Studio 4: Open Studio
Overview
This unit contains a suite of studios that extend the skills acquired by students in other units by connecting them with industry professionals to work on a variety of projects with a professional focus. Open Studio is akin to a Masterclass, where students work alongside visiting designers and academics on interdisciplinary projects – some may be industry-based – and students will be encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity in projects with ‘blue sky’ scenarios that have professional-quality outcomes. Students can further develop their conceptual thinking, improve their strategic abilities, and may be able to develop advanced knowledge in design software.
Requisites
Rule
Admission into either:
MA-DESG Master of Design; MA-ARC Master of Architecture; MA-UD Master of Urban Design
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Respond to a design brief using sophisticated conceptual, strategic and software skills
- Plan and problem solve, exercising initiative and judgment in order to create high quality professional outcomes.
- Create documentation that effectively communicates the value and intent of a design solution
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 | |
| Specified Activities | Various | 120 | 12 weeks | 10 | Discussion boards, Practice-led enquiry into materials, Technology and form, Technical development, Workshops, Collaborative idea generation, Readings |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 108 | 12 weeks | 9 | |
| Total Hours: | 300 | Total Hours (per week): | 25 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Project | Individual/Group | 40% | 1,2 |
| Project Proposal | Individual/Group | 20% | 2 |
| Project and Presentation | Individual/Group | 40% | 2,3 |
Content
- The generation and critique of design concepts, design development, and proposed outcomes
- Development of existing design software skills
- Generating design for rich interdisciplinary outcomes
- Critiquing current modes of personal and professional design practice
- Generating innovative design outcomes that challenge existing scenarios
- Preparation of design outcomes of a professional quality in response to a design brief
- Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Collaboration and negotiation
- Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Teamwork roles and processes
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.