Outline

Overview

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment. For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress. For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic. Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	ARCH9040
Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Lassen, catherine.lassen@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Catherine Lassen, catherine.lassen@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Participation in Preplanning & Research Participation in Preplanning and Studio / Workshop	20%	Ongoing Due date: 29 Jul 2022 at 10:00	ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Development and Presentation Rigorous research and design development; presentation of project.	20%	Ongoing Due date: 29 Jul 2022 at 10:00	ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Report 215mm wide x 250mm high (including photographs, images, drawings etc.)	60%	Ongoing Due date: 12 Aug 2022 at 10:00	Bound report min 1500 words max 25 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: Participation in Preplanning and Studio / Workshop 20%

Group work. Students are assessed on their participation in the workshop and associated research activities including lectures, and their proactive attitudes and level of engagement with the project team and other workshop participants.

Assignment 2: Development and Presentation 20%

Group work. Rigorous research and design development of the project; presentation of the work during the studio / workshop.

Assignment 3: Report 60%

Group work. Students will produce a 215mm wide x 250mm high, bound report with min 1500 words (excl. references and endnotes, Chicago 16) of max. 25 pages (including photographs, images, renders, diagrams, collages, measured drawings and photographs of models etc.) that:

- Documents their research and project design outcome and contribution to the workshop; and

- Critically positions their output in relation to relevant contemporary disciplinary discussions (historical, theoretical and/or technological) within the thematic context of the project.

The assignment is due at 10am 12th August 2022 submitted in hardcopy to room 307, together with a pdf submission by email to the course coordinator.

Assessment criteria

Grade	Description
High Distinction 85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction 75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit 65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass 50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail 1 - 50	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	Introduction to Studio / Workshop Preplanning and preliminary research	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Development of Studio / Workshop Research themes	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Studio / Workshop Sydney	Block teaching (42 hr)
	Submission of Report	Block teaching (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is required at all nominated classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Michael Adlerstein F.A.I.A. Assistant Secretary‐General Executive Director, Capital Master Plan, United Nations, 2007‐2015, “Assessing the Carbon‐Saving Value of Retrofitting versus Demolition and New Construction at the United Nations Headquarters,” (6 December, 2016).

Carson Chan, “Lacaton & Vassal: Game Changer”, 032c, no. 23 (Winter 2012/13), 130-141, http://032c.com/2013/o-architects-where-art-thou-game-changer-lacaton-vassal/

Michael Kimmelman, “At the Edge of Paris, A Housing Project Becomes a Beacon,” The New York Times (28 March 2012), https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/arts/design/renovated-tour-bois-le-pretre-brightens-paris-skyline.html?searchResultPosition=1

“Lacaton & Vassal 1993-2015: Post-media Horizon,” El Croquis 177/178 (2015).

Lacaton and Vassal: Rothwell Chair Symposium, Sydney University, April 27-29, 2021, on YouTube here.

Anne Lacaton & Jean Philippe Vassal Architects: for project details, drawings and photographs, refer to individual projects on the architects’ website: http://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?fks=5

Lacaton & Vassal Architects Pritzker Prize Citation: https://www.pritzkerprize.com/laureates/anne-lacaton-and-jean-philippe-vassal

Cameron Murray and Peter Phibbs, “Reimagining the Economics of Public Housing at Waterloo,” A Report for Shelter NSW (November 2021).

Irénée Scalbert, A Right To Difference: The Architecture of Jean Renaudie (London, England: Architectural Association, 2004).

David Thorpe, “How about we stop knocking things down?” The Fifth Estate (2 June 2021), https://thefifthestate.com.au/innovation/building-construction/reaching-net-zero-buildings-count-all-5-stages-of-life-say-scientists/

Tom Zubrycki, Waterloo, Documentary Film (1984), https://www.tomzubrycki.com/films/waterloo

An historical account of the battle by residents of this inner Sydney suburb for rehabilitation over slum clearance and redevelopment by public housing authorities in the early 70’s. Waterloo tells the story of residents fight-back, framing the social and political context with connections to the ‘Green Bans’ in housing proposals for The Rocks and Woolloomooloo.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Independently research issues relating to the project; critically analyse and evaluate the information gathered and strategically integrate it to formulate original architectural tactics; and thus demonstrate advanced Information, literacy, learning and research skills.
LO2. Document the application of technical skills and specialist knowledge through a review of current knowledge, its critical evaluation and your own findings and conclusions; consider options and make decisions based on an evaluation of suitability, assembly and detail of construction systems, elements, materials and components.
LO3. Use a variety of media to document and precisely represent your work so that it clearly communicates central ideas of your project to academic, professional and general audiences; this is to include your methodology and investigative processes.
LO4. Develop design strategies, that are based on a critical understanding of the studio themes; and demonstrate advanced knowledge, creativity and professionalism by addressing the needs of potential users.
LO5. Critically draw upon relevant historical, contemporary, theoretical, social and political knowledge when thinking through ideas and issues to cultivate a critical and independent approach and demonstrate a thorough understanding of related issues.
LO6. Understand aspects of the planning, development and construction process, and your roles as members of the architectural profession.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No curriculum changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Additional costs

There will be costs such as drawing + model making supplies and printing + model fabrication associated with this unit of study.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

ARCH9040: General Elective 2

Intensive July, 2022 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect