Program Overview

Course Overview

The ARCI 312 course, also known as Te Whakakotahitanga o ng Tikanga-Ttohu o te Whakarkei or Architecture Design Integration Capstone, is a studio-based design project that explores the relationship between architectural concepts, structural systems, materials, and construction techniques. This course integrates knowledge gained in the construction course, presenting design as an integrated problem-solving process that results in a creative synthesis of concept, aesthetics, function, and technology.

Course Details

• Course Code: ARCI 312
• Duration: Approximately 18 weeks
• Estimated Workload: 300 hours or 16.7 hours per week
• Points: 30 points
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$2,411.10
  • International students: NZ$11,117.40
• Lecture Times: Monday and Thursday, 9:30 am
• Campus: Te Aro

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: ARCI 311 or SARC 313, ARCI 222
• Corequisites: SARC 321
• Restrictions: None

Course Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Use structure and construction to generate an initial design concept.
2. Make informed decisions about structure and construction as part of an integrated process of design development.
3. Identify connections between formal and spatial composition, function, structure, construction materials, and building technologies.
4. Apply strategies for resolving contradictions that arise between various aspects of a design.

How the Course is Taught

Teaching and learning in this course will be delivered through two 4-hour studio sessions per week. Students are expected to work on their assignments with their tutors, individually or in groups during studio time. Lecture recordings will be made available for subsequent revision.

Assessment

• Project 1a Developed Design: 25%
• Project 1b Structural Report + Physical Model: 15%
• Project 2a Developed Design: 25%
• Project 2b Structural Report + Physical Model: 15%
• Seminar Presentation: 10%
• Participation: 10%

Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory requirements for this course.

Group Work

There is no group work other than several students sharing in the preparation and presentation of their seminar.

About the Course

ARCI 312 is a 30-point course and the final design studio for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree. It integrates theoretical and practical knowledge developed in previous years and addresses the complexities of designing within multicultural and cross-cultural contexts. The focus of this course is the integration of technologies, especially structure, with architecture. Students will design two medium-scale architectural projects, beginning with research preceding the development of a concept to the resolution of architectural form, architectural planning, and structural layout. Special emphasis is placed upon gaining an increased understanding of structural systems and the integration of structure with architectural design.