Outline

Overview

Architecture Studio 2A is oriented towards the contemporary communicative dimensions of architecture, whilst remaining attentive to the deeper cultural and historical contexts in which modes of representation, particularly in regards to architectural drawings and models, has arisen and is currently situated. Recognising that there is necessarily an enigmatic relationship between an architectural drawing or model and the building that they might singly or collectively conjure into existence, the studio invites collusion between the architectural program and the means of its gestation, development and representation. An architectural representation might be analytical, rational and technical or it might be preparatory, coaxing, poetic or whimsical. That is, it can never be impartial - always filtering, selecting, editing, and emphasising certain aspects of reality and discarding or downgrading others. The studio project is conducted as a `conversation' between contemporary architectural ambitions, and the claims of the historically situated modes of communication - written, spoken, visual and physically constructed - that the students deploy to achieve them. It imparts knowledge and skills that will stimulate compelling architectural projects that are at once conceptually rigorous and technically adept. Students become increasingly attentive to the complexities of architectural design and are required to integrate multiple criteria, including thematic, conceptual, programmatic and technical concerns into a persuasive architectural proposition for a small-scale building in a charged urban context.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	BDES1027 or BDES1020 or DESA1002
Corequisites ?	BDES2013
Prohibitions ?	BDES2010 or DESA2001 or BDES2012
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Maren Koehler, maren.koehler@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance Attendance requirement (90%)	0%	Multiple weeks	Studio hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Early Feedback Task In-class Drawing Exercise #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 17:00	In-class early feedback task
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Phase 1 Design Concept Presentation Presentation of concept design	15%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2024 at 23:59	Group Presentation/submission
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Phase 2 Design Presentation Presentation of design	35%	Week 09 Due date: 02 May 2024 at 23:59	Individual presentation/submission
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Phase 3 Final Design Presentation Presentation of Final Design	50%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	Individual Presentation/Submission
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = 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

Phase 1 Concept Design Presentation and submission (15%), Phase 2 Design Presentation and submission (35%), Phase 3 Final Presentation and submission (50%). The Early Feedback Task in week 3 is not weighted.

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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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 every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work.

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.

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 Architecture Studio 2A: Overview of brief, modules, tasks, schedule and deliverables	Lecture (2 hr)
	Setting Out: First Task and Site Visit	Studio (5 hr)
	Site and neighborhood visit	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 02	"As Found" and Architectures of Transformation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Studio Task 2	Studio (5 hr)
Week 03	Programs and Narratives	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Early Feedback Task and Studio Task 3	Studio (5 hr)
Week 04	Phase 1 Design Concept Presentation	Presentation (6 hr)
Week 05	Spatial Planning	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Studio Task 5	Studio (5 hr)
Week 06	Access and Routes, Thresholds and Passages	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Studio Task 6	Studio (5 hr)
Week 07	Structure, Systems and Materiality	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Studio Task 7	Studio (5 hr)
Week 09	Phase 2 Design Presentation	Presentation (6 hr)
Week 10	Design Resolution	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Studio Task 10	Studio (5 hr)
Week 11	Part and Whole 1: The Critical Detail	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Studio Task 11	Studio (5 hr)
Week 12	Part and Whole 2: Production	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Studio Task 12	Studio (5 hr)
Week 13	Phase 3 Final Design Presentation	Presentation (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

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

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

All required readings will be available via Canvas/Reading List.

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 an increased familiarity with the conventions of architectural drawing and model making, and an ability to employ these for the purposes of both critical analysis and creative expression
LO2. critically interpret an architectural brief for a small-scale public building in an urban setting, and devise an imaginative and plausible response
LO3. evaluate multiple written and graphic sources in order filter and synthesise information
LO4. produce architectural design across analogue and digital media
LO5. convincingly convey architectural propositions using oral, graphic and written modes of communication
LO6. evaluate feedback from others in a manner that is both reflective and proactive
LO7. write coherent and convincing accounts of the process of architectural design in sound academic prose, and to illustrate and compose these into formal documents.

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.

In response to USS feedback and discussions with colleagues, the semester and assessment schedule was altered and the brief has been updated to a transformation project on a new site to familiarize students with current debates around adaptive reuse, sustainability and decarbonization as well as to foster skill development. This change includes a new set of resources, such as 3D models of the site as well as updated lectures and studio tasks.

Additional information

Additional costs

There will be additional costs for printing and model making.

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.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BDES2026: Architecture Studio 2A

Semester 1, 2025 [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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links