Assessment is based on participation in the hands-on work, some written assignments and a final examination. An introduction to concepts of social responsibility, environmental accountability and ecological sustainability. Fundamentals of building physics, as they relate to the concepts of comfort and environmental control. The Foundation component of the first technology course aims to provide students with the basic resources to undertake the quantitative side of the technology. Specialists in structures, environment, and construction describe the basic concepts of their fields.
Foundation is basically quantitative but assumes only basic numeracy skills.
Introduction to different ways of thinking about construction in relation to design practice. Investigation of the artifactual nature and materiality of buildings. Outline of construction principles and their implications for the development of construction strategies in architectural design. Focus on the development of integrated design strategies and approaches responding to human needs, the natural environment and technical aspects of architecture. There will be an emphasis on the development of foundational knowledge and skills of research, critical analysis, conceptualisation, speculation and communication.