Skip to main content
Unit outline_

AWSS2020: Object Design (Material and Light)

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In this practical unit, students produce light objects exploring diverse materials and fabrication techniques focusing on developing and inter-relating manufacturing and artisan skills with research, analysis and design development. Through a series of exercises, experiments and production of their major project, students develop knowledge of appropriate construction techniques working with the DMAF workshops. The course aims to cultivate a critical awareness around objects that surround us. Students will explore cultural, contextual and symbolic aspects of object design as well as functional and aesthetic qualities working with light. Students will also develop awareness of industrial and craft practices and how they impact on the design process and outcome. Sustainability and social issues relating to their manufacture, use and disposal are discussed; the unit aims to increase appreciation of the materiality of objects as an example paying attention to associated environmental and ethical issues, and emerging alternative materials. Students are also expected to produce a process journal and report on how a particular designer/s or movement has informed or influenced their final project/s.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Koji Ryui, koji.ryui@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Process journal and research presentation
Journal, Oral presentation
30% STUVAC
Due date: 01 Jun 2022 at 18:00
A4 journal (PDF), 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Project 2 Product
Practical work, presentation with short statement
40% STUVAC
Due date: 01 Jun 2022 at 18:00
Practical work, PDF, 5mins, 100 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Project 1 Unfold
Practical work, presentation with short statement
30% Week 06
Due date: 30 Mar 2022 at 18:00
Practical work, PDF, 5mins, 100 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

  • Project 1 unfold: Considering the techniques gained in weeks 2 – 5 with specified materials, students will develop a prototype for the light object based on an exiating object / design / architecture spefified by the tutor. The process involves drawing, paper modelling and other maquette-making techniques. Student is required to introduce one material that interacts with light in their design. The 1st assessment should be experimental in form and research, and all generative design and thinking processes need to be clearly articulated and documented in the Journal. There are no wrong ideas in this assessment but the student needs to display proficiency in the processes chosen, a willingness to experiment, with a keenness to develop their craftsmanship. A verbal presentation and a brief (100 word max.) written statement of intent will form part of this
    assessment. Progressive self and peer assessment methods are utilised for formative evaluation each week and during the semester; with verbal feedback and summative grades at the final assessment stage.
  • Project 2 product: Utilising the techniques gained in weeks 2 – 5 with specified materials, student will produce a light object (product) with maximum size is 600mm3 based on the prototype produced for assessment 1. Students are encouraged to design with cost-effective and minimal materials, low associated costs, ie ease of construction and be conscious of the environmental impacts of the design in production. It is expected that the student will use one extra material (repurposed / recycled or otherwise) in the final product considering its relationship with the light source.
  • Process journal and presentation: Students will take an experimental, explorative and generative approach throughout the unit - the journal is the document that will present a record of this. It should clearly document project 1 and 2 as well as independent research from gallery / showroom visits and precedence studies displaying evidence of critical and analytical thinking relating to the set projects.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical
analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis,
synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the
learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the
learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes
assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Project 1&2 10% a day Journal 5% a day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the course and studio Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Concept development / Technical inductions Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Concept development / Technical inductions Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Concept development / Technical inductions Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Concept development / Technical inductions Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 PROJECT 1 ASSESSMENT - Class Presentations Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Start assignment 2 - Product Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Development of assignment 2 - Product / Student research class presentation Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 tutorial on material selection and associated processes/ Student research class presentation continued Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 tutorial on material selection and associated processes/ Student research class presentation continued Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 tutorial on material selection and associated processes/ Student research class presentation continued Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Final one on one tutorial on material selection and associated processes/ Student research class presentation continued Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 14 (STUVAC) PROJECT 2: PRODUCT/ FINAL ASSESSMENT Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Students should note that participation to all classes is essential. Please arrive on time and participate in the full class session.

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week
Independent Study: In addition to 3 contact hours per week, students are expected to spend 6 -12 hours per week on independent study for this unit.
Absence: If you are absent from a class it is important that you do the work missed in class in your own time and submit the work for assessment at the specified time.

Suggested students to bring:
Computers, pencils, markers, drawing tools of choice, protractor, compass, drafting aids as desired.

 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings and learning resources for this unit will take the form of presentations in class and be made available to students as needed

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate understanding of materials including various processed and raw timbers, metals, papers and plastics for their uses in the design of an object
  • LO2. strategically plan, design and fabricate an object
  • LO3. ability to understand differences between sustainable and unsustainable methods of production
  • LO4. demonstrate the development of approipriate skills in the workshops and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to others
  • LO5. use the DMAF machines and tools safely.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Unit is constantly updated in consultation with the tutor and DMAF

The unit may be adjusted for each session. Please refer to information and materials provided on Canvas for any changes and updates. 

Additional costs

Students are required to pay an additional material fee online in week 2 the latest. Payment receipt to be checked by the tutor in week 3. Students who have not completed the payment will lose access to materials required for this unit of study. Payment method will be advised via Canvas.

Work, health and safety

DMaF LAB SAFTEY INDUCTION AND COMPETENCY UNIT:
Access within all areas of DMaF Lab is strictly subject to completion of the Safety Induction and Competency Unit (SICU). This ensures that all users of the Lab are informed as to the operation of its extensive and complex machinery in a safe manner. You may need access to DMaF Lab to complete coursework, please ensure that you have completed SICU and have obtained your DMaF Lab Competency Card by Week 4. Teaching sessions for SICU will only be available during the first few weeks of each semester.

How to complete DESA1555 - Safety Induction and Competency Unit (SICU):
• The course is two sessions, each three hours in length and includes written and skill-based assessment.
• Please select DESA1555 Safety Induction and Competency Unit (SICU) from your Canvas dashboard and sign up to one
Timber and one Metalastics teaching session.
• Once both workshop sessions have been successfully completed, take the SICU Exam (Online Quiz) through Canvas and
receive a 100% grade.
• Upon completion of the SICU, you may obtain your DMaF Competency Card. It is mandatory to display your DMaF Lab
Competency card whilst using the facilities.
• If you have any queries or questions about the SICU, please write to adp.sicu@sydney.edu.au

Please check with DMAF for weekly Lab opening hours to manage your access during the semester.
http://dmaf-lab.com/

*Studnets are required to wear appropriate footwear to enter labs and workshops

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.