Outline

Overview

This studio expands the scope of architectural design to include the role of materials and structure as a proponent of built form. Through the design of a small-scale public building in a constrained urban site, students learn to synthesize conceptual, programmatic, and organisational strategies with the material and structural parameters of an architectural project. In-class lectures and assignments will introduce students to both digital and analogue modes for exploring fundamental material and structural logics of architectural design. This unit will also introduce students to regional and international precedents to demonstrate the application of innovative practices using materials and structure in the built environment. The objective of this unit is to equip students with an ability to think critically about the transformation, evaluation, and creative synthesis of different materials and structure into an imaginative and plausible architectural response to a project brief.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	BDES1023 and BAEN1001
Corequisites ?	BADP2004
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Dagmar Reinhardt, dagmar.reinhardt@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
Creative work	Final Design Submission (Exam Period, 45%) Design Portfolio submission including report, design drawings, photographs of models. Submission of models.	45%	Formal exam period Due date: 12 Jun 2026 at 23:59	1hr	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task In-class test of basic technical knowledge in written and representational	5%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 16:00	3 hrs	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Interim Design Presentation (W7, 20%) Interim Design Presentation via multi-page PDF, printed sheets, models.	20%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59	5hrs	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final Design Presentation (W13, 30%) Final Design Presentation via multi-page PDF, printed sheets, models.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	5hrs	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 : Week 2.
Design, in-class exercise, 5%.

Assessment 2 : Week 7.
Interim Design Presentation, in-class and submission, 20%.

Assessment 3: Week 13.
Final Design Presentation, in-class and submission, 30%.

Assessment 4. Exam Period.
Submission of Portfolio of Final Design, 45%.

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

Assessment grading

Result Name

Mark Range

Description

High Distinction

100-85

Outstanding design, fabrication and communication

Distinction

84-75

Excellent design, fabrication and communication

Credit

65-75

Good design, fabrication and communication

Pass

50-64

Satisfactory design, fabrication and communication

Fail

49-0

Unsatisfactory design, fabrication and communication

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 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 to unit and brief	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial/ introduction to studio and content (unit, brief, exercises, submissions)	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	Site, Place, and Program	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	City and site context, infrastructure mapping. Program potentials and massing. Early feedback task/Assessment 1 (inclass).	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	Materials Processes Structures (2) - Elements/Grid	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Understanding grid system (timber/steel systems). Develop design principles and site planning, develop grid model.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	Materials and Sustainability	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Understanding material as resource. Developing material strategy and search. Collect material catalogue.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	Materials Processes Structures (2) - Materials	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Develop materials and construction options. Discuss architectural response including grid systems, program interpretation and spatial logic. Discuss assignment 2 draft.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	Interim Design Presentations (A2)	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	Materials Processes Structures (3) - Constructions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Revise response including grid systems, program interpretation and spatial logic. Continue design development in 1:200/1:100.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	Materials Processes Structures (4) - Components	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Continued Design Development. Circular materiality, disassembly, embedded carbon, reuse/recycle. Discuss design through plans and sections to 1:100/1:50 scale. Diagram construction and discuss material probes.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	Materials Processes Structures (5) - Futures	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Continued Design Development. Coordination of program, structure, material, and services. Discuss design through plans and sections to 1:100/1:50 scale. Diagram space/details. Continue to develop construction methodology and details.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	Guest (TBC)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Coordination of program, structure, material, and services. Discuss design through plans and sections to 1:50/20/5 scale. Refine details. Continue to develop construction methodology and details.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	Best Mistakes. Preparatory Lecture for Final submission.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Design resolution, drawings, models, and detail refinement. Design finalisation, discuss and refine draft submission A3.	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 13	Final Design Presentation (A3)	Tutorial (5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance mandatory.
Students will need to bring tools for drawing, drafting and model making into class.

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.
Students should refer to the School of Architecture, Design and Planning resolutions for specific information relating to attendance and participation: https://policyregister.sydney.edu.au/doctract/documentportal/08DE2219FEF9F9588045F2E46B9ACB35

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The Construction Reference from BDES1023 is assumed:
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/

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. Critically interpret and evaluate an architectural brief for a small-scale public building and devise an imaginative and plausible response.
LO2. Develop design solutions that effectively synthesize building form, materiality, spatial organisation, and building technologies to programmed activities.
LO3. Convey architectural propositions through creation of rendered, accurate and appropriately scaled architectural plan, section, and elevation drawings using analogue and digital media techniques.
LO4. Critically select from and use both hand and digital fabrication techniques to produce a physical scale model of design proposals.
LO5. Evaluate feedback from others in a manner that is both reflective and proactive.
LO6. Demonstrate the ability to study precedents and apply knowledge of precedents to the development of architectural ideas and proposals.

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.

This is the first time this Unit is being run in this version.

Additional information

Additional costs

There will be substantial costs for model making materials, and drawing tools: drawing pens, pencils, scale rulers. Students can find many of the necessary materials in the DMaF Lab, payable through SydPay. Any student experiencing financial difficulties purchasing modelling materials can apply for a bursary by writing to: adp.studentlife@sydney.edu.au

Work, health and safety

Model making exercises will require cutting materials and sutting mats.

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

BAEN2011: DIL: Material and Technology

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