DESST 1508 - Environment I
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2022
-
General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code DESST 1508 Course Environment I Coordinating Unit School of Architecture and Built Environment Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Restrictions Available to B.ArchDes and B.E(Arch) & B. Creative Arts students only Quota A quota will apply Assessment Quizzes, physical model making, digital models, hand drawing, digital drawing Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Armin Mehdipour
Room 3031, Level 3, Barr Smith South, School of Architecture and Built Environment
Email: armin.mehdipour@adelaide.edu.au (preferred mode of contact)
Available by appointment only.
Website: School of Architecture and Built Environment: https://architecture.adelaide.edu.au/
Contact Protocol: Course-specific queries should be raised with your tutor.
If queries cannot be resolved in your tutorial, please contact the course coordinator via email.
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
All the details for this course will be available, and updated, on MyUni.
Lectures: In Semester 2, 2021, the lecture content will be pre-recorded and available online. The lectures are not live-streamed.
Tutorials/Studios/Workshops:
Zoom links will be sent for individual classes when it is not possible to meet face-to-face.
Please turn your camera on and include your name in your Zoom profile to assist communication.
Tutorial Friday 11am - 12 Noon Barr Smith South, 534 Studio Dr Armin Mehdipour and Dr Namrata Vishwasrao
Tutorial Friday 12 Noon - 1pm Barr Smith South, 534 Studio Dr Armin Mehdipour and Dr Namrata Vishwasrao
Tutorial Friday 1pm-2pm Barr Smith South, 534 Studio Dr Jessica Huang
Tutorial Friday 2:00-3:00pm Online Class Dr Katharine Bartsch
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Please respect the facilities throughout the University.
In the School of Architecture and Built Environment students are required to fabricate models, projects and other hands-on creative activities. Of course, you will make a mess in the process! No problem! Please clean up after yourself. If the materials are recyclable and you don't want to reuse them yourself, put them in the recycling bins. Don't leave paper/cardboard/offcuts on the floor or table, put them in the bin. Don't leave broken blades etc. on tables, put them in a sharps bin. Don't leave work (models, drawings etc) in a space (tutorial room, computer lab, studio) and expect to find it when you come back. The facilities are shared. The School recommends that you store your work in a locker available from ASA or in Hub Central.
The tables in the learning and teaching spaces (tutorial rooms, computer labs, studios) are NOT cutting mats. Would you use an exacto knife or a scalpel to cut model making materials directly on your dining table at home? No? Don't do it at the University. Use a cutting mat. If you don't have one, buy one. All students should have a cutting mat in their Equipment Kit. You are expected to bring this with you if you are model-making, using glue etc.
Students are permitted to bring food and drink into the learning and teaching spaces. Please respect your peers. When you have finished your bottle of water, coffee cup, bubble tea, Coke, juice, Boost, Red Bull etc. etc. put it in the bin. Don't leave your takeaway meal festering on a table cultivating mould. Put it in the bin.
The importance of hygiene and cleanliness is amplified during COVID 19. Respect your peers. Respect your facilities. Please clean up after yourself at all times. This is your responsibility. -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
Environment I introduces the relationship between specific environmental contexts (with emphasis on the bio-physical context) and design. The course provides the foundation for subsequent courses in the environment stream of the Bachelor of Architectural Design.
The course learning outcomes for Environment I are specifically aligned with the thematic content of the lecture series, the tutorials, the required and recommended readings, the objectives of the assessable tasks, and importantly, the program learning outcomes.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. analyse key aspects of the historical, political and ethical context of sustainable development, as well as Indigenous perspectives about the environment.
2. identify the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability.
3. demonstrate understanding of sustainable processes, relating especially to biodiversity and water.
4. employ the basic principles of sustainable design in a small project, including the selection of a plant palette.
5. apply independent research skills to analyse and evaluate the relationship between climates, environments, and design.
6. write clear and concise analytical texts which structure evidence for and against (a point of view) relating specifically to sustainable design.University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,3,4 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
4, 5 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
4-6 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1-5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
1-2 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
1 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
1 - Travis Beck. (2013). Principles of Ecological Landscape Design. Washington, DC: Island Press / Center for Resource Economics: Imprint: Island Press.
2 - Paul Thompson. (2012). Australian Planting Design. Second Edition. Victoria, Australia: CSIRO.
These textbooks are available online via the Barr Smith Library for unlimited simultaneous users.
All other resource books are available in electronic version at the 成人大片 via the MyUni Digital Platform.
Students are also required to conduct independent critical research via the 成人大片, Barr Smith Library Digital Search Engine for their Assignments.
Recommended Resources
Detailed information about further resources and required reading will be available on MyUni.
The Writing Centre offers practical advice and strategies for students to master reading, writing, note-taking, and referencing techniques for success at university. Please note, the drop-in service is not an editing or grammar checking service but the Centre can help you develop your written English. Consult “The Writing Centre” for on-line resources re: essay writing guides, study guides, referencing.
You can book a virtual meeting with writing mentors. Details are available at the website. /writingcentre/
In 2022, writing support will also be provided by the English Language Centre. For more information, please contact Course Coordinator katharine.bartsch@adelaide.edu.auOnline Learning
University Email
The school uses the University email system to get in touch with the students. So it is imperative that you check your email regularly and keep up to date with any new announcements. It is expected students check University email account regularly as this is the primary means of individual contact. Also, check Canvas for regular updates, announcements and online material.
Based on such communication, it will be assumed you are aware and prepared before each studio, lecture or scheduled meeting time in regards to any prior communication. Tutors will NOT respond to individual email correspondence. Be prepared to ask your questions in class, preparation before class is therefore essential so you can make full use of this time to communicate and seek advice from tutors.
MyUni / Canvas
In addition to the above resources, further assignment resources are available on MyUni / Canvas. These may include further reading material for the lectures and studios, reading material that will assist with the preparation of assignments and appropriate links to assist students with academic writing including essay writing as required.
MyUni / Canvas is an essential online tool which will be used to communicate information regarding the course including details of assignments and interim grades. There are many other learning resources and assessment pieces that rely on the MyUni system for delivery. Therefore it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the various functions of MyUni and employ it to its fullest extent. https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au
Discussion Board
The Canvas Discussion Board can be used to interact with other students and is an essential tool to discuss information and increase your understanding of issues.
Lecture Recordings
Lecture content will be made available online in Semester 2, 2021. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Environment I focuses on student-centred learning and teaching. In “What the Student Does: Teaching for Enhanced Learning” Biggs (1999) advocates a systemic approach which takes into account all aspects of the teaching context—course objectives, teaching and learning activities and the assessment tasks—as a strategy to move away from passive, uni-directional, teacher-to student transmission of knowledge. This is the aim of the teaching and learning mode of Environment I. Importantly, Biggs stresses the need to embed the course objectives in the assignment tasks. Thus, formative and summative assessment tasks are designed to engage students in activities which will develop their knowledge and skills which are aligned with the course objectives (most significantly, foundational knowledge of sustainable development as a basis for future courses in the Environment stream at Levels I, II and III and an understanding of the synergies between design and the environment in preparation for future design studios as well as the ability to the ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to prepare clear and concise analytical texts).
The knowledge base begins with the lectures and the required reading material. However, these are intended as a point of inspiration and a starting point for students’ independent learning which is demonstrated in the assessable work. They are not intended as a comprehensive, finite review of the content.
Knowledge, skills, and assessable work are carefully integrated to achieve the intended holistic approach to learning and teaching. Moreover, according to Biggs, assessment must generate higher level cognitive learning activities, specifically, theorising, applying, relating, understanding or explaining distinguished from describing, note-taking or memorising. Student-focused learning strategies, embedded in the assessable work, are essential to bring about higher level cognitive learning.
John Biggs (2012) What the student does: teaching for enhanced learning, Higher Education Research & Development, 31:1, 39-55, DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2012.642839.
The Learning Activities Summary will be available on MyUni in the Course Orientation Module.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The University expects full-time students (ie. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote at
least 48 hours per week to their studies. Accordingly, students undertaking this 3 unit course are expected to devote 12 hours per week to contact activities and self-guided studies.
Based on this framework here are some figures that might assist workload management:
Total workload hours: 12 hrs per week x 12 weeks = 144 hrs + 24 hours (non-teaching period, mid-semester break) = 168hrs
Total contact hours: Usually 3 hrs per week x 12 weeks = 36 hrs
Total self-guided study: 168hrs – 36 hrs = 132 hrs
These 132 hours should be used towards preparation of weekly tasks and for completion of the various assignments associated with the course, including development of various skills required to complete the same. Please organise your time wisely.
Assignment 1 Due Friday Week 6 30%
Assignment 2 Due Friday Week 8+1 20%
Assignment 3 Due Friday Week 12 40% (Assessment Hurdle)
Quizzes 10%
If there are any concerns about the due dates or conflicts arising with those of other courses these concerns must be communicated to the course coordinator by Monday of Week 2. The course co-ordinator will take these into account and notify the class of any changes via MyUni.Learning Activities Summary
Topic 1: THE ORIGINS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Week 1
- Every course should have a theme song! Big Yellow Taxi
- The Lorax and other Tales of Caution: Responsibilities for Designers
- Course Overview
- Introduction to Assignment 1
Topic 2: SUSTAINABLE TRADITIONS
Week 2
- Traditional Responses to Eco-limits: Vernacular Settlements
- The Relevance of Indigenous Architecture: Tangible and Intangible Lessons
- Online Quiz 1
Topic 3: SUSTAINABLE FUTURES: ECOLOGY AND THE DESIGN PROFESSIONS
Week 3
- How the Other Half Lives...
- Can Design Save the Planet?
- Introduction to Assignment 2
- Online Quiz 2
Week 4
- Ecology + the Design Professions
- What do Landscape Architects do? AILAWeek 5
- The Parks Movement: A Living Legacy
- The Kaurna Learning Circle, Karrawirra Parinangku and the RiverfrontWeek 6
- Systems Thinking
- Landscape Dynamics
Topic 4: ECO-ACTION: ECOLOGICAL DESIGN APPLICATION
Week 7
- Adelaide: A Garden City
- Online Quiz 3
Week 8
- Native Plant Associations of the Adelaide Plains
- Plant Selection: Form / Space / Texture / Colour
- Introduction to Assignment 3
Mid Semester BreakWeek 9
- Garden Design Principles
- Design Intentions & Backyard Biodiversity
Week 10
- The Dynamic Garden: Time, Change and Orientation
- Examples of Students' Work
- Online Quiz 4
Week 11
- Garden Case Studies: Finding a Design Language
Week 12
Final SubmissionSpecific Course Requirements
Assignment 3 is an assessment hurdle. Students must receive 50% for the assignment to Pass the Environment I. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
All details about the individual assignments including an overview of each assessment task, the task type, due date, weighting, and identification of the learning objectives addressed by the assessment task are provided in the relevant assignment folder on MyUni. The course is not exempt from any requirement of the Assessment for Coursework Programs policy
Assignment 1 Due Friday Week 6 30%
Assignment 2 Due Friday Week 8+1 20%
Assignment 3 Due Friday Week 12 40% (Assessment Hurdle)
Quizzes 10%
If there are any concerns about the due dates or conflicts arising with those of other courses these concerns must be communicated to the course coordinator by Monday of Week 2. The course co-ordinator will take these into account and notify the class of any changes via MyUni.
Assessment Related Requirements
Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials. Class rolls will be maintained to monitor attendance. Membership of tutorials is to be finalised by the end of the first week of semester 1. Students wishing to swap between tutorials after this time are required to present their case to the coordinator (Katharine Bartsch), but should be aware that such a request may not be approved. It is important to maintain a good staff to student ratio.
There are well publicised School policies for registering non-attendance for legitimate reasons, and you are strongly encouraged to formally acknowledge non-attendance reasons as soon as is practicable prior to planned absences or after your non-planned absence. The Medical and Counselling services, as well as the Education and Welfare Office of the University, are available to assist you free of charge in regard to medical or counselling matters.
Students are required to attend all scheduled teaching (or engage in the online offering); and lectures, tutorials and other classes will proceed on the assumption that students have done so. Attendance at tutorials, seminars, practical work and studio sessions is taken into account in decisions about offering Replacement/Additional Assessment and/or examinations. Students who regularly do not attend sessions and do not carry out the associated work may be precluded from and regarded as having failed the course. Students should take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by all classes, including the opportunity for interaction, and learning from each other. Compulsory attendance is necessary at all practical work sessions for a number of reasons: to achieve this interaction, in particular in group work; because of the sequential nature of work in some courses; because of the need for students to provide an audience and feedback for other students presenting work; and to ensure the authorship of project work on which assessment is based.
When the assignments are to be presented during a studio or tutorial, students must arrive and submit their work at the beginning of the studio (as directed). Students who arrive later than 10 minutes after the studio commences will not be allowed to
present and will receive 0 mark. It is expected that all students will remain to listen to the presentations by their peers during studio presentations.Assessment Detail
All details about the individual assignments including an overview of each assessment task, the task type (e.g. summative, formative), due date, weighting, and identification of the learning objectives addressed by the assessment task are provided on MyUni / Canvas.
Final results for the course will only be available through Access Adelaide and students SHOULD NOT contact the course coordinator or the tutors for the same.
Most assignments will be marked within 3 weeks of the submission. Students are expected to inform the Course Coordinator if there are any errors or issues arising in relation to their assessment. The best examples of students’ work will be included in the All-In Exhibition to be held at the end of term alongside the best works from other courses and year levels.
Submission
All details about the individual assignment submissions and online participation tasks will be provided on MyUni / Canvas.
Please note the following general points about Submissions:
General
All submissions must include Student Name and Student ID Number. Submissions without Student Name or ID Number will not be considered for marking, and will receive zero marks in accordance with the guidelines.
Please adhere to submission deadlines and follow instructions provided.
Students must not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course without prior approval from the Course Coordinator.
On occasion, the lecturer/tutor may wish to retain students’ work for future reference and the relevant student will be informed at such a time.
Early Submission:
There is an early submission box located on Level 4 which is cleared out daily at 10am. Please mark your submission clearly before placing in box. Online submissions can be made prior to the due date.
Models for in-class presentation cannot be handed in early.
Late Submission:
The school will NOT accept late submissions and any such assignment will receive zero marks. This also applies to electronic submissions.
Printing delays & hard disk crashes will not be entertained as legitimate causes for delay, so please ensure that the work is finished in advance. Online submissions can also take time when file sizes are large and this can result in delayed submissions. The School recommends submissions < 50MB.
Re-submission:
The school has a resubmission policy whereby students can redeem failed work by submitting additional work for a maximum of 50%.
Good practice:
Students should ensure that they regularly backup their work on multiple locations as hard-disk crashes are an unfortunate reality. When relying on community printing facilities, students should attempt to finish their work in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted (digital or hardcopy), as originals may be lost during the submission process.
For modified arrangements of submission and assessment due to special circumstances see the following Assessment Task Extension(s) & Additional Assessment guidelines.
Modified Arrangements (General)
Students can apply for extensions or modified arrangements based on Medical conditions or other Extenuating circumstances. However, students need to submit their application along with supporting documents within 5 business days of the condition becoming applicable.
The application form (the 'Blue Form') is available from the Front Office and needs to be submitted at the Front Office along with any supporting documentation. It is not sufficient, for example, just to submit a medical certificate. If you are sick a medical certificate needs to be appended to the Blue Form.
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance and the Course Coordinator will inform the applicant if the application is accepted. Please DO NOT contact the Course Coordinator directly.
Medical Reasons:
In case of an extended medical condition which makes it impossible for the student to submit the work on time, an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Medical Circumstances (Blue Form) may be lodged with the Front Office along with a doctor’s certificate within 5 business days.
Extenuating Circumstances:
If the student is unable to submit the work on time due to extenuating circumstances an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Extenuating Circumstances (Blue Form) may be lodged with the Front Office. Please note that this is only available for certain military, religious, or legal obligations and does not extend to minor personal problems.
Compassionate Grounds:
In case of certain extraordinary personal problems students can apply for extensions based on compassionate grounds (Blue Form). However, these must first be discussed with the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.
Student Support:
For a full range of student support services visit /student/
Additional Assessment:
If a student receives a Fail grade for the course with an overall mark between 45 and 49, they may be eligible for an Offer of Additional Assessment which would allow them to get a maximum of 50 Pass for the Course.
Additional Assessment offers are made by the School and the student will be informed directly once these are made available.
Disability:
Students who have a disability and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements can contact the
University Disability Services at /disability/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person by appointment.
Elite Athlete:
Students who have national/international sporting commitments and wish to seek modified submission or assessment
arrangements need to register with the University Elite Athlete Support Scheme at /eliteathletes/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person by appointment.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
-
Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
-
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
-
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
-
Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.