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Unit of study_

DESA9008: Object Design (Material and Light)

2023 unit information

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

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
AWSS2020
Assumed knowledge:
? 
DESA1555

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

  • LO1. demonstrate sophisticated 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 with evidence of critical thinking considering own design practice
  • LO3. ability to understand differences between sustainable and unsustainable methods of production
  • LO4. demonstrate the development of advanced skills in the workshops and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to others
  • LO5. use the DMAF machines and tools safely.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

There are no availabilities for this year.
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.

Important enrolment information

Departmental permission requirements

If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.

You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.

Read our information on departmental permission.