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Unit of study_

BDES1012: Design Communication

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Design Communication introduces students to fundamental modes of communication that are used to comprehend, conceive, explore, articulate and document built environments. It covers the domains of sketching, technical drawing, model making (physical and digital), visual, verbal and written communication, diagramming and photography. The unit both familiarises students with necessary technical skills and encourages their creative deployment through practical experimentation. Students will gain a range of fundamental sketching, drawing, and modelling skills. This Unit explores the roles that analogue and digital communication techniques play in contemporary thinking for built environments. Throughout the semester, students are asked to develop and explore a built environment design idea through representation in various media and switching media from iteration to iteration. This unit will also introduce students to the concept and methods of development of a design portfolio in a built environment.

Unit details and rules

Unit code BDES1012
Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
DESA1001
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

HSC Mathematics and HSC English Standard or equivalent

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anastasia Globa, anastasia.globa@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Portfolio
Canvas Submission
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 07 Jun 2024 at 23:59
20-page Booklet
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Early Feedback Task
Canvas Submission (possible 2% bonus points) “#earlyfeedbacktask”
0% Week 03
Due date: 07 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1 Multilayer Image Produced in Photoshop
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Small test Klauzura 1 & Klauzura 2
Short Design Project. Week 5 and Week 9 (5% each)
10% Week 05 1 Panel (Drawing on A3)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Architectural Exploration
In-Class Presentation and Canvas Submission
25% Week 07
Due date: 11 Apr 2024 at 23:59
Panel + Models + Ortho Drawings + Folio
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Design Presentation
In-class Presentation + Canvas Submission
40% Week 13
Due date: 23 May 2024 at 23:59
Panel + Model + Statement
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

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

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

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Sketching and Drawing (line, shading, colour) Studio (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Modelling Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Physical modelling, 2D to 3D Translation, Photography (paper/cardboard) Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Orthographic Drawings Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Orthographic drawing: Plans, Sections, Elevations; Architectural Conventions, Scale, Line Interpretation Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Computer Lab: Photoshop Essentials, import/export, Image editing + layers Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Design Spaces / Site Context and Analysis / Design Brief Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Design: Design Task Introduction / Site Visit / Basic Site Analysis / Diagrams / Perspective Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Program and Form / First Nation Design Principles Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Klauzura 1 (rest/repair/store/charge) Concept Design Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Structure and Materials / Sustainability Principles in Design Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Physical Modelling, Structure + Materiality, Photography (Timber and Cardboard) Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Review for Assessment 1 (25%) Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Scale and Animation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Human Scale + Activity + Dimensions (plan/section/elevation/iso/perspective). Studio (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Computer Lab Workshop: Illustrator Essentials (Vector Drawings) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Klauzura 2 Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Composition Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Composition + Narrative Studio (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Computer Lab: Illustrator + Photoshop Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Prototyping Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Design Process and Prototyping + Generative AI Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Computer lab: Indesign Essentials (Poster + Portfolio) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Presentation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Design presentation (preparation for final reviews) Studio (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Reviews for Assignment 2 (40%) Panel + Model + Statement Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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 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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Deploy a diverse arsenal of media to explore, experiment and develop design concepts
  • LO2. Use a range of fundamental design tools, namely; freehand drawing, orthogonal drawing, physical modelling and photography
  • LO3. Use skills in perspective, plan, section and elevation drawing, to creatively articulate design ideation, proportion, scale and composition
  • LO4. Communicate ideas using a built environment vocabulary and presenting style to diverse audiences
  • LO5. Critically and creatively engage with a design brief, development process and design context
  • LO6. Understand and respond strategically to multi-scale design contexts in preparation for subsequent units of study.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

New computer tutorials will be developed, as was suggested by students' feedback.

Additional costs

Approx $65 AUD is estimated to be used for drawing and modelling materials

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.