Years 7-9 Rich Task #3: The Built Environment: Designing a Structure
Objective:
To provide access for teachers to a range of resources that support Years 7-9 Rich Task #3: The Built Environment: Designing a Structure. Four major topics have been identified:
- Identifying clients and their needs - school, family, community
- Examining environmental, aesthetic and other aspects of proposed structure
- Estimation of materials, quantity and costs
- Preparation of a design brief for a particular structure - drawing, modelling
Description:
This Rich Task requires students to 'identify a client's needs and take these and other factors into account in preparing a design brief for a structure'. While it is relatively easy to find resources to support the design aspect of this task, identifying a client is something that must be done at the school or individual level, and care should be taken to ensure the 'client' is sufficiently real to provide a challenge. Perhaps a structure was identified as a result of the Years 7-9 Rich Task #2: Improving Wellbeing in the Community.
This list provides a starting point for resources to support Years 7-9 Rich Task #3: The Built Environment: Designing a Structure. Resources have been grouped under the following headings:
These links open in new browser windows.
Professional associations and useful contacts
Professional associations, community members or organisations able to provide expert information and advice on topics related to the Rich Task.
-
Building Designers' Association of Queensland (BDAQ)
http://www.bdaq.com.au/ 
This association was formed in 1990 to draw together people involved in the design of buildings, including those previously called 'draftsmen', who, the Association claims, design more than eighty percent of the buildings submitted to local councils in Queensland. The site lists branches in all provincial areas, and these could provide help and advice for schools on aspects of design of the structure.
-
Building Services Authority Queensland
http://www.bsa.qld.gov.au/
This government body regulates the building industry in Queensland, ensuring that standards are met and that disputes between builders and contractors are quickly remedied. Students will find the Building Tips section helpful in designing their structure.
^ Top of page
Websites
Identifying clients and their needs - school, family, community
Examining environmental, aesthetic and other aspects of proposed structure
Estimation of materials, quantity and costs
^ Top of page
Related resources
Comprising non-website resources available from a variety of sources.
Books
-
DIXON, Malcolm 1993, Building materials, Hove: Wayland.
A wide range of building materials is covered in this book from the Exploring materials series. Metals, glass, cement, concrete, timber and stonework are included together with effects of weathering on these materials. The uses of plaster and plasterboard and of plastic are also discussed as well as insulation.
-
THOMAS, Ron; HERRAN, Joe 2001, Housing, South Yarra, Victoria: Macmillan.
From Aboriginal shelters to colonial mansions, Australia's early housing varied as much as modern. This volume describes the tents that early settlers and convicts used, slab huts, government house, Queenslanders, plastic houses and an 'earthship', made from recycled materials.
-
WILKINSON, Philip; BULLER, Laura (ed) 1996, Super structures, Pymble, NSW: Harper Collins.
Using CAD screens, plans, diagrams, sketches, models and photographs, the author explores structures that have presented 'huge technological challenges'. The book discusses the specialists involved in design and construction and the historical developments that have led to contemporary building styles and processes.
Videos
-
Studies of Society and Environment video bibliography: Built environment
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/curriculum_exchange/teachers/sose/bibs/vb_builtenv.htm 
This bibliography of videos covering the built environment topic are available from the AccessEd Video Library.
-
Buildings and their materials. A10837108
Using the format of accessing a database, this program, divided into sections, looks at the evolution of buildings from caves to skyscrapers. Traces the connection between building materials and construction design, climatic environmental and location conditions. Describes the properties of wood, brick, steel and concrete and their suitability in specific constructions.
-
Graphic design. A1080529X
The scope and purpose of graphic design are explained through examples and interviews with a lecturer, a student, art directors, graphic designers and a freelance illustrator. Areas shown include advertising, packaging, animation, high-tech computer designing, publications and television.
^ Top of page
^ Top of page
Other languages