Outline

Overview

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	Handbook: Cross-Wall Analysis (Sketching) Submission of a technical handbook with 4 detailed axonometric drawings	50%	Week 07 Due date: 06 Apr 2024 at 23:00	6 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation: Building System Analysis (Digital and Physical Modeling) Face-to-Face group presentations adopting digital and physical Modeling	50%	Week 13 Due date: 23 May 2024 at 08:00 Closing date: 23 May 2024	7 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1 – Handbook: Cross-Wall Analysis (Sketching)

During the weekly tutorials, students will analyze building components, including envelope systems and structural elements, and adopted construction materials of moderately complex examples of architecture. Through the elaboration of freehand axonometric drawings, the task challenges students to effectively and comprehensively describe the internal design relationships and assembly logics of various architectural technologies. The aim of this task is to enhance students' skecthing and observational skills and to gain a deep understanding of the technical details and structural systems informing moderately complex architecture.

Detailed requirements for Assignment 1 can be found on Canvas

Assignment 2 – Presentation: Building System Analysis (Digital and Physical Modeling)

During the weekly tutorials, students will work in groups of three to select and analyze a building system informing a moderately complex example of contemporary architecture. Through the elaboration of 3D digital and physical models, the task challenges students to effectively and comprehensively describe and present the internal design relationships, assembly, and structural logics of a work of architecture. The aim of this task is to enhance students' modeling and observational skills and to gain a deep understanding of the technical details and structural systems informing moderately complex architecture. In week 13, the group will present their analysis work through static drawings, renders, and simulations.

Beyond reflecting on the important role that physical modeling plays in architectural design, communication, and collaboration in the profession, the physical modeling-based task also aims to enhance students' hands-on experience with architectural and technological assemblies, and the ability to adopt these skills to explain their work to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Detailed requirements for Assignment 2 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.

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 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Tectonic of stone and brick in complex architecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Stone and bricks in complex architecture	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Tectonic of reinforced concrete in complex architecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Reinforced concrete in complex architecture	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Tectonic of steel in complex architecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Steel in complex architecture	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Tectonic of timber in complex architecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Timber in complex architecture	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Handbook Catch-Up: Independent review of first four case-study analysis	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 06	Structural systems in architecture 1/2 Portal frames	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Handbook review	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Task 2 - Intro and techniques	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Building System: Case Study Selection	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Structural systems in architecture 2/2 - Arched Frames	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Building System: Digital Modelling	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Tectonic of glass and plastic in complex architecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Building System: Digital Modelling	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Living systems: green walls and roofs	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Building System: Physical Modelling	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	What we learned! Recap UoS content and aims	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Final Review: Analysis and Modelling of the Selected Building System	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	in-class presentation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	in-class presentation	Tutorial (3 hr)

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

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. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

New assessment tasks and deadlines

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BDES3023: Architectural Technologies 3

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect