Courses Architectural Design Course Summary
Architectural Design
DURATION, NQF EQUIVALENT LEVEL AND INTAKES
Diploma of Architectural Design and Technology - 3 Academic Years, Level 7, January
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Architectural designers, freelancing, architectural technicians, CAD operators, draughting, building related work, project management, surveying, interior design, landscape architecture or local government work.
ACADEMIC PATHWAYS
Graduates have gone on to study: Lincoln University (Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Diploma of Horticulture); Royal Melbourne Institution of Technology (Bachelor of Architecture); Victoria University (Bachelor of Architecture); Auckland University (Bachelor of Architecture).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
NCEA Level 2 (High School Year 12) with Level 3 (High School Year 13) Physics or Science, and Graphics or Art or equivalent. English language entry requirements, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
INDIVIDUAL COURSE COMPONENTS
Design studio, environmental design, architectural drawing, digital communication/computer aided design and documentation, presentation techniques, construction, laws and regulations, business studies, urban design, history of architecture, theory of architecture, critical studies, drawing and presentation, architectural drawing, professional practice, internship experience.
COURSE SUMMARY
FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR
The first academic year consists of courses that build the student's appreciation of the technical and design aspects of architecture. Students are introduced to the techniques and processes necessary to develop practical designs. Components such as history of architecture, theory of architecture, design and environmental design give students an understanding of the basic principles, modern theories and the environmental and sustainable issues faced by the industry.
Along with the study and practice of freehand and perspective drawing techniques, students learn basic architectural draughting, working with relevant national and international standards in the presentation of detailed working construction documents. Familiarity with industry standard computers is gained in the digital communication component. This digital imaging component also gives the students the chance to apply their draughting, design and presentation skills digitally and enables them to explore 3D modelling, computer rendering and the production of digital drawings.
In the laws and regulations component, students take an in-depth look at statutory requirements and their effect on design and construction.
SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR
The foundations established in year one are consolidated in year two with the introduction of more advanced theory and practical requirements.
Students explore the effects of building within the urban design. Practical exercises, site visits and guest speakers from industry give students insight into construction.
THIRD ACADEMIC YEAR
This year begins with a ten week internship experience with a New Zealand based architectural practice. By working on 'live' projects with actual clients, students benefit from real-world experience and gain access to industry networks invaluable for their future career.
On return from their internship, students apply these experiences to a major design project. The main emphasis in this final year is on the overall complexity of architecture and the integration of all disciplines. Students have the skills to work in predominately self-directed environment under the close guidance of tutors.
Prior to graduating, a portfolio is created and an exhibition produced to present each student's abilities and ideas to potential clients and employers.