Environmental Design


This specialisation is a response to the demand from third year students for further learning on the topic of Environmental Building Systems (EBS).

These subjects cover the key topics in environmental systems for both Commercial and Residential buildings, and engage students in industry practice and learning. The aim of these subjects is to equip students from the BDes, who have a strong interest in Environmental Building Systems to expand their skills with industry standard modelling software and rating tools, and to become familiar with the National Construction Code (NCC).

Students who complete the EBS specialisation will have the knowledge and skills to undertake industry accredited certifications such as Green Star directly from their Bachelor degree, and to find a range of employment in industry after graduation.

The subjects in this specialisation have a prerequisite of ABPL20036 Environmental Building Systems. The specialisation subjects below can be completed in any order.

In order to complete the specialisation, students are required to complete the following two subjects:

ARCH30003 Environmental Design-Commercial (Winter Semester)

ARCH30003 Environmental Design: Commercial prioritises the sustainable building design process and assessment tools used in the design of BCA class 3 – 9 buildings, which includes office, hospital, education, school, hotel, aged care, warehouse and factory.

The subject combines theoretical knowledge of the environmental performance of commercial buildings (such as energy, comfort, water, daylight, waste, ecology, innovation) with a practical understanding of how the industry assesses them in accordance with Town Planning, BCA, Greenstar, NABERS and other specialty assessment tools. These skills are closely aligned with the required knowledge of the graduate ESD consultant positions, typically in architecture or engineering firms.

The subject will maximise industry involvement through guest speakers, case studies and site visits.

ARCH30004 Environmental Design in Housing (Summer Semester)

Environmental Design- Residential prioritises the sustainable building design process and assessment tools used in the design of NCC class 1 – 2 buildings, which include standalone single dwellings and apartment buildings.

The subject combines theoretical knowledge of the environmental performance of residential buildings (such as energy, comfort, water, daylight, waste, ecology, innovation) with a practical understanding of how the industry assesses them in accordance with Town Planning requirements, the Building Code of Australia, NatHERS and other specialised assessment tools. These skills are closely aligned with industry expectations for positions such as: graduates ESD consultant positions in architecture and engineering companies.

The subject will maximise industry interaction through guest speakers, case studies and site visits.

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