Outline

Overview

This unit provides students with the experience required to use a range of fundamental architectural drawing skills based on observation of the built environment. The workshop places an emphasis on keen observation, experimental use of materials and an engagement with historical frameworks used in design practice. Perspective sketching, section and paraline systems are introduced with a focus on drawing as a communication device. Both in the studio and outside, drawing is used to document the visible world and define structure and detail. On successful completion of this unit of study, students will have demonstrated a familiarity with a range of drawing media and techniques including an introduction to composition and colour. Students also gain an understanding of the essential use of a sketchbook to record visual research and develop design thinking.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AWSS1002 or DESA1601 or DESA1602
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Koji Ryui, koji.ryui@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
Experimental design	Journal Journal	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2026 at 23:59	A4 Process Journal pdf	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Portfolio assessment 2 Portfolio and discussion	35%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2026 at 23:59	6 drawings, 1 model, 3 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	In-class demonstration Observational drawing	0%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2026 at 09:00 Closing date: 12 Mar 2026	1.5hrs	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Journal (formative) Journal	0%	Week 05 Due date: 25 Mar 2026 at 23:59	A4 Process Journal pdf	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Portfolio assessment 1 Portfolio, discussion	25%	Week 05 Due date: 25 Mar 2026 at 23:59	6 drawings, 3 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: A presentation of studio work to date, showing both resolved ideas and working drawings. Incomplete drawings or drawings deemed unsatisfactory by the student should still be included to indicate process and progress.
Assessment 2: A detailed assessment guide will be provided for this task by week 6. Assessment 2 should indicate progress from week 6. The second set of drawings expands to include a resolved drawing project incorporating multiple drawing concepts. A verbal presentation forms part of the assessment.
Journal: The journal documents all your research and process or development of drawings. It includes visual research e.g. referenced photocopies and sketches of architects' and artists' work, critical response to works seen on gallery visits, critical response to various approaches to drawing the built environment (e.g. expressive, constructed, measured). A detailed guide to the journal will be available on Canvas in week 1.

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.

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:

In accordance with University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, 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
Formal exam period	Assessment 2, Verbal presentation, group discussion and feedback	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
Formal exam period	Assessment 2, Verbal presentation, group discussion and feedback	Practical (1.5 hr)
Week 01	1. Taking a line for a walk; 2. Studio intro; 3. Contour drawing; 4. Gesture drawing; 5. Negative space	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Taking a line for a walk; 2. Studio intro; 3. Contour drawing; 4. Gesture drawing; 5. Negative space	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 02	1. Perspective: 1 and 2 point; 2. Drawing interiors; 3. Measuring to calculate distance and length	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Perspective: 1 and 2 point; 2. Drawing interiors; 3. Measuring to calculate distance and length	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 03	1. Building line and plane; 2. Drawing exteriors; 3. Perspective drawing in the field *Early feedback task - Journal checked in class	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Building line and plane; 2. Drawing exteriors; 3. Perspective drawing in the field *Early feedback task - Journal checked in class	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 04	1. Value (tone); 2. Tonal value scale; 3. Dramatic light; 4. Observing where light falls on an object	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Value (tone); 2. Tonal value scale; 3. Dramatic light; 4. Observing where light falls on an object	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 05	Assessment 1, review drawings from week 1 – 4	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	Assessment 1, review drawings from week 1 – 4	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review feedback and submissions	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 06	1. Colour; 2. Basic colour theory and composition in wet media	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Colour; 2. Basic colour theory and composition in wet media	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 07	1. Perspective and tone; 2. Perspective drawing with hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, shading; 3. Building tone and form once linear structure is in place	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Perspective and tone; 2. Perspective drawing with hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, shading; 3. Building tone and form once linear structure is in place	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 08	1. Plan, section and elevation; 2. Orthographic fundamentals; 3. Capsicum drawing class	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Plan, section and elevation; 2. Orthographic fundamentals; 3. Capsicum drawing class	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 09	1. Section drawing; 2. Drawing landscape sections integrating capsicum drawings as built form	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Section drawing; 2. Drawing landscape sections integrating capsicum drawings as built form	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 10	1. 2 dimension composition; 2. Collage	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. 2 dimension composition; 2. Collage	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 11	1. 3 dimension composition; 2. Model making	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. 3 dimension composition; 2. Model making	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 12	1. Tonal drawing from 3 dimension model; 2. Drawing as communication; 3. Graphic techniques for presentation	Tutorial (0.5 hr)
	1. Tonal drawing from 3 dimension model; 2. Drawing as communication; 3. Graphic techniques for presentation	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Review online learning resources + Complete studio tasks	Self-directed learning (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and Study Commitment:

Weekly participation in this unit is mandatory.

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022 — Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption.

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week + 1hr independent work
Independent Study: In addition to 2 contact hours per week + 1hr independent work (for studio tasks), students are expected to spend another 3-8 hours per week on independent study (for the journal) for this unit.
Absence: If you are absent from a class it is important that you do the work missed in class in your own time and submit the work for assessment at the specified time.

Required materials: Please refer to details provided on Canvas

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

All weekly readings and additional material will be made available on Canvas.

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. understand the fundamental role of freehand drawing skills in architectural design work
LO2. demonstrate increased spatial awareness and visual intelligence
LO3. communicate through drawing
LO4. demonstrate an understanding of perspective and section drawing, proportion and composition
LO5. demonstrate familiarity with a range of drawing media including graphite, pen, charcoal, ink with nib and brush, colour and collage
LO6. commit to maintain a journal in which to draw on a daily basis.

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.

The unit expects students to present diverse experiences and expectations as a larger cohort. While 2025 USS indicated that the unit and the techniques were useful, the unit content is updated on ongoing basis responding to learners' emerging needs. For 2026, more detailed instructions for journals and student examples are introduced, as well as adjusting weekly studio set ups to facilitate practical activities.

Additional information

No class in week 13, final presentations in week 15 to minimise assessment clashes.

The unit may be adjusted for each session. Please refer to information and materials provided on Canvas for any changes and updates.

Additional costs

Students are required to pay an additional material fee online in week 2 the latest. Payment receipt to be checked by the tutor in week 3. Students who have not completed the payment will lose access to the marks and materials required for this unit of study. Payment method will be advised via Canvas.

Work, health and safety

*Students are required to wear appropriate footwear to enter the studio

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

Early feedback task

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

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AWSS1001: Architectural Sketching and Drawing

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links