ARCH20004 Design Processes and Techniques
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- No final exam: all coursework
- About 4.5 class hours a week
Is ARCH20004 hard?
ARCH20004: About average. Makes it easier: No final exam. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it takes a lot of time. The easier and harder points roughly balance out.
What you learn
Digital design workflows for architecture: diagramming, parametric modelling and prototyping from precedents.
After it you can
- Diagram and model a design precedent
- Use parametric tools to explore options
- Build and test physical or digital prototypes
What you need first
ARCH10001
What it leads to
- ABPL30072 Interior Design Studio: Materials
- ABPL30073 Professional Design Practice
- ARCH30001 Design Studio Delta
- ARCH30002 Design Studio Epsilon
- ARCH30005 Design Visualisation: Digital Techniques
Can’t be taken together with
- ENVS20001
How it’s assessed
Assignments 100%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 4 students on StudentVIP (2018–2024)
- The 2024 reviewers found it extremely time-consuming, with three projects in one semester, and would not take it unless required.
- Earlier reviewers enjoyed it, especially learning Grasshopper with Rhino and trying VR.
- Marking was described as fair, but the stress of the workload is the recurring theme in recent reviews.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate ARCH20004
Quick answers
- When is ARCH20004 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking ARCH20004?
- Needs ARCH10001.
- Does ARCH20004 have a final exam?
- No, there is no final exam. Assessment: Assignments 100%.
- Is ARCH20004 hard?
- From 4 student reviews on StudentVIP: The 2024 reviewers found it extremely time-consuming, with three projects in one semester, and would not take it unless required.
- What do students say about ARCH20004?
- The 2024 reviewers found it extremely time-consuming, with three projects in one semester, and would not take it unless required. Earlier reviewers enjoyed it, especially learning Grasshopper with Rhino and trying VR. Marking was described as fair, but the stress of the workload is the recurring theme in recent reviews.
- How many class hours a week does ARCH20004 have?
- 4.5 h a week in class
- Can I take ARCH20004 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science.
- What can I take after ARCH20004?
- 5 subjects need it first, for example ABPL30072, ABPL30073, ARCH30001, ARCH30002.
- Can I rate ARCH20004?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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