Visual Arts & Technologies

Year 8 Architecture 

Article by Susan Grdunac - Teacher of Design Technology and Visual Communications

In Year 8, our Architecture students are provided the opportunity to explore all stages of the design process, being inspired by past and existing architects along with exploring and developing their own individual style and visual design practices in Architecture design. 

Their brief is to design a glamping hut, located along the Great Ocean Road, considering the location and spectacular views in their designs.  Students begin by conducting research, analysing existing architectural designs by looking at how design elements and principles and materials have been used to create the designs they have collected as part of their research folio. Referring to the provided design brief, students learn to work to the given constraints while also presented with the opportunity to showcase their own creativity in how they are inspired by the context.  

The develop stage allows the students to refine their technical drawing skills while designing their glamping hut, generating ideas through sketching varied designs, while experimenting using a variety of materials and media, and completing floor plans, elevations and 3D perspectives through two-point drawing conventions. Throughout this phase students develop basic rules of form and structure, measurement and angles.  Tone and texture are explored through varied rendering techniques to present very resolved designs. 

Their final stage involves creating a 3D model of their glamping hut, working from their own technical drawings.  Their construction is modeled off their accurate elevations and floorplans, transforming their design concepts in 3D form.  It is a wonderful experience for the students to complete the full process of the design process in the world of architecture, reflecting and evaluating their own process and final design outcomes.