VCD Resources - 2024-2028 - Unit 2 - Outcome 1: Design, place and time

DESIGN, PLACE, AND TIME

How does design reflect and respond to the time and place in which it is made?

In this area of study, students examine the relationships between design, place and time, and learn about the influence of context when designing environments in which to live, work and play. Students analyse how design examples from architecture, interior, exhibition or landscape design reflect and respond to their surrounding context, while considering how designers draw inspiration from other times and places.

Students engage with the Discover and Define phases of the VCD design process to identify environmental design problems specific to a location of choice. They use research methods to establish influential contextual factors such as economic, technological, cultural, environmental and social influences.

After reframing an environmental design problem in the form of a brief, students gather inspiration from both contemporary sources and historical design movements and traditions as they engage with the Develop phase of the VCD design process. They apply divergent thinking strategies and an iterative process to brainstorm design ideas inspired by contextual factors and selected historical design styles. Students use schematic drawings and ideation sketches while experimenting with design elements and principles. They choose appropriate manual or digital drawing methods, media and materials to visualise and render forms, and to explore relationships in space from various viewpoints, such as paraline and perspective drawings, plans and elevations. Annotations featuring descriptive and analytical design terminology are used to explain design decisions and to evaluate the strengths and limitations of ideas.

As students delve into the Deliver phase of the VCD design process, they critique potential design concepts with their peers, and they respond to feedback using convergent thinking strategies to synthesise ideas. They make refinements to selected concepts informed by the brief and its design criteria, presenting their resolved design solution as either a model or documentation drawings with technical conventions that comply with Australian Standards.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit, the student should be able to present an environmental design solution that draws inspiration from its context and a chosen design style.

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

Key knowledge

stages of the VCD design process and their role in developing environmental design solutions
research methods used to identify environmental design problems
contemporary and historical design styles and traditions
Contextual Factors that influence Environmental Design Projects
economic, technological, cultural, environmental and social factors that impact environmental design projects
features and functions of the design elements and principles relevant to environmental design projects
appropriate design terminology used in evaluative annotations
two-dimensional drawing methods used to visualise environmental design ideas and concepts, such as schematic drawings, plans and elevations
methods for representing three-dimensional spaces and structures, such as planometric and perspective drawing, and model-making
resolution of effective design solutions to meet the requirements of a brief
technical conventions used in documentation drawings relevant to environmental design projects

Key skills

apply the stages of the VCD design process to generate, refine, resolve and present an environmental design solution
draw inspiration from contemporary and historical design styles and traditions when responding to an environmental design brief
respond to contextual factors when designing environments
consider economic, technological, cultural, environmental and social factors that impact environmental design projects
select and use a range of appropriate manual and digital methods, media, materials, and design elements and principles to visualise environmental design ideas, concepts and solutions
annotate design ideas and concepts using design terminology to explain and evaluate design decisions
present resolution of effective design solutions to meet the requirements of a brief
apply technical conventions to documentation drawings.

Task 1: Architecture Scavenger Hunt

Collaborative Scav Hunt - Have 1 team member download a copy of the template here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sFgcCrdMRsEYwbrkc31FTAmZh2TLwBFt_3CTVF0LhCs/edit?usp=sharing

Go to File: Save a Copy or Download a Copy to use Google Slides or PPT & create a shared document with all members of your team.

Research: Use online & offline sources to find examples of architectural design related to design movements in history & the factors that influence design.

Architect Name: Where possible, include architect's name with the building name.

Design Movements: Find notable examples from design history

Factors that Influence Design: Find notable examples from design history

URLS: All images must be accompanied by a URL.

Notable Design Features: Bullet point 3-5 of the design features that most exemplify the selected design movement or Factor that influences design.

Submit: When complete, download or save file & send via email to me.
Print & Place in folio

Task 2: How Architects Work

Title page as above, then split the page into 4 columns or squares that represent each of the stages of the design process - Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver.
In Unit 2 Outcome 1 you will follow the design process to generate an architectural concept and model.

Consider the following tasks that an architecture studio or firm may complete when working on a project. Place each in one or more sections of the design process table you have created.

Present a schematic concept presentation to a client

Create an audience persona

Conduct a site visit

Document project in technical construction drawings

Analyse research findings

Research similar projects

Create a mood board of sample materials

Discuss the environmental design need with the client

Create lo-fi models or 3D schemas

Create hi fidelity modelling

Conduct a stakeholder analysis

Work on loose initial sketches

Conduct a site analysis

Document project ideas in renderings

Develop a brief with client consultation

FINAL PRESENTATION FORMATS

Add the following final presentation formats to the 'Deliver' column:

Technical drawings: Floor plans, elevations, section drawings, site plans, detail drawings, construction drawings.
Visualisations: Concept sketches. Perspective-rendered drawing, planometric rendered drawing, rendered site plan.

Digital renderings: perspective, planometric drawings, site plans, VR renderings

3D visualisations: 3D scale CAD Model, 3D physical scale model, topographic model

Find an example image for each stage of the design process.

Task 3: Context & Influence in Architecture

Throughout history, architectural movements have often drawn inspiration from their predecessors, leading to an evolution of styles.

By examining historical influences, you can gain insights into the evolution of design principles, cultural contexts, and societal needs. By studying the history of architecture, you can have a more sophisticated understanding of architectural choices and interpret their significance in different eras.

As you start to design your own Environments, it also encourages critical thinking about design decisions. It fosters a more sophisticated understanding of how your design ideas might fit within the broader world.

TASK: Choose one of the following Architecture design styles of the modern & contemporary eras (1900 to now).

Neoclassical Architecture, Gothic Revival, Modernist Architecture, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, International Style, Mid-Century Modernism, Brutalism, Postmodernism, Deconstructivism, Parametric Architecture, Neo-Futurism.

Conduct some research & find out:
a) A notable piece of architecture in this style. Add a picture, title, and link to a Google/PPT slide.

b) Write below:
The context of the movements(When, where, who, how did it come about?)

Key characteristics of the style/movement (how do you know a ____ style building when you see one?)

What architectural movement(s) or tradition was the main influence on the style?

c) A notable piece of architecture in the influential style. Add a picture, title, and link to a Google/PPT slide.

d) Write below:

The context of the movements(When, where, who, how did it come about?)

Key characteristics of the style/movement (how do you know a ____ style building when you see one?)

e) Commonalities: Below the context research, identify what characteristics you see or have researched that the two architectural design movements share.

Print A3 & glue into folio after a title page for Unit 2.

Task 4: Dream Architecture

Using your research as a source of inspiration, create a 2-point perspective sketch or design in your preferred media of a dream piece of architecture. Include at least 2 distinctive design characteristics from your chosen design movement.

Is it on a cloud? Does it defy physics? Is it melting into the landscape?
Annotate at the bottom of the page which movement you were inspired by, the characteristics you chose, and what effect they each have on the overall design.

Movement:

Characteristics:

Impact:

HOLIDAY HOMEWORK: TASK OPTIONS - Architecture contexts research: Choose two of the following tasks to complete over the holiday break. For each, pay attention and document the context of the architecture you select or create.

Free Architecture Documentaries Online:

Choose one documentary to watch from the list below. Complete a visual note taking page as you watch. Ensure to address the context of the design work you see in the documentary.

Abstract: The Art of Design - Bjark Ingels: Step inside the minds of innovative architect Bjark Ingles and learn how he designs buildings that impact the lives of the people who inhabit them.

Bauhaus - Architecture, art, and design - 100 Years of the Bauhaus

Lego House: Home of the Brick: Follow the journey of designing and constructing the LEGO House, featuring insights from architect Bjarke Ingels

First Person Singular: M Pei Architect: This architects projects including the Louvre Pyramid, National Gallery of Art and Miho Museum.

A is for Architecture: 30-minute documentary which covers a long history of architectural design. Good if you want to broader your knowledge of a lot of different architectural movements.

Observational Drawing Activities

Melbourne's most iconic Architecture - Research important & inspirational architectural design in our city. Take an excursion & create an observational sketch, roughly 30 minutes, ensuring to note the architectural features that are characteristic of its style.
Your drawing should be at least 15cm wide & include architectural detail. Note down under your drawing why you chose this building.

Urban Landscape Sketching: Find a nice park with some open space and surrounding urban areas. Observe surroundings and sketch landscapes, paying attention to architectural elements like buildings, trees, and streets. This can help you understand spatial composition and perspective.

Model Making

Recreate a famous building: Use whatever materials you have to hand at home, cardboard (cereal boxes), card, foam, paper, etc. to create miniature architectural models, experimenting with form, scale, and spatial relationships. Photograph your progress to document in the folio.

Create your own imaginative structure: Use whatever materials you have to hand at home, cardboard (cereal boxes), card, foam, paper, etc. to create miniature architectural models, experimenting with form, scale, and spatial relationships. Photograph your progress.

Virtually Tour Famous Locations

Search online to find and tour some famous locations around the globe. Select one to document in your folio. Take screen shots of particularly interesting features of the design to place in a slide & annotate below what you find interesting or inspiring about these.
Suggestions for architecturally important locations: The Guggenheim Museum, Concert Hall of Hamburg, The works of Architect Frank Gehry, The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Great 19th Century Architecture, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in India, Aztec & Mayan Ruins, Beautiful Places of Korea, Nairobi Gallery Kenya, Palace of Versailles France, Natural Museum of Korea, Wonders of Italy, Bauhaus everywhere,

Architecture Photography Excursions

Research first or just start exploring! Take a long walk through the city or surrounds with an architect's eye. Take photographs of buildings that you find inspiring, whether its the whole building or particular features & details.
Take at least 8 photographs to include in your folio. Place all on a Google Slide or PPT slide, ready to print for your folio.
Note down under each what you found most interesting.

Explore Melbourne’s architectural gems through photography. Visit iconic landmarks like the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre or unique residential designs.

Current Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne

Attend one (or more!) of the following events or exhibitions. Take photos of particular aspects of the design that you find inspiring and interesting, particularly as it related to architecture. Take at least 8 photographs to include in your folio. Place all on a Google Slide or PPT slide, ready to print for your folio.
Note down under each what you found most interesting.

Pharoah: NGV International. Cost $18 - 35. Three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture. Through more than 500 works, including monumental sculpture, architecture, temple statuary, exquisite jewellery, papyri, coffins and a rich array of funerary objects.

Australian Music Vault. Cost FREE. The Australian Music Vault features a free, immersive exhibition showcasing Australian music, innovative digital experiences, and iconic objects from our Australian Performing Arts Collection. Take photos to document potential sources of inspiration for your upcoming music festival design.

ACMI: Beings. Cost $10 students. Move, dance and play with this interactive exhibition that will surprise and delight all ages. How do artists & designers create experiences that illicit emotions from their audiences?

My Country: NGV Ian Potter (Fed Square) FREE. Mentorship and exhibition program that pairs emerging Australian First Nations artists and designers with one of eight esteemed industry mentors. Working collaboratively, the mentors each support and guide an emerging artist.

Joy: Melbourne Immigration Museum. Cost - FREE for students. Joy is a fantastic exhibition of works that are bright, engaging and immersive. Lots to look at and take inspiration when thinking about the kind of joyful design you might want to include in a music festival. Take lots of photos!

Buxton Contemporary' - The same crowd never gathers twice. Cost FREE. This exhibition is about the stadium, the theatre, the gallery, the event. A great philosophical response from artists about how crowds gather. Worth checking out!

Task: DISCOVER: WHAT DOES A FESTIVAL SITE NEED?

Client Need: Stonnington Council Summerington Festival

Target Audience: 15-25 year olds from in and around the Stonnington Council area. Aware of & interested in music, fashion, and design trends.

Design Criteria: Must be planned for the Prahran Square area. Must include reference to design history with clear integration of the aesthetics & characteristics of a chosen design movement. Concepts must be presented with a scaled site plan drawing, elevation drawing, & a 1:50 scale model.

Research: Use Pinterest to search 'Festival Architecture'. What kinds of structures do you see?

Document this on a page in your folio.

Task: ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEXT

Folio page heading: Architecture in Context.

Video: Context in Architecture

Watch video & either create visual note-taking page using the questions below to guide you as you are watching, or answer the questions below, in full sentences in your folio during & after watching the video.

What are the different types of context?
How does context Influence design decisions? Reflect on how context shapes architectural choices. How might a building’s surroundings impact its form, materials, or functionality?
How does architecture respond to the needs and values of a community? How do architects make design decisions with individuals and communities in mind?
In what ways are architects asked to consider environmental challenges within a specific context? Think about site specific needs, energy efficiency, materials, and site geography.
How can architecture connect with people on a personal level? How does a building evoke emotions or memories based on its context?

Task: ES DEVLIN CASE STUDY

Watch Abstract: Es Devlin

Create a new folio page titled 'Es Devlin'. Divide into 4 sections. Use the first section to jot down notes as you watch. Use the headings below to title the other 3 sections.

Watch the episode in segments, pausing to discuss and answer questions.

Process:

What initial steps does Es Devlin take when starting a new project?
How does she use sketches and models in her design process?

Context:

How does the context of a performance (e.g., opera vs. concert) influence her design choices?
What role do collaborations play in her work?

Architectural Practices and History:

How does Es Devlin incorporate architectural elements into her stage designs?
Can you identify any historical influences in her work?

Answer the following questions on your Es Devlin page.

How might you apply Es Devlin’s approach to your work? What elements of her process do you find most inspiring?

DISCOVER: 2 MOOD BOARDS

Architecture Mood Board Exploration:

Create a mood board inspired by your chosen architecture design movement (e.g., Art Deco, Bauhaus, etc.).

Collect images, textures, colours, and patterns associated with the movement. Arrange them on a Google Slide or PPT slide. Include URLs for all digital imagery.

Reflect on the aspects of these these visual elements that best align with the festival’s vibe and audience.

Print your slide A4 size & glue it into the centre of a folio page.

Characteristics Sketching: Understand the core characteristics of your chosen design movement.

From your research, you should demonstrate an understanding of the design movement's key visual language (e.g., symmetry, minimalism, organic forms).

Around your research imagery, sketch key design features (arches, geometric shapes, materials) directly onto your mood board. Focus on forms and shapes in loose, organic ways.

Festival Architecture Mood Board Exploration:

Create a mood board inspired by festival architecture, using the search terms from our list of key festival architecture. Search for structures that are sculptural, architectural, distinctive, and inspiring to you.

Arrange them on a Google Slide or PPT slide. Include URLs for all digital imagery.

Reflect on the aspects of these visual elements that best align with the festival’s vibe and audience.

Print your slide A4 size & glue it into the centre of a folio page.

Form Sketching: Understand the forms of your festival architecture inspiration.

From your research, you should demonstrate an understanding of the use of form. Around your research imagery, sketch the forms using your

Links: Burning Man 1, Burning Man 2
Coachella 1, Coachella 2, Coachella 3
Festival Architecture 1, Festival Architecture 2, Festival Architecture 3 (with technical drawings), Festival Architecture 4

Homework Task - David Byrne

Watch the TED Talk: How architecture helped music evolve

Answer the following questions in your folio:

At the beginning of the talk, David Byrne mentions playing at CBGB and later performing at Carnegie Hall. How does the venue impact the music created in these different spaces?
Byrne compares human music to bird songs, emphasizing adaptation to different environments. Can you think of examples where music adapts to specific contexts or spaces?
Think about your favourite music genres. How might the architecture of concert halls, clubs, or outdoor venues shape the sound and style of those genres?
Consider the concept of “musical innovation.” How has architectural context historically pushed musicians to explore new creative directions?
In your opinion, how might future architectural innovations continue to influence music?

Task: DISCOVER: SITE ANALYSIS

A site analysis in architecture involves researching and analyzing various aspects of a location before beginning any design work. Here are the key components to consider:

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

- Topography: Study the land’s contours and elevation.
- Soil Type: Understand the soil composition.
- Hydrology: Examine water flow patterns, drainage, and existing water bodies.
- Vegetation: Assess plant life and its impact on the site.
- Existing Structures: Identify any buildings or infrastructure already present.

Social and Historical Context:

- Investigate the site’s historical significance and cultural context.
- Understand the local community and its needs.

Climatic Factors:

- Analyze climate data (temperature, rainfall, wind patterns).
- Consider sun and shade patterns throughout the day.

Legal and Zoning Constraints:

- Research local building codes, regulations, and zoning requirements.

Infrastructure Assessment:

- Evaluate existing utilities (water, electricity, sewage).
- Understand transportation networks and access points.

How do we mark a site plan to show different aspects of the site?

View the examples on this page https://archisoup.teachable.com/p/architectural-site-analysis-symbols https://archisoup.teachable.com/p/architectural-site-analysis-symbols

SITE ANALYSIS RESOURCES: Prahran Square

Aspect Studios - Design Firm documentation of site.

Lyons Arch - Design Firm documentation of site. Includes site plans.

Stonnington Council - Documentation of Project

Landzine Article about the design

EXCURSION TO SITE

For your site analysis, you will visit Prahran Square. You will use an A3 printed site plan to document your observations of the existing environment, annotating your plan.

You will annotate the plan with the following questions in mind:

What unique features of Prahran Square can inspire your festival architecture?
How will the site’s topography influence your design decisions?
How might the existing infrastructure inform your layout and ideas for structures?

DEFINE: THE BRIEF

Use The Brief structure to write a short brief for this project, with your specific design aspects in mind. Use your understanding of the site from your site analysis to expand on Constraints & Expectations. Use information from your mood boards & research into your chosen architectural style to add to Constraints & Expectations.

Key Sections of The Brief include:
- Client
- Target Audience
- Design Problem Statement / Communication Need
- Expectations & Constraints
- Deliverables/ Final Presentation

DESIGN BRIEF: SUMMERINGTON FESTIVAL ARCHITECTURE

Client: The Stonnington Council has commissioned architectural designs for an upcoming vibrant festival space for a new festival launching in 2025 in the suburb of Prahran, Summerington Festival. The goal is to create an engaging and memorable environment that caters to the interests of 15-to 25-year-olds residing in and around the Stonnington Council area. (Expand on Stonnington Council as a client, consider what they already do to activate spaces for culture & youth in particular).

Design Problem Statement: (Expand. How can you express the information you have been provided and included in your discovery as a design problem statement?)

Target Audience: (Expand. What other demographics could you include to give more context to your design work?)

15-25 year-olds
Interests: Music, fashion, and design
Expectations: The design should resonate with their cultural sensibilities and provide an exciting & engaging festival experience.

Design Criteria & Constraints:

Location: Prahran Square. The festival architecture must be planned specifically for Prahran Square. Consider the site's existing context, spatial layout, and natural features. (Expand. What can you include from your site analysis? What specific aspects of the site do you want to target with your design?)

Design History Integration:

Choose a specific design movement from history (e.g., Art Deco, Bauhaus, Mid-Century Modern, etc.). Integrate the aesthetics and key characteristics of this movement into the design. Consider materials, forms, colors, and spatial arrangements. (Expand. What design movements or architectural history might you focus on?)

Concept Presentation:

Work must be explored with technical and visualisation drawings and lo-fi models.

Functional & Accessibility Requirements: (Expand. What might need to be considered to create a good design?)

Sustainability and Innovation Requirements: (Expand. What might need to be considered to create a good design?)

Deliverables:

Detailed design brief (written document)

Scaled site plan drawing (Expand. What scale? What context will be needed? What should be included in the drawing)

Elevation Drawing (Expand. What scale? What context will be needed? What should be included in the drawing/s?)

1:50 Scale Model (Expand. What context will be needed? What should the model depict?)

Task: DISCOVER: DRAWING ARCHITECTURAL IDEAS

In your folio document the different methods of visualising architecture from the ENVIRONMENTS page

View examples of the way that architects sketch their ideas here.

Task: DEVELOP: DRAWING ARCHITECTURAL IDEAS

On your next page, draw ideation sketches for your design ideas - refer back to your mood boards.

Don't worry about function. Fill your page with sketches of interesting forms that could become structures, that reference your desighn movement.

Use a variety of materials to play with line, texture, tone, and colour as you sketch.

DEVELOP: 3D Drawing methods

Look at these examples of how famous architects have represented their ideas. How do they get from these, to more complex representations, to final products?

Drawing a Basic Box: Use a range of 3D drawing methods to create boxes to contain representations of 3D designs
Use the boxes to draw simple shapes and forms representing your ideas for structures. Practice orienting these shapes within the box to understand spatial relationships.
Self-Assessment: Reflect on your learning process. How did the box method simplify your drawing? What challenges did you face?
Annotate: Use 2-3 different annotation methods to reflect on your design ideas.

HOMEWORK TASK - 2-Point Perspective Rendering

Find an image of a notable building made in your selected architectural style. Select a building that has a number of characteristics that are distinctive to your selected style.

Ensure that the image of the building is shot from an angle that allows you to represent 2 sides in a 2 point perspective drawing, you may not find an image that is perfect, but find something that shows two sides well.

Draw up a 2 pt perspective arrangement on an A3 page,

TASK: THINKING IN 3D - 3D Paper Modelling

Watch Video - Paper Sketch Modelling

Using simple paper and cardboard forms, refer to sketches in your folio to create at least 2 paper models.
Open your folio, make some selections based on your drawn ideas, and consider how you might translate 2D shapes into 3D forms.

Consider scale and proportion in 3D modelling.

Select at least 2 of your previous sketches to develop into 3D models. Experiment with different paper and cardboard techniques to create forms. Consider how 2D ideas translate into 3D space and make adjustments as needed.

If you have time, consider how you might refine your models, focusing on accuracy and detail.
Use iPads to photograph models from multiple angles, paying attention to lighting and composition.
Print these photos for inclusion in the folios.

If you have time, use paper to explore forms further than those you've drawn, that still align with your design brief.

Annotate images:
- Consider the challenges faced and how you overcame them.

- Discuss how the 3D models have enhanced your understanding of their design concepts.

- Consider how you might further develop their ideas based on insights gained from the 3D modelling process.

Further paper folding and modelling methods:
Paper folding with Adam Williamson

HOMEWORK

Begin to plan your scale on 1-2 folio pages.

- Research existing structures similar to your design, document their measurements.
- Refer to Australian standards of building for accessibility.
- Create a rough sketch of a simple base form for your design which includes key height, width, and depth measurements, in mm, as is the industry standard.

THINKING TECHNICALLY - HOW TO PLAN FOR SCALE OF YOUR DESIGN

Folio Page: Document the provided information on the lesson plan & Environments page about the conventions of Environments technical drawing.
Focus on
- Floor Plans
- Site Plans
- Elevations
- Scale Coventions

TASK: THINKING TECHNICALLY - CREATING A PLAN & ELEVATION

1 Folio page: Planning Measurements

Looking at your ideas, select your preferred concept.

Create a rough sketch of the design's form. Use this to plan the measurements of your design.

include at key points of your design the real-life:

Length
Height
Width

Ensure to reference Australian building standards for accessibility and conventions.

Next, write a list of all your key measurements in mm, and divide these by 50 to get the appropriate measurements for your structure.

1 Folio page: Grid sketch & refined drawing

Draw a box on your grid, reflecting the measurements of your highest height, and widest length measurements. Use this to contain your elevation sketch.

Use rulers - both straight & round - to draw the frame & key details of your design idea on the grid.

Trace in fineliner to get a solid line.

Use thin paper on a light box to trace your scaled drawing on to a plain piece of paper to refine your elevation drawing. You will later refine this as a digital drawing.