Outline

Overview

This unit of study develops a working understanding of light and sound from physical and sensory perspectives, and of the ways that buildings and building elements affect these. These are examined in terms of their sources, transmission, digital representation, and sensation. Theories that allow students to develop practical designs and predictions are introduced. Theoretical learning is reinforced by computational data processing and analysis. Standards, regulations and recommendations concerning light and sound in the built environment are introduced. Consideration is given to their roles in human communication, and how architectural environments can contribute to these.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BADP1001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Densil Cabrera, densil.cabrera@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Emrah Baki Ulas, emrah.ulas@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Case studies	Light and sound report Light and Sound Design Report	55%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:59	6 A4 pages + appendix	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance Class attendance is required, and is recorded in tutorials	0%	Multiple weeks	12 (out of 13) x 2 hour	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early feedback quiz A quick Canvas quiz during the Week 3 lecture to provide early feedback on understanding of basic concepts in light and sound.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2026 at 16:00	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Exploratory Portfolio Report building on tutorial activities in Weeks 1-6	45%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 23:59	4 A4 pages + appendix + 2 minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= 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

Exploratory Portfolio: This assignment builds on work in the tutorials from Weeks 1-6. These tutorials introduce physical relationships and perception of light and sound, including experience, measurement, analysis and simple theory. An important component of this report is your individual reflection on these aspects of light and sound. In addition to the written report, a video mini-presentation of the main content that you have learned (up to 2 minutes) should be submitted. Although some activities and data collection are done in groups (in the tutotial), the assessment is prepared and submitted individually.
Light and Sound report: In this assignment you develop speculative light and sound designs for a site, incorporating concepts and techniques from the lectures and tutorials. A chosen space is evaluated and redesigned to provide well-reasoned improvements or distinctive experiences. Optionally, your chosen space may be related to your concurrent work in a studio unit of study.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent 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 meet the learning outcomes of the unit 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:

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
Week 01	Why Light and Sound matter in Architecture? Physics-Experience-Design (with Emrah and Densil)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial set 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Spaces for Sound (with James)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial set 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Seeing Space (with Emrah)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial set 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Measuring and Understanding Sound (with Densil)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial set 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Measuring and Understanding Light (with Emrah)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial set 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Working with Sound (with Densil)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial set 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Working with Light (with Emrah)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial set 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Designing with (with Emrah)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial set 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Designing with Sound (with Yuxiao)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial set 5	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Lighting standards and applications (with Emrah)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial set 5	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Sound standards and applications (with Densil)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial set 6	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Lighting case studies (with Emrah)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial set 6	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Acoustics practice (with Densil)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Assignment 2 discussion and consultation	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: https://policyregister.sydney.edu.au/doctract/documentportal/08DE2219FEF9F9588045F2E46B9ACB35

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption

In the case of serious illness, injury or misadventure, a student may apply for special consideration subject to the student meeting all assessment requirements and providing satisfactory supporting documentation.

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 readings for this unit can be accessed electronically through the University of Sydney Library.

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 concepts, terms and quantities used in light and sound analysis and design in the built environment
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of, and experience in, the measurement of light and sound, and interpret the results of measurement
LO3. understand light and sound in terms of human factors such as perception, task appropriateness and comfort
LO4. analyse theoretical concepts to predict light and sound phenomena in the built environment
LO5. interpret published research and standards in the area of light and sound and explore their application in practice
LO6. critically assess the quantitative and qualitative aspects of light and sound in buildings

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.

Based on feedback from the Unit of Study Survey, we have changed the format of this unit in 2026. The most obvious change is a shift from lecture-heavy content to greater emphasis on tutorials. We have also reduced the number of assignments, removing a distinct literature review to focus more on the experience and design aspects of working with light and sound. We hope that these changes provide a more positive learning experience in 2026. Please provide constructive feedback during the semester, and in the student survey at the end of semester so that we can further improve the unit to meet your needs and those of future students.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BADP2003: Light and Sound

Semester 2, 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links