Design Studio: Relations unit (KDA104)

Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit explores our designed worlds, the dynamic relationships between design, designers, culture, and society, examining how design shapes and is shaped by social contexts. Students will investigate how design functions as both a mirror reflecting cultural values and a catalyst for social change. The unit challenges students to consider their own agency as designers and to critically evaluate the ethical implications of design decisions across diverse cultural contexts.

Summary

Unit name	Design Studio: Relations
Unit code	KDA104
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design
Discipline	Architecture & Design
Coordinator	Mrs Sophia Holmes
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and describe the fundamental relationships between design, designers, culture, and society using appropriate design terminology and concepts.
• Analyse and interpret how design both reflects cultural values and influences social change through examination of historical and contemporary case studies.
• Apply critical feedback skills within creative projects.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of design decisions across diverse cultural contexts and articulate personal reflections on their emerging role as designers.
• Apply principles of design grammar to organise and compose design artefacts.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
100500	$1,192.00	$1,020.00	not applicable	$2,972.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	Design Analysis - design context map (25%)|Learning Journey Map & Personal Design Manifesto (35%)|Design Relations (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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