DE5003 - Computer Aided Design for Communication and Realisation

‘Computer Aided Design for Communication and Realisation’ is a CAD laboratory, studio and virtual studio based module with learning taking place through demonstration and practice, allowing students to build confidence and develop skills prior to summative assessment. Peer learning is encouraged through the interaction of the student group during delivered lectures and tutorials, which will generally be carried out in pairs. We refer to this subject delivery approach as follows;

Northumbria X-Studio (Extended Studio):
The School of Design operates an extended studio approach (X-Studio) that embraces our physical studios and making workshops as well as our virtual spaces to create a flexible and rich environment that is responsive to our learners’ needs.
This dedicated approach has been developed over many years of continuous teaching innovation, research and industry collaboration. It has created a supportive extended studio culture that encourages our students to learn flexibly, dynamically blending their learning and University experience between physical and digital interactions both in real-time and online at their own pace.
We believe that this extended studio culture not only helps our students to become more confident autonomous learners but also prepares them for a dynamic design industry in which an extended studio philosophy is current practice.

Project brief/s will be introduced through a briefing session/s where the brief can be fully explained and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. The module is delivered via a combination of laboratory teaching, tutorials, directed and independent learning. Informal studio-based feedback will support your progress throughout the module.

You will take part in a final summative assessment through the submission of a semester 1 and 2 design portfolio for which you will receive feedback from staff, this will enable you to learn through an enquiry-based/problem-solving learning methodologies and reflect the accumulation and integration of knowledge accrued over the module.

Support and feedback will be provided by a variety of methods throughout the module, starting at the briefing and concluding upon submission of each design project. Support includes;

Staff Contact
• Module tutors who provide academic support based upon industrial experience.
• Individual staff-student tutorials inform design project direction.
• Group tutorials enable staff to interact with students and encourage peer learning and support.
• Project briefs are normally introduced via a briefing session, where the brief is fully explained and explored by both staff and students.
• The eLearning Portal will be utilised to communicate all relevant module information.

Studio Contact Time
• Modules are delivered through a combination of dual staff delivered lectures, supported group tutorials and studio activity, practical demonstrations, studio teaching, guided and independent learning new skills are delivered through workshop activities.
• Studio feedback takes place to facilitate students’ development in the areas being studied, to allow formative feedback and the identification of examples of good practice and development areas to be considered.
• Independent study hours will be utilised to continue the development and progression of studio activity.

Peer and Independent Support
• Students are encouraged and expected to maintain a personal development plan (PDP) and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.
• Studio based activity also supports the development of appreciation and evaluation of peers work.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
• (COM) 4 - Show a detailed understanding of computer aided design and communication methods and principles through 2D drafting and 3D visualisation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• (COM) 3 - Produce and communicate commercial interior design proposals with distinguishable skill, application and presentation.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• (PERSONAL) 2 – Show a professional approach to your studies via your engagement with module staff and peer interactivity.

The module features 2 components each having an equal 50% weighting;

• 2D drafting brief in Semester 1.
• 3D visualisation brief in Semester 2.

Grades will be given at the submission of each project. At the end of the module grades will be collated to provide a final mark for the module, which is a 2D design project portfolio.

The assessment and feedback strategy is;

a. Formative Assessment
Reviews with tutors and peers will provide an opportunity for review at key points and formative direction. This will allow students to reflect upon their own work and act upon feedback prior to final submission. Verbal feedback is designed to help students to identify areas of success and/or further development to be considered.

b. Summative assessment
The project brief/s driving the module will identify the assessment criteria and submission requirements (deliverables) appropriate to the topic of the project. The assessable elements will consist of 2 project portfolio, which will enable students to demonstrate the technical skills developed throughout the module.

c. Feedback strategy
Feedback will be delivered verbally at the point of each tutorial, where discussion will clarify future direction. Upon receiving summative assessment students will receive a grade reflecting achievement against the learning outcomes of the module. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning by recording feedback in order to reflect upon it as they engage in subsequent learning.

Level 4 or Equivalent Experience

N/A

‘Computer Aided Design for Communication and Realisation’ provides you with an opportunity to develop skills and an understanding of 2D drafting software and 3D visualisation software. You will be introduced to and develop an understanding of industry standard cad applications within the context of the interior design profession and will develop proficiency through the production of plans and visuals for design project/s. The production of contractual drawing packs and final cad renders will illustrate your understanding of the process from ‘drawing board’ to final realisation and construction.
You will be encouraged to carry out research and practice into industry standard CAD software that will underpin your ability to create and communicate interior design schemes within the interior design profession.

Learning will be based in our industry standard CAD lab, studios and virtual studios to give you the practical and observational skills and subject knowledge required for placement or employability in industry.