Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of designing for the construction of landscape features and defines the standard required to: interpret detail architectural and landscape design drawings; construct a small scale model; specify dimensions, footings and qualities of materials; develop a concept design for the construction; draw plans to construction standards; and develop a final design and project report.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of designing for the construction of landscape features.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Interpret detail architectural and landscape design drawings

1.1. Detail architectural and landscape design drawings are interpreted for construction features.

1.2. Survey levels are defined and any site gradients recorded.

1.3. A small scale model is constructed from detail drawings.

1.4. Detail plans are drawn from pre-constructed landscape features, including cross-sections.

1.5. Drainage plans for a green site and a developed site are drawn to construction standards.

2. Design aspects of construction for landscape features in a range of materials

2.1. A concept design is developed for the construction of the selected landscape feature.

2.2. Aspects of construction for landscape features are illustrated.

2.3. A range of materials used in the construction of landscape features are utilised into the design.

2.4. Appropriate plants are selected for incorporation into the design.

3. Specify dimensions, footings and qualities of materials

3.1. The difference in quality of available materials is determined and quality criterion specified in the design.

3.2. Dimensions, footings and qualities of materials selected are identified and specified.

3.3. The consequences and costs involved in using poor quality materials are determined.

3.4. The construction standards are specified in the design.

4. Develop the required project management skills

4.1. A site strategy is developed for the design project.

4.2. Timelines for the project are identified and documented.

4.3. Project costs are determined and recorded.

4.4. Contractors on site are consulted and issues resolved.

4.5. A final design and project report are developed and documented.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify and specify dimensions, footings and quantities of materials
• interpret detail architectural and landscape design drawings
• interpret surveying and drainage plans
• design components of construction
• identify and document project timelines
• calculate project costs
• liaise with contractors
• select appropriate materials and plants
• use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• construction standards
• site services
• principles of surveying
• selection of appropriate plants and materials
• drainage issues
• available resources to resolve drainage problems
• paving process
• stone walling, including gabions
• materials available in the marketplace
• drainage issues and available resources to resolve drainage problems
• site services, for example, electrical and water provision
• essentials of retaining walls
• plant specifications.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• interpret detail architectural and landscape design drawings
• construct a small scale model
• specify dimensions, footings and qualities of materials
• develop a concept design for the construction
• draw plans to construction standards
• develop a final design and project report.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Landscape designs may include:

• a wide range of contexts and styles of presentation
• design elements
• styles
• design plans and models.

Graphics may include:

• a wide range of manual and electronic drafting techniques
• computer-assisted drawings (CAD).

Constructions may include:

• all landscape construction works.

Sites may include:

• all areas of project works.

Landscape features may include:

• all constructions, installations and structures.

Unit sector 

Design

Co-requisite units 

Competency field