Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DESA1001
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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	3. Portfolio Canvas Submission	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 11 Jun 2026 at 23:59	20-page Booklet	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Klauzura 1 Early Feedback Task	5%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Short design project (in-class activity)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	1. Architectural Exploration In-Class Presentation, Q&A, and Canvas Submission	25%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Presentation, Q&A, Panel, Model, Ortho	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Klauzura 2 Short Design Project.	5%	Week 09 Due date: 30 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Short design project (in-class activity)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	2. Design Presentation In-class Presentation + Canvas Submission	40%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 23:59	Presentation, Panel, Model, Ortho, Softw	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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Design Exploration: Assessing will be based on the student's enthusiasm to explore, ability to follow the task and rigour with which students develop multiple ideas through the structured exercises. Models and drawings will be assessed next to the oral delivery of the development narrative.
Design Presentation: Successful students will demonstrate a rigorous development of their initial model as it is set in a site context and responds to a programme. Drawing and model-making skills (both digital and analogue) are expected to be utilized flexibly and interchangeably to continually develop in a dynamic fashion.
Design Portfolio: The graphically considered design portfolio should present the students' development through the unit and will lead all potential viewers with a coherent narrative that incorporates architectural vocabulary to tell the story of students' work throughout the semester.
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

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.

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

Attendance and class requirements

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.

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

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. 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, photography, digital design tools and image-generative AI
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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

New computer tutorials and assignment deliverables were developed, as suggested by students' feedback (USS 2025).

Additional information

Additional costs

Approx $70 AUD is estimated to be used for drawing and modelling materials

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

BDES1012: Design Communication

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

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