Outline

Overview

New Design in Old Settings explores the architectural approaches, conservation methodologies and planning issues relevant to situations when new meets old in the built environment. The unit focuses on what constitutes a valued ‘old setting’ and the range of interventions and transformations that might affect the cultural significance of such places. The unit highlights architecturally innovative reuse projects, exemplary additions and alterations to historic places, and architecturally distinguished new buildings in historic precincts and landscapes. It also draws attention to some of the design ideas and planning compromises that have blighted valued places. Students will develop an understanding of the major theoretical and practical issues facing those who plan and design new buildings in culturally significant places. Most importantly, the unit will foster analytical skills in assessing design strategies and confidence in making critical judgements with clear rationales about design propositions in historically significant settings.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Cameron Logan, cameron.logan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Case studies	Responses to readings, case studies, debate and participation Reading responses, case study analyses, and in-class participation	0%	Multiple weeks	1500-3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Documenting a new design in an old setting Submitted via Youtube	40%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:00	3 minute film	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Blot Written assignment with non-written elements	60%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:00	1500 words + Graphic Elements	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Documenting a new design in an old setting: Students will produce a ‘storyboard’ or ‘visual argument’ based on available visual resources for one of three sites in Sydney.
Reading Responses, case study analysis, debate and participation: You will be required to submit multiple short responses in class throughout the semester. Students will also be assessed on their contribution to and participation in tutorials.
Blot: You will produce a bitter denunciation (j’accuse style) of a new intervention into an old place. Using text accompanied by drawings and other illustrations, you should highlight why your chosen project has undermined the significance of the existing historic place and failed to improve the scene architecturally and urbanistically.
Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	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	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: New Design in Old Settings	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction & background to assessments	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Controls and Guidelines	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Readings 1 - Discussion (The Burra Charter)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Sustainability and Change	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Case Studies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Typologies and Scales of Change to Built Heritage	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment 1: Documenting a new design in an old setting	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Connecting With Country	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Assessment 1: Documenting a new design in an old setting	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Cultural Landscapes and Industrial Heritage	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Case Study 1 – Discussion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Archaeology and Interpretation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Debate 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Overview of Assignment 3 and Principles of Heritage Impact Assessment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Readings 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Designing in Context	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Case Study 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	How to Park an Elephant	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Site Visit: St. Paul's College	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	International Practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Discussion of Assignment 3 – The Blot	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	What is Enough?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Debate 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Big Sites, Big Opportunities	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Case Study 3	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend 90% of this unit's timetabled activities to satisfy attendance requirements, or risk failing the unit. Late arrival or early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who are unable to attend class due to illness or misadventure must provide reasonable evidence to support their absence to be considered for an exemption from the attendance threshold. In this case, students may be offered the opportunity to complete an alternative assessment to meet the pass requirement for the unit.
Students are expected to be actively engaged in their learning during class. This includes coming to class prepared (e.g. completed readings etc) and making respectful and appropriate contributions to class discussions.

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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

The Burra Charter (2013)
Assessing heritage significance (2023)
Historic Scotland, New Design in Historic Settings (2010)
English Heritage & CABE, Building in context: New development in historic areas (2002)
Heritage Office & AIA, Design in context: guidelines for infill development in the historic environment (2005)

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. demonstrate an understanding of the main theoretical and practical questions associated with the planning and design of new buildings in old settings
LO2. demonstrate an awareness of accepted conservation principles connected with additions and alteration to significant places and the adaptive use of old buildings
LO3. delineate the differences between new and old and highlight formal relationships between them
LO4. analyse and critique examples of new design in old settings
LO5. respond to and criticise authorised modes of intervening in old places.

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.

Revision of learning activities to reflect contemporary issues

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9075: New Design in Old Settings

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links