ADD+F is a research hub at the Melbourne School of Design that brings together researchers covering a diverse field of expertise, including digital design, construction robotics, 3D printing, mixed reality, and BIM.

ADD+F's key focus is to instigate innovation through a collaborative and cross-technological approach, applying design thinking and experimentation methodologies. The research hub seeks innovative and sustainable solutions that apply to industries – ranging from construction, health and well-being, to the arts, entertainment and design disciplines.

The Design Research Hub ADD+F:

  • explores advanced digital technologies to challenge current design and construction practices seeking innovative and sustainable solutions that apply to industry.
  • engages with a wide range of industry partners including construction, health and wellbeing, the arts, entertainment and design disciplines.
  • ventures into new directions, formulating novel processes, methods, tools and applications for a future-orientated discipline and profession.
  • undertakes explorations through research and teaching in collaboration with national and international partners.
Address:
Melbourne School of Design
Glyn Davis Building (133)
The University of Melbourne
Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
Contacts:
A/Prof Rochus Hinkel
Leire Asensio-Villoria
Dr Alberto Pugnale
Email
addf-research@unimelb.edu.au

Research Projects

PhD Projects

Members of the ADD+F research hub teach and coordinate graduate and undergraduate coursework with a computational design and technology-driven focus at the Melbourne School of Design.  You can find a list of subjects below showcasing the diverse design research undertaken by ADD+F staff.

Digital Design & Fabrication Electives

The Digital Design and Fabrication Electives offer students the opportunity to gain expertise and competence in the understanding and application of contemporary design tools – informing students’ design process, making, and thinking. All offerings are based on a culture of experimentation whilst applying contemporary design and making tools to create advanced physical and digital artefacts and environments. Individual subjects are taught by leaders in their field from industry, practice, and research. Students receive additional support and insights from guests and the MSD Maker Spaces staff and infrastructure, including specific training in the operation and potentials of the available fabrication equipment. Subject Coordinator: A/Prof Rochus Hinkel

Building Information Modelling Electives

The BIM Electives aim at developing students’ understanding of available innovative technologies and methodologies, particularly BIM, as crucial elements to the future of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Through these subjects, students will receive hands-on tools experience and will learn about the BIM concept and the typical workflows of BIM implementation. Also, during the semester, BIM professionals in the industry will be invited as guest speakers to share their knowledge and experience on relevant topics. By completing these BIM Electives, students will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of BIM-related processes as they unfold in practice and eventually prepare themselves for their future careers in the industry. Subject Coordinator: Dr Mehran Oraee

Graduate Research

Design and Creative Practice research are actively supported in the Melbourne School of Design and the University of Melbourne through the PhD model ‘Thesis by Creative Work'. Academics in the ADD+F research hub have the capacity to supervise PhD research projects, especially those with a design and creative practice focus.

Creative Practice Research is multi-modal in approach, combining tacit and embodied know-how with critical and contextual knowledge of the relevant design field. Explorative, open-ended and autoethnographic methodologies are supported with an emphasis on asking ‘what if?’ as well as ‘so what?’ enabling both creative and critical approaches to work side by side within a research project through various media. Relevant contemporary theories are mobilised to actively reflect and test creative practice work in progress and questions are raised concerning societal and disciplinary relevance.

A spectrum of interdisciplinary design and creative projects are supported by the MSD, and ADD+F research hub has the competence to supervise projects exploring art, design, architecture and heritage, urban design, placemaking and digital design and fabrication technologies. ­We encourage potential applicants to contact individual hub members or the co-directors for further advice and feedback on their applications.

Potential candidates find further information about the PhD program:
https://gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/preparing-my-thesis/thesis-with-creative-works

Application requirements and due dates: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/doctor-of-philosophy-architecture-building-and-planning/how-to-apply/

Co-Directors:

Researchers:

Hub Activities

Loading...