The group project is the culmination of the lab work, and will be presented in the time that was set aside for a final exam (the long essay question takes the place of a final exam). This is on Dec. 13. 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The group project consists of 200 out of a total 720 points for the entire course. (60 points individual assignment, 100 points content of final group presentation and assessment of the work handed in after presentation), 40 points observation of individual contribution and involvement to lab sessions). Each group also has an opportunity to suggest that individual scores within a group be redistributed by up to 10% up or down, in order to reflect different amounts of contribution to the group project. This is up to the groups to negotiate, and if the group feels that such an adjustment is necessary, it is to be handed in writing with the final project, to be taken into account in assessment. (Note: I do not expect this to be necessary, but feel that it is a useful tool to place at the disposal of the group in case a discrepancy in terms of attendance and effort should arise)

In the final presentation, each group will have 10 - 15 minutes to present their project. Each group will need to prepare boards with the final design and some of the process work showing how you have arrived at this design. A brief summary of key aspects of the design in words can be included as part of the visual display or as a handout. Next week's weekly assignment (the final one - note I have reduced the total weekly assignments from 12 to 11) will provide you with the chance to write out some of your thoughts on the key characteristics of the project, and this will be useful to your group in terms of preparing a written summary and presentation. There will be several reviewers at the presentation, who will give feedback to the groups after their presentations. There will also be an opportunity for roundtable discussion on the planning process and sustainable design with the reviewers.

Each group should hand in their projects - with the final presentation materials (including a brief written summary), as well as all of the stages of work which you have been undertaking during lab sessions, for assessment.

Individual assignment

This is worth 60 points of your overall grade. This project provides you with an opportunity to delve deeper into an aspect of the design project which is of interest to you. It will be assessed as an individual project. I also recommend that you use information in your group projects. To this end, the assignments will be due in lab on Wednesday, Dec. 1, however, you should bring an informal preliminary report for group feedback and response no later than Wednesday, Nov. 17. (next week). This provides and opportunity for you to gather feedback from your group on your assignment, and to make use of the information gathered in strengthening your group project.