systems to project work.
- Communicate design ideas and project outcomes to diverse audiences using visual, verbal, and written media.
- Evaluate your application of a deliberate design process, articulating the influence of this on project outcomes and your understanding of space and scale
Content
Areas of knowledge and skill covered in this unit may include:
- The components of the spatial design process: observation, research and analysis, imagining and developing spatial ideas, experimentation and testing spatial ideas, design iteration (trying different versions of ideas), and resolution.
- Space, scale and the body
- Form and abstraction
- Perceiving and experiencing space and scale
- Representing, testing, and communicating spatial ideas in two- and three-dimensions using a variety of media
- Materials, making and assembly
- Learning through reflection on the design process
Learning Approaches
Learning in this unit is project-based, occurring in studio and workshop settings. You will engage in individual and team projects, informed by lectures, readings, and critical discussions or your work and process with studio teachers and peers. Projects are grounded in a ‘real world’ context, often involving site visits and industry engagement.
Hands-on workshop and studio sessions will connect theory to practice, enhancing your ability to present ideas visually and verbally while using relevant technical tools. Weekly requirements to explain your concepts and their development will deepen your understanding. Reflection and self-evaluation will consolidate your learning throughout the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
In design studio sessions, you will receive ongoing feedback from studio staff and peers during regular check-ins, known as "desk critiques" and "pin ups". This will boost your learning and help you improve your work weekly, leading to the final project reviews or "critiques".
General feedback for the whole class will be posted on the QUT Canvas platform.
Once you complete and submit major assessment tasks, you will receive grades and comments based on specific criteria to help you understand how well you did.
Assessment
Overview
The summative assessments in this unit develop your understanding of space and scale through two spatial design projects. These projects will ask you to:
- Generate and develop design concepts
- Apply and implement design methods
- Engage in a continuous, iterative design process
- Communicate ideas effectively through models, drawings, and verbal presentations
- Critically reflect on the design process and its outcomes
- Articulate your evolving understanding of space and scale
- Participate in peer conversations and incorporate feedback
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Space and Scale: 1:1
The first project introduces you to designing a small-scale structure that explores light, materiality, and spatial relationships. This initial design serves as a conceptual and technical foundation for the larger pavilion project in the second assessment.
You will maintain a structured account of your learning throughout this project, including your emergent understanding of design process and methods, and the meaning and impact of space and scale in the experience of constructed and natural environments.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Space and Scale: 1:1+
The second project expands on the initial design by developing a pavilion that explores inhabitation, scale, and the relationship between the human body and space. This project challenges you to integrate concepts of functionality, spatial experience, and materiality at a larger scale.
You will maintain a structured account of your learning throughout this project, including your emergent understanding of design process and methods, and the meaning and impact of space and scale in the experience of constructed and natural environments.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
- Drawing, making and presenting materials and equipment.
- A list of recommended and required readings will be advised in class at the beginning of the semester and available on the Canvas unit site.
Risk Assessment Statement
Health & Safety Inductions
ABB101 involves working in the J Block Fabrication Workshops and students must complete the following:
- Health & Safety Induction (minimum required score of 18 out of 20): enrol via Laboratory and Workshop HSE induction (Canvas)
- Fabrication Workshop Induction (minimum required score of 20 out of 20): enrol via Fabrication Workshop (J Block) Induction (Canvas)
In addition to the above, an in-person Fabrication Workshop Orientation Induction will occur in week 1 of the teaching period.
This unit has no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or studio classes. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+ - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+ - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+ - Plan, develop and complete research and other projects.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+
AB05 Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills in architecture.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+ - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative architectural solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+ - Communicate architectural knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+ - Plan, develop and complete architectural research and projects.
Relates to: Space and Scale: 1:1, Space and Scale: 1:1+