Design Research Studio A
Overview
The aim of this unit is for students to develop creative thinking processes through generating and testing speculative design propositions that respond to a range of complex, contemporary global challenges at an introductory level. Students will develop agile, nonlinear learning abilities to respond to uncertain outcomes and to make meaningful connections between challenging, contradictory or unlikely elements. Students will learn to take risks and learn from failure through design iteration whilst undertaking design as a form of research at an introductory level. Students will be able to identify a design challenge; set out an integrated design research question; articulate a design method; and put forward a tested design proposition, drawing conclusions about the weakness and strengths of their design approach.
Requisites
Workshop safety and equipment use and OH+S training
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Use design ideation to pose and probe questions, which identify opportunities for the development of design proposals
- Apply architecture and/or urban design theories and technical skills to uncertain problems, which have unfamiliar or emergent circumstances and incomplete information
- Think strategically and apply planning and design concepts, skills and knowledge strategically at a range of scales and spatial settings, at an introductory level
- Use and synthesise a range of data and analysis methods to formulate a design hypothesis at an introductory level
- Clearly and concisely communicate architecture and/or urban design proposals via a range of media and methods including visual, verbal and written
- Work productively as an individual or in a team within multidisciplinary and diverse groups
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Studio | 72 | 12 weeks | 6 | Design Seminar |
| Specified Activities | Various | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | Online content |
| Unspecified Activities | Various | 204 | 12 weeks | 17 | Independent study, Assignment preparation, Revision |
| Total Hours: | 300 | Total Hours (per week): | 25 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project and Presentation | Individual/Group | 60% | 2,3,4,5,6 |
| Project and Presentation | Individual/Group | 20% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 20% | 3,4,5 |
Content
- Undertake a series of critical and explorative studio-based design speculations leading to a major design proposition
- Undertake a design proposition investigating one or more key issues or approaches in depth, whilst demonstrating an understanding of the broader implications of their proposal
- Design Research – identify opportunities for further design exploration and development
- Examination of the inherent uncertainty in and around design projects
- Design ambitious and original propositions clearly defined at a range of scales
- Respond to physical, environmental, theoretical and cultural contexts
- Clearly communicate propositions through verbal and graphic presentation using a variety of media and methods, including digital, mechanical or manual tools
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.