Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and apply techniques for application to spatial design. As this unit is introductory in nature, the outcome is most likely to be a model or maquette for a spatial design or the construction of an aspect of the overall design. It may be the design and realisation of the complete design for a small scale project. This is a specialisation unit and refers to a specific design form. This work requires some guidance.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Prerequisite units 

It is highly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following units:

• CUVDES05B Interpret and respond to a brief
• CUVCRS03B Produce computer-aided drawings
• At least one of the drawing units relating to the representation of the concept
• Core Design.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Interpret the brief for the spatial design .

1.1 Correctly interpret the specifications of the brief .

1.2 Determine the user or client for the proposed design  to inform design decisions.

1.3 Clarify specifications , parameters or constraints  of the brief in consultation with relevant colleagues.

1.4 Source and evaluate information pertinent  to the brief.

2 Organise resources for spatial design .

2.1 Correctly identify the resources required for the design, including work space , tools  and equipment .

2.2 Prepare and care for resources in accordance with safety requirements  and organisational requirements.

2.3 Follow storage and inventory procedures in accordance with organisational procedures.

3 Test design approaches for spatial design .

3.1 Produce a preliminary visual representation of the brief.

3.2 Identify possible approaches  to the design and establish criteria  for the selection of the final approach .

3.3 Select appropriate tools and equipment for the testing of approaches and techniques .

3.4 Test and experiment with a range of techniques and materials  which might meet the requirements of the brief.

3.5 Evaluate testing processes  against selection criteria and select the preferred approach based on the requirements of the brief.

3.6 Refine  and accurately document  the design approach based on testing processes.

4 Fabricate a model or aspect of the design .

4.1 Evaluate the need for fabrication and the scope of work required.

4.2 Select and organise materials, tools and techniques for fabrication in accordance with the design approach.

4.3 Safely make the model or maquette ensuring consistency with the selected approach and the brief.

4.4 Present the work in accordance with the brief specifications.

Required Skills and knowledge 

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

Required skills :

• literacy skills sufficient to interpret a brief and to communicate design ideas
• numeracy skills sufficient to calculate quantities, costs, proportions.

Required knowledge :

• formal elements and principles of design in relation to spatial design
• techniques, materials, tools and equipment and their application to different areas of spatial design
• common formats and features of spatial design briefs
• general knowledge about other designers, their ideas, techniques and work
• history and theory of design in relation to spatial design
• copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation and their relevance to spatial design.

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.

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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

• testing and use of a range of approaches and techniques for spatial design which are suited to the requirements of the brief
• knowledge of the processes and techniques used for spatial design in different contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• practical demonstration of skills through the development of a spatial design to meet the requirements of a brief.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• evaluation of visual documentation of the spatial design
• evaluation of plans/ models produced by the candidate
• questioning and discussion
• review of portfolios of evidence
• third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials, resources and equipment needed to safely produce a spatial design or representation of a spatial design.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

The brief :

• describes and specifies the work to be completed
• is usually prepared by commissioning body or organisation, e.g. supervisor, client, community organisation
• may be written, diagrammatic, visual, verbal.

The spatial design  work may include:

• exhibition design
• fit-outs for exterior spaces or environments
• foyer design
• installation for specific event
• office fit-outs
• set design.

Specifications  would be articulated in the brief and may refer to:

• client needs
• dimensions
• purpose
• style.

Parameters or constraints  may refer to:

• cost
• legal, contractual, ethical and copyright considerations
• material characteristics
• technology
• timeframe.

Information pertinent  to the brief may be about:

• client's organisational background
• health and safety considerations
• legal, contractual, ethical and copyright considerations
• style considerations
• subject matter.

Work space  needs may include:

• drafting table
• electronic equipment
• lighting and power requirements
• process-specific space needs.

Tools  and equipment  may include:

• brushes, containers
• camera, scanner
• computer
• hand tools
• ladders
• lighting equipment
• power tools
• printer
• relevant software.

Safety requirements  are in accordance with:

• Federal, State and Territory legislation, regulation and standards.

Preliminary visual representation  may include:

• CADD
• colour boards
• photography/digital imaging
• plan drawing
• sample boards
• sketching.

Identifying possible approaches  includes:

• identifying possible design solutions
• identifying possible realisation options, e.g. by means of a model, maquette, or by fabricating an aspect of the design.

Criteria  may include:

• access to materials, tools and equipment required to realise the design
• consistency with the brief for the spatial design
• ease of manufacture
• personal affinity with medium and materials.

The approach  to the brief encompasses:

• aesthetic considerations
• choice fabrication options
• design solutions
• the parameters of the brief.

Techniques  would depend on design solutions and realisation options selected and may include:

• carpentry
• digital work
• glass work
• lighting
• modelling
• painting and decoration

• photography
• projection
• surface decoration
• textile/fibre work.

Materials  may include:

• cardboards, paper
• clays, modelling pastes
• fibres
• glass
• manufactured materials, e.g. tiles, panels, carpeting, textiles
• metals
• natural elements, e.g. water, light, wind, plants
• paints, glazes, stains
• plastics
• wood and/or wood products.

Testing processes  may involve:

• exploring techniques by making practice pieces, test pieces, mock-ups or samples
• testing materials by applying stress tests, colour tests etc.

Refining  the approach may include:

• adjustment to consideration of elements and principles of design
• adjustment to design solution
• adjustment to utilise the capabilities of the techniques
• no change.

Documenting  the approach may involve:

• final drawings, plans, elevations
• illustrations, photographs
• models
• specifications for fabrication.