Outline

Overview

This unit of study will give the student an understanding of the design of a small-scale building. It teaches the foundations for an interdisciplinary design process between the fields of architecture, architectural science, and urban planning. Architectural aspects including typology, scale, proportion, structure, program and materiality are investigated. Students learn the complexities of architectural design, from concepts, ideas and design models to applied aspects including programmatic requirements, limitations of a particular site, and the relationship between form and function. The unit equips students with conceptual tools and design skills from modelling to graphic representation, and verbal and written communication. On the successful completion of this unit of study, students will have demonstrated: an understanding of the architectural design process; and an ability to express concepts and designs creatively, clearly and cohesively across a range of representation media.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hannes Frykholm, hannes.frykholm@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
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance Lectures Mandatory attendance for 10 sessions of 11	0%	Ongoing	1 hour	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance Practical Sessions Attendance mandatory for 12 sessions out of 13	0%	Ongoing	3 hours	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Early Feedback Task Canvas Submission	0%	Week 02 Due date: 12 Aug 2026 at 23:59	Submitted PDF File	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 1: Drawing and Analysis Analysis and conceptualisation	20%	Week 04 Due date: 26 Aug 2026 at 23:59	Design Communication & Canvas Submission	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2: Expanded Analysis and 1:50 Model Presentation using panels, model, ortho drawings, statement	30%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 23:59	8 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 3: Proposal for Addition Presentation using panels, model, ortho drawings, development material	50%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2026 at 23:59	8 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = 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

Early Feedback Task - 3-Step Stair Problem (Non-Weighted)

Assessment 1 - Drawing and Analysis 20%
Assessment 2 - Expanded Analysis and 1:50 Model 30%
Assessment 3 - Proposal for Addition 50%

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Attendance Assessment Lectures - Mandatory for 10 of 11 sessions.

Attendance Assessment Practical Sessions - Mandatory for 12 of 13 sessions.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

For assessments completed after the deadline, a penalty of 5% of the total marks earned for the assessment will be imposed per calendar day. Work completed 10 calendar days or more after the deadline will not be assessed and will receive a mark of zero.

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 Simple Pleasures + What is a Precedent?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Group and House selections, Scaling Drawings,; Early Feedback Task	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	The Orthographic Architectural Drawing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Review EFTs, 1:50 drawings, line weight exercise	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Plan Literacy and Analysis	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Evaluate 1:50 drawings; Analysis exercise	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Guest Lecture: Phillip Lathourakis, Senior Structural Engineer (ARUP)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Pin-up A1; Demountable model; Model making supplies; Digital model demonstration	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Model Construction and Materials	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Model demonstration, Model making in class	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Digital Tools for 3D-models / 2D-drawings	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	75% Model and Assessment 2 presentation preparations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Reviews of Assessment 2 - No Lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Assessment 2 Presentations, Pin-up: Analyses, Plans, Sections, Model 1:50, story of the occupant	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Repair and Addition as Architectural Strategies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Develop design strategy for addition/extension.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Inside/Outside	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Design charrette in plan and section.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Flexibility and Free Space	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Continued design development, focus on floor plans.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Post-Occupancy or Life Without Architects	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Continued design development + tutor feedback	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Concluding remarks + final presentation techniques	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Final Presentation preparations; Individual feedback on proposal and presentation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Reviews of Assessment 3 - No Lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Presentation of Assessment 3. Comprehensive pin-up.	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the ADP School Resolutions: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/542&RendNum=0

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. Demonstrate a developed skill in the conventions of scale model making and drawing, and the ability to apply them in both critical analysis and creative expression.
LO2. Use fundamental built environment conventions, technical knowledge and design tools correctly and effectively.
LO3. Convincingly convey built environment propositions using modelled, graphic, verbal and written modes of communication.
LO4. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate diverse graphic and written sources in order to filter and synthesise information.
LO5. Draw upon a relevant body of historical, theoretical, social, and environmental knowledge when thinking through ideas and issues to conceptualise and contextualise design issues and propositions.
LO6. Work productively in an built environment studio setting by respecting the work of others and engaging in the exchange of reflective and proactive feedback.

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.

Brief has been redesigned following USS feedback to offer better balance between assessment 2 and 3.

Additional information

Additional costs

Model material and printing cost.

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

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

BAEN1001: Design in the Built Environment

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

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