SKILL SET 1

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SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: PRINCIPLES AND PLANNING

Applications have now closed for Skill Set 1

*Applications closed March 24th Classes commenced April 8th

Overview

Skill Set 1 includes the delivery of 3 units of study including:

Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects (CPPBDN5109)

Assessing thermal performance impacts (CPPHES4001)

Constructing thermally efficient structures (CPCCBC4020)

The Sustainable Design: Principles and Planning skill set is designed to provide you with comprehensive knowledge in this vital and expanding field. This course will not only prepare you for specialised roles in the building design and construction sectors but also equip you with versatile skills applicable to various roles that contribute to a sustainable future.

In Sustainable Design: Principles and Planning, you'll gain skills that will empower you to assess and evaluate development sites, taking into account environmental conditions, the functional needs of buildings, and the integration of passive design elements. You'll delve into the study of construction materials and methods, understanding their impact on resource conservation. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to explore the influence of Indigenous perspectives in design processes, stay abreast of emerging trends in the building industry, and familiarise yourself with the requirements of current legislation and standards.

During scheduled class time, both face-to-face and online, students will collaborate with specialist teachers to examine and discuss key concepts and ideas and apply them to building proposals on designated sites. The self-directed learning components of the course include an array of activities and resources such as readings, videos, quizzes, and online discussion questions.

When you study Sustainable Design: Principles and Planning you will have the option to further your studies with the addition of other skill sets: Sustainable construction: methods and materials and Sustainable operation: systems and lifecycle. These areas of study will give you the tools to make sustainability recommendations throughout a building’s lifecycle and empower you to help pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Assignment Information

Assignment 1

A project-based assignment that requires students to research sustainable commercial building design within a 2000m2 floor area from the provided project brief and create 2 reports based on their findings.

Assignment 2

Is comprised of 2 parts, which aims to showcase students' ability to research and assess how construction materials, design elements, and building conditions affect thermal performance in residential buildings. Which is presented in report form.

Assignment 3

Is comprised of 2 parts, Part A requires students to research topics such as energy efficiency regulations, sustainable design standards and building materials based on the client brief. Part B requires students to conduct a face-to-face meeting with the assessor playing the roles of client and expert to present the findings of the report.

Assignment 4

A set of knowledge questions designed to test understanding of key concepts in sustainable building design, covering topics like energy regulations, sustainable standards, materials, construction methods, and thermal performance. They aim to assess students' comprehension of essential principles in the field.

Timeline

Skill set 1 starts the week commencing April 8 and will run for 10 weeks.

Weeks 1 – 4: Face-to-face workshops and site visits on Saturdays at the RMIT city campus + some online, self-paced learning and assessment.

Weeks 5 – 10: 3-hour evening online class each Tuesday + some online, self-paced learning and assessment.