Constructing Environments
Constructing Environments is a new first-year engineering subject that introduces students to the world of structures and materials, and involves them in a range of exciting projects, workshops and model-making.
Constructing Environments can form part of a major in Civil Systems or Physical Systems in the Bachelor of Environments, leading to a Master of Engineering in Civil, Structural or Environmental Engineering. It can also be taken as a breadth subject in Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Music and Science
Group Projects
Here are some examples of projects in Constructing Environments that will teach you how and why structures are built as they are. Working in small groups of three or four people, these projects are designed to give practical and hands on experience with some of the interesting concepts you will be learning.
Towers, Mass & Frame
This assignment explores principles in mass construction. With a limited number of wooden blocks, students work in a small team to quickly construct the tallest, most elegant tower. Sounds easy? However, the tower must also be able to house a tennis ball! This project will not only introduce you to construction issues and techniques, but also provide valuable experience in how to work around construction constraints.
Virtual Bridges
In this project, you will look at the concepts behind trusses and how they work, downloading online software to explore and gain an understanding of the key principles. You will then use the software to design the most economical bridge that will pass a simulated load test, and provide information on decisions you made in relation to its design, structure and costs.
Real Bridges
In this substantial project, you will work with a small team to observe the many different types of bridges crossing the Yarra River. You will select several of these bridges and investigate and analyse their construction and design, as well as their planning and environmental location.
Journal and Scavenger Hunt
Together with these projects, you will be asked to complete a journal of specific exercises that explain the fundamentals of structural systems. Included in this will be activities such as a Scavenger Hunt, where you will divide into small groups to explore the grounds of the University and observe the many different buildings, identifying what they are made of, age and type of construction. You will never look at your campus in the same way again!
Skills you will learn
- To apply your knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
- To identify, formulate and solve problems
- To learn from experiment through reflection and analysis
- To communicate effectively with your peers and the community at large
- To develop your capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
Contact Hours
24 hours of lectures and 24 hours of tutorials
More information
- Handbook entry for 880-103 Constructing Environments
- Download the Constructing environments flyer (PDF 225KB)