Architect
A person trained in the planning, design and management of the construction of buildings and spaces. A person must be registered to practise architecture.
Building style
The shape and features of a building. Uses of the building such as residential or non-residential. Materials used in construction and the type of construction such as brick veneer. Popular styles for the Australian climate are “The Queenslander” and “Federation” styles.
Collage
An image produced by combining several smaller images. This can be done by traditional cutting and pasting or by using graphics software to combine the images.
Communicate
Convey information using a variety of means. This can be done verbally and/or visually and must be clear to the intended audience.
Design brief
A concise statement describing the task and defining the need or opportunity to be resolved. A design brief identifies the users, the criteria for success, the possible consequences and impacts, the constraints and available resources and the timeframe for the project.
Development proposal
A proposed solution to a design brief presented in the form of drawings, photos, sample materials and/or a multimedia presentation. Models are sometimes produced as a means of communicating details of the solution but are not essential. A development proposal should include all information required by an authority to approve the implementation of the development.
Energy
The main form of power to run appliances, temperature control and lighting in schools is electrical energy.
Learning space
An area or place where students engage in learning. These areas could include: a classroom, a library, the school hall, the playground.
Model
A physical representation of a built environment made to scale. Models can be used to analyse a situation and identify the needs of the people who use it. They can help designers appreciate how spaces are used and identify potential problems that may arise from the interaction of different users.
Presentation
A formal talk used to explain or argue for a development proposal. Effective presentations provide key information in a short and usually specified period of time and often use visual aids. In a presentation it is most important to provide all information necessary for those with authority to make decisions.
Site
A place where a development is to occur. A site is defined by specific boundaries. A development proposal will usually include a site plan with a description of features of the site that may influence the development.
Scale
A ratio of the relative size of a drawing or model to the real thing. For example, 1:1 scale would be a life size drawing or model, whereas, 1:10 scale would be one tenth of the actual size.
Scientific investigation
Conducting experiments to enable us to form conclusions about a concept such as the effect of roof colour on the temperature inside a building.
Sustainable design
An approach to design that aims to reduce our ecological footprint while simultaneously meeting peoples’ needs.
