Building Design

Academic requirements:

• ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or equivalent

Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

English requirements:

• IELTS 5.5 (no band score less than 5.0)
• TOEFL iBT - 46
• PTE Academic - 42 (minimum of 36 in each band)
• Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 162
• Successful completion of CIT's English for Study and Life (Upper Intermediate)

• CPCCOHS2001A

  Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

  CIT Code:	OHSS249
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to carry out OHS requirements through safe work practices at any on or off-site construction workplace. It requires the performance of work in a safe manner through awareness of risks and work requirements, and the planning and performance of safe work practices with concern for personal safety and the safety of others.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5001A

  Research construction materials and methods for small-scale residential building design projects

  CIT Code:	BLDG186
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research and evaluate existing, new and emerging construction materials and methods for all residential building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers the development of an understanding of the range of construction materials and methods available and their application, performance and interaction.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5003A

  Research compliance requirements for small-scale residential building design projects

  CIT Code:	BLDG190
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research compliance requirements in different locations that apply to all residential building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It covers research into local, state and federal government legislation and policies relating to planning and the environment, including zoning, and analysis of requirements in relation to client preferences and prospective design proposals.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5005A

  Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects

  CIT Code:	SUST117
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research current and incoming legislative requirements for environmental sustainability of buildings covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings; and to clarify client preferences and budget. It also covers reviewing site conditions, evaluating sustainability options, and recommending cost-effective options for sustainability to clients in order to meet compliance requirements and client preferences.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5008A

  Develop concepts for small-scale building design projects and finalise solutions with clients

  CIT Code:	BLDG180
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to integrate design briefs and site analyses, apply knowledge of construction materials and methods, and use creativity and innovation skills to produce concept sketches for small-scale building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers presenting concepts to clients, negotiating changes, and preparing client-approved concept sketches and models as a basis for the ongoing design process.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5011A

  Produce compliant client-approved working drawings for small-scale residential buildings

  CIT Code:	BLDG195
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce detailed working drawings of designs for residential buildings covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. The drawings are required for submission to the relevant authority for building approval and for use by construction personnel in the building process. It also covers liaising with the client and relevant authority to finalise the building approval process.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• Studio small-scale building design

  CIT Code:	BLDG196
  Description:	The purpose of this subject is to prepare, consult on and refine designs for building design projects, covered by National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings, to produce client-approved drawings that comply with planning approval requirements. It also covers the application of creative design skills, knowledge of human lifestyles and cycles, knowledge of safe and sustainable construction materials and methods, and includes consultation and collaboration with technical experts such as structural engineers. This subject achieves the following national unit of competency—CPPBDN5009A Produce compliant client-approved designs for small-scale building projects.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5007A

  Inspect and analyse sites and produce measured drawings for small-scale building design projects

  CIT Code:	BLDG188
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to inspect sites for commercial, industrial and residential building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. Site inspections are conducted to determine contours and measurements; existing conditions, structures, features and services; and neighbourhood characteristics. The unit also covers analysing sites; determining orientation and layout of building, access and egress points, and existing utilities and services infrastructure; and producing measured drawings.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5002A

  Research construction materials and methods for small-scale non-residential building design projects

  CIT Code:	BLDG189
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research and evaluate existing, new and emerging construction materials and methods for all commercial and industrial building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers the development of an understanding of the range of construction materials and methods available and their application, performance and interaction.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5017A

  Produce 2-D drawings for building design projects using CAD software

  CIT Code:	CADR151
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce two-dimensional (2-D) drawings for residential, commercial and industrial building design projects using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Work in this area must be completed according to relevant legislative, industry and organisational requirements, including work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5012A

  Produce and present 3-D models of small-scale building designs

  CIT Code:	BLDG193
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce three-dimensional (3-D) models for building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers demonstrating and discussing the representations with clients and stakeholders.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5013A

  Develop and collaborate on building information models for small-scale building design projects

  CIT Code:	BLDG181
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to develop three-dimensional (3-D) models of small-scale building design projects covered by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), except construction Type A buildings, into true building information models (BIM). It also covers adding and adjusting values of components of building designs, collaborating with consultants and contractors from other disciplines, working live within the model alongside other disciplines and creating project documentation using modelling software programs.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPCCSV5013A

  Apply principles of energy efficient design to buildings

  CIT Code:	BLDG162
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply energy efficient design to buildings. It includes the evaluation of building designs to establish suitable forms of construction and the identification of appropriate energy consumption practices for incorporation into design briefs. This unit of competency supports the attainment of the understanding and skills to apply principles of energy efficient design to buildings within the context of relevant legislation, theNational Construction Code (NCC) and Australian standards.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5016A

  Produce and present rendered animations of 3-D models of small-scale building designs

  CIT Code:	BLDG192
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce rendered and animated fly-bys and walk-throughs of three-dimensional (3-D) models for small-scale building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers demonstrating and discussing the rendered animations with clients and stakeholders.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSFID5001

  Design residential interiors

  CIT Code:	DSGN191
  Description:	This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to apply researched information to formulate creative and complex design solutions to a range of residential interior design situations satisfying the physiological, psychological, social, cultural and environmental requirements of the brief.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPACC5011A

  Prepare a concept design for accessible building work

  CIT Code:	BLDG194
  Description:	This unit specifies the competency required to prepare a concept design to ensure that the building work provides adequate access for people with disabilities. The concept design should be appropriate and relevant to the nature of the design project. It should portray a design idea that enables the designer to investigate and communicate at a very general level the overall nature of the project. The concept design must clearly illustrate any client requests such as construction methodology and space allocation while ensuring that the development will provide adequate access for people with disabilities.Access consultants need to know the access requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Premises Standard, the DDA Transport Standard, the DDA Education Standard, the National Construction Code (NCC)and relevant Australian standards in order to create concept designs for accessible buildings. They must be able to communicate with the client to elicit the purpose and function of the proposed building, and determine their needs and any limitations that impact on the design.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSFID5005

  Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space

  CIT Code:	DSGN196
  Description:	This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to manipulate 3-D interior space and form applying the elements and principles of design in response to a brief.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• Studio non-residential

  CIT Code:	BLDG204
  Description:	In this subject you will gain the skills and knowledge to produce detailed working drawings of designs for commercial and industrial buildings covered by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), except construction Type A buildings. These drawings are required for submission to the relevant authority for building approval and for use by construction personnel in the building process. The unit also covers liaising with the client and relevant authority to finalise the building approval process. This subject achieves the following national unit of competency—CPPBDN5015A Produce compliant client approved working drawings for non-residential buildings.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPACC5006A

  Apply ergonomic principles to accessible building design and fitout

  CIT Code:	BLDG179
  Description:	This unit specifies the competency required to use knowledge of human movement and the skills required to determine human posture and body strength and apply this information to the design of the environment in which people live and work.The unit covers the application of basic ergonomic data derived from a defined human population to the design of accessible workplaces and living spaces. The design of accessible workplaces will maximise the sequencing of tasks to ensure body movements are efficient in terms of the conservation of work. The measurement of the components of ergonomic competence of individuals and the application of this information to the design of an accessible environment required by the individual shall be demonstrated.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5006A

  Consult with clients to produce approved small-scale building project design briefs

  CIT Code:	BLDG178
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to consult with clients to identify and clarify parameters, such as their vision for service level and requirements, preferences and budget for new building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers researching and presenting information that may affect the clients' requirements, preferences and budget; applying knowledge of construction materials and methods; offering and negotiating creative design solutions; and developing a client-approved design brief for the new building design project.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• CPPBDN5004A

  Research compliance requirements for small-scale non-residential building design projects

  CIT Code:	BLDG187
  Description:	This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research compliance requirements in different locations that apply to commercial and industrial building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except construction Type A buildings. It covers research into local, state and federal government legislation and policies relating to planning and the environment, including zoning and analysis of requirements in relation to client preferences and prospective design proposals.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

This qualification applies to building designers who undertake building design projects covered by the National Construction Code (NCC), except Construction Type A buildings). CAD or BIM operator and technician.

Modes of study include:

• Studios/Workshops: Opportunities are created for students to acquire a solid foundation in building design knowledge and skills through ‘hands-on’ practice
• Project based instruction: Instruction intended to develop specific skills and knowledge within a building design context
• Real and simulated industry briefs: to put the student’s learning into context
• Lectures: Formal teaching sessions are used for audio/visual and oral delivery of principles and theories related to building design practice and design project management
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities arising out of simulated work environments, industry guest lectures and local field trips are used to enrich learning
• Cross disciplinary opportunities: to develop networks with Interior designers and builders
• Tutorials: Individual and/or interactive small group sessions where discussion, analysis, extension and evaluation of student work takes place
• Seminars: Presentations and group opportunities to discuss investigative work carried out by students, staff and/or guest lecturers
• Excursions include, building projects on building sites, suppliers and manufacturers of building materials

Students also have access to supplementary online (eLearn) resources to reinforce and extend classroom based learning. Online opportunities to work collaboratively and flexibly are also provided.

Students will be assessed in the following ways:

• Students participate in industry projects, complete assignments and projects
• Assessment may be competency based or graded or a combination of the two

Students who successfully complete the Diploma of Building Design and gain entry into the University of Canberra will receive:

• 24 credit points (1 year) towards the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (ARB201)
• 24 credit points (1 year) towards the Bachelor of the Built Environment (Architecture) (ABB001)

Students are advised to speak directly with UC in relation to course choices and pathways.