Found 221 study abroad units
ABB100 Introduction to Building Structures
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces structural and non-structural materials and systems for the development of constructed entities such as buildings and bridges. You will learn about the most common types of materials (timber, building boards, fibre composites, concrete, masonry, metals, ceramics, glass and granular materials) used to create modern constructed entities are introduced, and their basic properties, behaviour, strength, durability, suitability, sustainability, limitations, and applications. The unit also introduces the statics and other relevant concepts in physics at an elementary level. The unit develops a strong foundation for architectural design and construction management disciplines and further studies on the designing of structures.
ABB101 Design 1: Space and Scale
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces foundational principles and elements of spatial design, focusing on space and scale. Informed by essential design theories, methods, and processes, you will explore how space and scale apply in the distinct but related fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design. You will use your creative imagination, research and study existing designs for inspiration, and think critically to formulate and refine your design ideas. This includes experimenting with the qualities of space and form. Learning in this unit is project-based, involving collaboration with peers and supported by lectures, readings, practical exercises, and formative reviews in the fabrication workshop and design studios. Summative presentations occur at the end of each assessment. You will be introduced to professional knowledge that aligns with item 18 of the AACA national competencies for Architects.
ABB102 Design 2: Site and Context
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces principles and elements of spatial design with a focus on site and context. From a platform of foundational knowledge of design theory and process, you will explore the spatial design practices of architecture, landscape architecture and interior design. You will be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of the intangible aspects, and tangible formal and spatial qualities of sites and their contexts. Learning in this unit is project-based in collaboration with peers, supported by lectures, readings, practicals and studio activities. You will build from this unit in your discipline-focused second year design units. You will be introduced to professional knowledge that aligns with items 17, 18, 26 and 36 of the AACA national competencies for Architects.
ABB103 Create and Represent: Process
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit provides introductory skills in analogue (hand drawing and modelling) and digital processes for architecture, landscape architecture and interior design. It will cover methods for analysing and exploring the built environment, generative techniques, foundational graphic communication, and design principles. Through observation, analysis, drawing and modelling techniques, you will gain an understanding of key communication techniques and principles informing design processes and explorations. You will build on this unit in your future design studios, technology and environments units.
ABB104 Create and Represent: Presentation
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit provides introductory hybrid presentation skills for communicating design contexts, ideas, intents and propositions for our built and natural environment. It will cover methods and techniques for communicating in two and three dimensions, including visualising and explaining design contexts and ideas as well as drawing, making, rendering, writing, and speaking about design intents and propositions. Through a range of practical exercises and experiments, students will understand how to communicate design concepts and intents to general audiences in different contexts.
ABB105 Spatial Materiality
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit provides an exploration of the materials of the built environment, with a focus on sustainability and technological advances. It will cover a number of thematic considerations for materials, including: physical and psychological properties, extraction and creation processes, positive and negative environmental impacts, and applications for creating sustainable works of architecture, interiors, and landscapes. The unit will consider historical and cultural uses, including historic and contemporary uses by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through observation, analysis, and reflection, you will gain an understanding of key materials and how they can be used to heighten the human experience of spatial environments, and have a positive environmental impact.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
ABB106 Create and Represent: Documentation
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit provides introductory skills of analogue and digital drawing standards for architecture, interiors, and landscapes. Applying conventions including dimensioning, annotation, cross-referencing and scale, students will learn requirements for accurate architectural documentation. Through exploration of orthographic projections students will gain an understanding of drawing conventions for particular audiences and purposes.
ABB107 Small Scale Building and Construction
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit develops your knowledge, skills and application for small scale buildings and residential construction. The unit introduces current domestic construction techniques and materials that are the core of any construction process. You are taught to read plans and build a house by studying construction theory and legislation, sketching construction details and an introduction to simple BIM models. This first year unit complements other first year units of the course and prepares you for Integrated Construction Management and Low-Rise Construction.
ABB108 Spatial Histories
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
In this foundation unit you will be introduced to the history of the built environment through the study of global architectures across a wide range of cultures throughout past millennia. The unit will introduce you to the importance of the specific contributions made by architecture, interior design , landscape architecture and urban and regional planning to the global understanding of spatial histories. Through engaging with lectures that introduce you to key concepts, and tutorials that will develop your skills in writing and critical thinking, you will become familiar with the critical moments and paradigm shifts of the built environment through global perspectives and spatial justice theories. This unit provides the foundation from which you will continue to develop an understanding of yourself as a participant in the continuum of the rich cultural tradition of designing and making places for human inhabitation.
ABB121 Introduction to Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit will introduce you to the essential professional skills and practices you will need throughout your studies and professional career in the built environment. The unit actively explores the social and environmental forces involved in the evolution of the many ways that the built environment expresses itself across time and in different locations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. You will explore key concepts such as fundamentals of construction management and quantity surveying, occupational health and safety, asset management, professional ethics and sustainability, and to develop professional self-understanding in the built environment.
ABB123 Sustainability and Design Thinking for the Construction Industry
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
In this introductory unit, you will gain a big picture view of the strategies and interactions that influence the sustainable development of the built environment. You will also learn about the principles of sustainability and application of them to real-world projects. Using design-thinking, you will consider the end user of built spaces and the social and cultural impacts of decisions at every stage of the project development and planning process. You will analyse problems and consider various innovative solutions. You will learn appropriate terminology and communication strategies to communicate and negotiate with diverse stakeholders including clients, design managers, architects, project managers, urban planners, construction managers and quantity surveyors and cost engineers. You will also learn how and when these roles intersect and how you can have a strategic impact on the project development and planning process.
ABB124 Integrated Construction
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This is a foundation unit integrating residential/small commercial construction processes in a collaborative digital environment by utilising building information modelling and related technology. The ability to use building information modelling and related technology in construction processes in a collaborative digital environment involving a project team from different disciplines is important to work in the industry. This unit prepares you for Building Services and other units.
ABB151 Planning and Design Practice
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit will introduce you to planning and design concepts underlying urban and regional planning, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. The unit draws on real world urban planning examples to develop spatial analysis and visual communication skills which are key to conducting planning analysis and making recommendations. During lectures you will learn about theories and tools relevant for imagining and designing urban spaces. You will then apply this knowledge to cases studies in Australia and/or abroad. Tutorials will help you build the necessary skills to translate your ideas and concepts into cohesive plans, maps and visual aids. These skills are necessary to communicate spatial concepts and will be of value in your academic and professional career.
ABB153 Urban Analysis
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This is a foundation unit that will introduce you to various demographic, socioeconomic and physical aspects of cities and to qualitative, quantitative and spatial methods of urban analysis that you will apply in a real-world context. This unit will also help you to develop your communication and collaboration skills using appropriate techniques.
ABB206 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
The development of conflict management and negotiation skills is essential for those tasked with shaping the built environment. In this unit, you will acquire skills in effective communication, analysis of disputes and creative problem-solving through active participation in role-playing and reflective activities and intense investigation of real-world conflicts that arise through the development of land. You will learn to manage conflicting stakeholder perspectives, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perspectives. Learning to think about and respond to conflict in a rational manner will prepare you for group work within your studies and into professional practice. Stakeholder Engagement and Planning Law units build on this unit.
ABB211 Architecture Design 3
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This architecture studio explores contemporary residential architecture in inner-city Brisbane against the backdrop of a digital world. You will develop architectural form in response to the urban fabric – of the site, street, suburb, and city – while satisfying the requirements of dwelling and living. This studio will introduce the singular concepts and skills required of an architecture-specific studio—while extending the spatial design concepts learned in ABB101 and ABB102 with new urban space- and form-generating concepts of architectural objecthood and language surveyed in global architectural praxis. Through the two projects, a house and small townhouse development, you will create new architectural and urban concepts, a site intervention (site plan or masterplan), building envelope (three-dimensional form), architectural plans, expressive materiality and technologies, and a clear and compelling presentation.
ABB212 Architecture Design 4
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit provides you with an ability to develop architectural designs of limited complexity with particular focus on urban space, planning and form through an understanding of site specificities, topography, urban infrastructure and the natural landscape. In this unit you will undertake a small commercial and larger cultural design project. This builds on prior knowledge gained in the first three design studios, but introduces a higher level of architectural thought via the formalist theory and methodology in architecture, involving established concepts of architectural objecthood and language manifest in global architectural praxis. You will also be introduced to urban design expanding your previous knowledge of site planning. You will gain new skills in architectural design, urban analysis, and architectural drawing, modelling and visualisation toward the formal synthesis of the architectural object in urban space.
ABB213 Modern Architecture
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit looks at the development of modern architecture from its early roots in the 19th century to the major movements and architects of the 20th century. You will explore how architecture responded to changes in society, technology and culture. The unit will help you understand the key ideas, architects, and buildings that shaped modern architecture. You’ll learn how to connect this historical knowledge to your own design work and participate in architectural discussions. Following on from ABB105 Spatial Materiality and ABB108 Spatial Histories, this unit deepens your understanding of architectural history.
ABB214 Environmental Principles of Architectural Design
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit familiarises you with the basic design principles and passive strategies for heating, cooling and daylighting necessary for architectural designs that respond to human needs (human comfort), are climate-responsive and energy efficient. Understanding the importance of climate-responsive design provides you with the tools to integrate environmental design principals in buildings that reduces carbon emissions for building operations. In a world of finite resources, understanding the physical phenomenon we have to deal with in design is essential for responsible professionals. Technical and scientific issues are an integral part of design projects. It is a fundamental task of architectural design to achieve maximum comfort requirements of the building occupants while minimising energy consumption and operational carbon emissions.
ABB222 Construction Estimating
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
An advanced construction management unit focusing on construction cost quantification techniques linking to previous years’ basic work and understanding. It includes an introduction to the interrelationship between professions in estimating and the techniques available to quantify cost; definition of the fundamental elements of cost and the methods of evaluating labour, materials, and equipment; assessing base estimates for major trades; assessment of offers from sub-contractors and implications for the tendering process; first principles estimating; review of an estimate; subsequent negotiations and application of estimating to variations and profit monitoring; outcome performance indicators; and introduction to current industry practice, tools, and technology.
ABB223 Low-Rise Construction
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces you to theoretical and practical knowledge to understand concepts, principles, construction techniques and procedures relevant to low-rise construction. You will gain skills to critically evaluate projects in terms of buildability, construction methodology, site safety, planning, scheduling techniques and site organisation. The ability to manage and supervise the construction process of a cross section of low-rise construction types such as residential apartment buildings, and commercial and industrial buildings is an essential requirement for construction management and quantity surveying professionals. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are relevant to construction management and quantity surveying students and builds upon knowledge gained in earlier units such as small-scale construction, and integrated construction, building services, preparing you for further advanced units in structures and high-rise construction.
ABB224 Construction Legislation
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces the Australian statutory requirements, building laws and legal frameworks that regulate building works and construction activities to provide a broad understanding of how the mandatory technical requirements dictate the selection of the materials, construction elements, facilities and services in buildings. It articulates the potential risks and issues associated with non-conformance and non-compliance and their impact on project cost, time, and quality. The ability to identify, assess and resolve issues of non-compliance in relation to the application of National Construction Code (NCC), relevant building acts, Australian Standards and associated legislative frameworks is critically important to achieve the minimum necessary performance requirements of buildings in relation to health, safety, amenity and sustainability. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are relevant to building professional practice in all areas of the built environment.
ABB226 Building Structures
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This is an intermediate level unit addressing the basic principles of structural engineering applicable to building structures. Quantitative and qualitative techniques are used as the basis for learning simple structural design. In this course, you must have the ability to understand structural equibrium and have a sound understanding of how a structure achieves structural stability through load paths. Furthermore, you are required to interpret engineering designs and convert the designer's intent and components specified, into a project. This demands proper understanding of structural actions and basic design and analysis of simple structures to ensure economy and safety. This unit introduces these concepts and builds upon knowledge of materials from ABB100 Introduction to Building Structures. It develops the learning skills to manage increasingly complex projects in later units.
ABB231 Interior Design: Inhabitation
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces principles and elements of interior design within commercial contexts, focusing on inhabitation. It addresses small-scale spaces on urban sites. You will learn about interior design practices, requiring you to develop a coherent and foundational knowledge of individual and collaborative interior design processes and theory. Learning in this unit is project-based, supported by lectures, readings, workshops, and studio activities. You will also draw on learning from your previous design units. Learning from this unit will enable you to realise more realistic design and project outcomes.
ABB232 Interior Design: Interiority
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces principles and elements of interior design with a focus on interiority. You will learn about interior design practices, requiring you to develop a coherent and foundational knowledge of interior design process and theory. Learning in this unit is project-based, supported by lectures, readings, practicals, and studio activities. You will draw on the learnings from previous design studio units and build on this unit’s learnings in future design studio units.
ABB233 Interior Access and Assemblies
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit develops competency in the technical communication of commercial construction and detailing of interior environments, in particular exploring two dimensional and three dimensional digital drafting conventions. You will learn about the application of building codes and standards with an emphasis on interior construction assemblies and accessibility. These are fundamental skills required by a professional interior designer. This unit links to other core interior design units by expanding your awareness of the commercial sector.
ABB235 Colour and Light
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This unit develops a broad and coherent understanding of colour - its psychology and complexity, and interdependence with light, in the context of design theory and application in practice. As such, it introduces you to the attributes, influences and principles of implications of colour and light within the built environment. It develops broad knowledge and the skills to apply theoretical concepts relative to colour and light in the creation of interior spatial projects. It focuses on the human response to colour and light through an understanding of the histories, theories, and methods of application relevant to two and three-dimensional environments.
ABB241 Landscape Design 3: Planting Design
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This second-year landscape architectural design unit builds on your introductory-level design visualisation skills and knowledge of design principles. An understanding of plant species, characteristics and design considerations are critical to the work of landscape architects, and this unit introduces you to the basic principles and processes of planting design. You will complete a series of exercises to learn about Western plant classification, plant forms and functions, effects of physical conditions and processes on planting design, the importance of plants for sustainability, influences of site history and character, plant selection, procurement and maintenance implications. You will apply this knowledge to plan, develop and communicate a site-based planting design, using industry-standard communication conventions. The knowledge and skills acquired in this unit will inform your work in your ongoing design units and in Landscape Ecologies.
ABB242 Landscape Design 4: People and Place
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This second-year landscape architectural design unit introduces you to theories, principles and approaches to contemporary place-making through the critical examination of how people perceive, are impacted by, and interact with their environments, both individually and collectively. It builds your introductory-level design visualisation skills and knowledge of design principles, exploring theories and practices of environment and behaviour, place-making and environmental psychology. You will apply these to first analyse a project site and context, and then plan, develop and communicate a design proposition using the site planning conventions. This unit advances your knowledge and skills by guiding you to research and apply design theories and concepts in the creation of place- and people-responsive designs, which will inform your work in ongoing design units. This unit is complementary to ABB202 Design Psychology and students are encouraged to enrol in both.
ABB243 Landscape Design 5: Design and Documentation
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Architecture and Built Environment
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This third-year landscape design unit combines both design and advanced technical knowledge and skills, building on knowledge and skills developed in your previous design and technology units. This unit guides you through a high resolution design exploration to the development of a landscape architecture-specific documentation set commensurate to those produced in the profession for landscape construction contractors and other consultants. It encourages you to develop a greater level of skill in design resolution at a range of spatial scales and independent application of technical landscape design specificity, supporting your ongoing landscape design learning and preparing you for final year design studios and professional practice after graduation.