Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design an urban system. It requires the ability to negotiate with clients to develop a permaculture design brief, undertake site analysis, develop design concepts and produce final design documentation.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop a design brief for an urban permaculture system | 1.1 Initiate or respond to contact with the client when appropriate 1.2 Consult with the client to establish purpose, needs and requirements of design 1.3 Develop a design brief for an urban permaculture system in consultation with the client 1.4 Negotiate cost structures and timelines with the client |
2. Undertake design analysis | 2.1 Obtain existing maps, geospatial data and aerial photographs of property 2.2 Survey area included in Zones 1 and (if present) 2 to provide information not on existing maps using suitable survey tools and equipment 2.3 Prepare a site plan 2.4 Record site assessment on the site plan 2.5 Undertake bioregional analysis of the site 2.6 Undertake research of potential permaculture design elements 2.7 Choose appropriate permaculture design elements 2.8 Revise brief with client using completed research and analysis |
3. Prepare a design concept | 3.1 Determine an appropriate permaculture system concept 3.2 Prepare conceptual design drawings to illustrate conceptual themes and patterns informing the location and layout of proposed design elements 3.3 Compile a bill of quantities 3.4 Prepare a list of plant and animal species and varieties suitable for the chosen concept 3.5 Prepare a preliminary budget for conceptual design 3.6 Present the concept plan in a consistent graphic style 3.7 Consult the client and agree on options and approaches for design development 3.8 Review and revise concepts, elements and the design brief after taking feedback from client |
4. Produce final design | 4.1 Design an urban permaculture system based on the design brief, research, analysis, chosen elements and concepts 4.2 Produce detailed urban permaculture design documents 4.3 Present design plans, drawings and documents to the client 4.4 Take feedback from the client and revise or modify design as required |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
draw permaculture and landscape plans
identify urban permaculture design solutions
analyse zones and sectors of site
develop design concepts
develop detail and construction drawings
develop planting schedules, budget and bill of quantities
develop a final design
present a design to a client
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
elements of urban permaculture design
Zones 1 and 2, as the furthest areas represented on the plan (otherwise it is a rural design)
needs supplied by other zones, even if they are supplied off site
sector analysis
bioregional analysis
design which may utilise existing architects’ drawings or local maps and plans
principles of permaculture
strategies in urban permaculture design
edible landscapes and aesthetics in design
public landscapes and community garden design
design brief
statement of scope of design
statement of client needs and requirements
list of project elements
list of assessable tasks
options for dealing with client needs and requirements
design analysis and research techniques
plan interpretation and map reading
site analysis
onsite measurement of site boundaries
mapping of boundaries to scale to a plan drawing
mapping of contour lines to a scale plan drawing
measurement and location of existing infrastructure and features on site
mapping of existing infrastructure and features to a scale plan drawing
measuring and plotting location of services (power, water, sewer, gas)
measuring and plotting location of meters or access points
site surveying methods and tools
surveying instruments for taking vertical measurements on site
surveying instruments for measuring angles on site
surveying instruments for measuring distance and horizontal measurements on site
design concepts
preliminary conceptual sketches
bubble diagrams
preliminary plans, sections and elevation design drawings
use of design drawing and drafting conventions
presentable and legible design drawings for client use, such as:
domestic systems for urban and suburban properties
rooftop, balcony and courtyard gardens
public landscapes such as streets, parks, car parks, commercial premises, industrial estates and community centres
school gardens and learnscapes
community gardens and city farms
Community Supported Agriculture systems, urban market gardens and peri-urban small holdings
urban forestry
conventional design symbols and those to convey permaculture elements
design drafting and drawing conventions
plant and animal selection
final design
rendered plan, elevation and section drawings to scale
use of design drawing and drafting conventions
use of consistent graphic style
supporting legends and keys of elements
supporting materials lists, tables, bills of quantity, timelines, installation plans and management plans
construction detail drawing
methods of design
zone and sector planning
slope planning
patterns in space and time
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate IV or Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)