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Unit of study_

BDES3023: Architectural Technologies 3

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

Architectural Technologies 3 develops in students an advanced understanding of moderately complex building systems. It addresses the technical design of buildings in their entirety and in their details, through the three interrelated perspectives of environment, structures and construction. As in Architectural Technologies 1 and 2, primary emphasis is placed on developing an understanding that appropriate formal architectural solutions can be the outcome of technological considerations and that, reciprocally, technical solutions can not only support but inform conceptual ambitions. A major project-based assignment, a case study analysis, individual technical drawings and a final examination are used as the vehicles for students to demonstrate the knowledge that they have gained in analysing and synthesising the various considerations that are to be addressed in the design of a building system that appropriately responds to, and integrates, the three key technical considerations of environment, structures and construction.

Unit details and rules

Unit code BDES3023
Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
DAAP3002 or BDES3603
Prerequisites
? 
(BDES2013 or BADP2004) or BDES2613
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Paolo Stracchi, paolo.stracchi@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Design proposal for a 4mx4mx12m Outlook Tower
Integrated architectural design
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 09 Jun 2022 at 23:00
6 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment Technical Handbook – Façade and Structural Systems
Redrawing and analysis of technological and structural components
60% Week 08
Due date: 14 Apr 2022 at 23:00
7 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO4 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1 – Technical Handbook:  Façade and Structural Systems​

During the weekly tutorials, students will analyse by freehand axonometric drawings and digital 3d modelling the adopted structural systems, technologies and materials in the provided case-studies. The challenge of this task is to analyse and describe architectural technologies by using freehand drawings and digital modelling in an effective, comprehensive and clear way. The aim of this task is to increase students’ capacity of observation and gain an in-depth comprehension of technical details and structural systems of moderately complex architecture.

Detailed requirements for assignment 1 are included as Appendix 1 on Canvas.

Assignment 2 – Design proposal - 4mx4mx12m Outlook Tower (or observatory or lighthouse or folie)  

During the weekly tutorials, in a group of 2, students will discuss and develop a design proposal for an Outlook Tower (or observatory or lighthouse or folie)  with overall dimensions of 4mx4mx12m. The challenge of this task is to explore architectural technologies, construction materials and structural typologies along with a coherent architectural form and image for a small and dedicated space to be built in a self-selected site. The aim of this task is to increase students’ capacity of integrating architectural, technological and structural requirements through a compelling, original and detailed design proposal.

Students are required to present landscape-orientated presentation boards with sketches, renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, and/or other presentation tools to explain their proposal.

Detailed requirements for assignment 2 are included as Appendix 2 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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Tectonic of stone and brick in complex architecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Stone and bricks in complex architecture Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 02 Tectonic of reinforced concrete in complex architecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Reinforced concrete in complex architecture Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 03 Tectonic of steel in complex architecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Steel in complex architecture Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Tectonic of timber in complex architecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Timber in complex architecture Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Structural systems in architecture 1/3 Portal frames Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Portal Frames Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 06 Structural systems in architecture 2/3 - Arched Frames Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Arched structures Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 07 Structural systems in architecture 3/3 - Tensile structures and domes Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Handbook - Final Review Tutorial (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 08 Design concepts and architectural competitions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Precedents analysis and definition of design proposal and site Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 09 Integrated design: Case-Study Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Integrated design: Case-Study Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 11 Integrated design: Case-Study Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 12 Integrated design: Case-Study Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 13 Integrated design: Case-Study Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design proposal final review Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9

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.

Required readings

It is expected that you conduct your own research in terms of experimentation including the sourcing of appropriate materials, as well as undertaking library visits to gather data to substantiate your knowledge, design concepts and strategies.

These are suggestions only – students are expected to conduct their own research.

Modern Construction Handbook.  Andrew Watts, 2016.

·Construction Materials Manual. Hegger Manfred, 2006.

·Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures. Edward Allen, 2009.

·The Structural Basis of Architecture. Sandaker Bjorn, 2011.

·Why Buildings Stand Up, Mario Salvadori, 1981.

Magazine:

The Plan 

Detail

 Website: 

https://divisare.com/

 

Canvas

The Canvas e-learning site will be used in this Unit of Study to distribute course material— including written notes from the weekly lecturers and pdf of reading material; to update you on developments via the email function; and for all your submissions, including text and design-based submissions as well as Turnitin submissions.

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. study precedents critically and apply that knowledge in the development of your own architectural ideas and proposals
  • LO2. identify architectural program requirements and select appropriate design solutions to deliver an efficient, coherent and distinctive work of architecture (understand how design decisions determine the overall feasibility of an architectural project)
  • LO3. identify a building’s structural system and understand that an integrated structural solution can both inform and respond to architectural forms and concepts
  • LO4. identify building’s envelope systems and detailing, and understand that technical considerations can both derive from and enhance architectural concepts
  • LO5. describe a building’s construction methods and detailing, and understand that technical considerations can both derive from and enhance architectural concepts
  • LO6. create digital models, renders, diagrams, sketches and physical models, and use these to develop and communicate your architectural ideas
  • LO7. prepare competent technical drawings at appropriate scales to document a building’s structural system, construction methods and detailing
  • LO8. prepare accurate and comprehensible documents that include, as required, reports and other relevant modes of information to fully and clearly describe technological aspects such as structure, building envelope, construction and materials
  • LO9. use iteration to develop your ideas and work constructively with others.

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.

Modified for online teaching and new assessment tasks

Additional costs

Please note that this project involves costs for students for materials, fixings etc., and the extent of these costs depends on your projects.

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.