Outline

Overview

This intensive design research studio is associated with the program of the Garry and Susan Rothwell Chair in Architectural Design Leadership. It typically involves a combination of field studies and on-campus activities. The studio project is closely related to the topic set by the current Rothwell chair(s) for their program. Depending on the studio's focus, students may be engaged in identifying, documenting, and analysing architectural and urban artefacts, critically evaluating architectural and urban strategies, and developing design strategies, tactics and proposals.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Bachelor of Design in Architecture
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lee Stickells, lee.stickells@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 30 January 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Presentation - Participation in pre-planning, research and workshop presentation of research and preparatory work for field trip.	10%	Week 01 Due date: 22 Jan 2026 at 10:00	approx. 15 min illustrated presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation - Drawing development and documentation documentation and reflection on field work	30%	Week 04 Due date: 04 Feb 2026 at 10:00	approx. 15 min illustrated presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Drawing assignment - Final output summative document/expression of research, fieldwork, reflective outcomes.	60%	Week 06 Due date: 18 Feb 2026 at 23:59	designed artefact	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Presentation 1: Requires you to present your preparation for the field trip activities.
Presentation 2: creative presentation of the research, documentation and analysis work undertaken via the field trip activities.
Final submission: creatively documents the research and project design outcome and critically positions the output in relation to the elective's thematic context.
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.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late presentations may not be allowed, subject to the logistics of the intensive activities, especially the field trip.

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
Pre-semester	Introduction to the unit. Preplanning and preliminary research.	Workshop (2 hr)
	Progress research themes	Workshop (7 hr)
	site visits, research, development and review of assessments	Fieldwork (40 hr)
	review of assessment work in progress	Workshop (2 hr)

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.

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.

In 2026 the elective returns to Japan with Atelier Bow Wow. Learning from the experience of the successful 2025 elective, some incremental developments have been made to the unit: - the major assessment format will change from a card set to a collective drawing. - More opportunities for student review and project feedback during the fieldwork have been scheduled.

Additional information

Travel and fieldwork arrangements for this unit are managed through Field Friendly.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9114: Rothwell Research Studio

Intensive January - February, 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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links