Outline

Overview

Architecture Studio 3A is oriented towards the technical dimensions of architecture, whilst remaining attentive to the deeper cultural and historical context in which such technical knowledge, particularly in regards to structures and sustainability, has arisen and is currently situated. It imparts knowledge and skills that will stimulate compelling architectural projects that are conceptually rigorous, structurally innovating and technically adept. Structural knowledge is developed through a suite of lectures and accompanying practical exercises, and is assessed through technical reports and a final examination. They are required to integrate multiple criteria, including thematic, conceptual, programmatic and technical concerns into a persuasive architectural proposition.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	(BDES2027 or BDES2020 or BDES2624) and (BDES2013 or BDES2613)
Corequisites ?	BDES3011 or MATH2061
Prohibitions ?	BDES3010 or DESA3001 or BDES3023 or BDES3616
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Eduardo De Oliveira Barata, eduardo.barata@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Eduardo De Oliveira Barata, eduardo.barata@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Richard Hough, richard.hough@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	1A, 1B, 1C Presentation of 1A,1B and 1C. Report inc. & submit to Canvas	20%	Week 04 Due date: 19 Mar 2025 at 09:00	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	2 Schematic Design Presentation, Physical Model & Drawings	25%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	3 Detailed Design Presentation Presentation, Physical Model & Drawings	55%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

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 1A,B,C&D

1A - Site Visit to Precedent Building and Analysis

1B - Proposal for Alternative Structure

1C - Structural Model: Make a model that represents the alternative structure you from 1B, Testing and Reporting

Assessment 2

Schematic Design Interim Presentation

Assessment 3

Detailed Design Presentation

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 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, 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.

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 & outline of semester. Group allocation Architecture & Structure Introduction (EB) / The Language of Structures (RH)	Lecture (1.5 hr)
	Introduction. Discuss the project, select and review precedent examples. Site visit	Studio (5 hr)
	Visit and walk around site next the carriage works clothing store.	Field trip (1 hr)
Week 02	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
	Preliminary design strategies. Review draft precedent information & sheet layouts	Studio (5 hr)
	Students to visit a basketball facility outlined in a list in our brief.	Field trip (1 hr)
Week 03	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Preliminary design strategies. Review draft precedent information & sheet layouts. Draft review of structural model approach	Studio (5 hr)
Week 04	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	SUBMISSION 1A &1B Precedents & discussion within groups. Review design approach and structural ideas. SUBMISSION 1C Carry out load test on structural model & report	Studio (5 hr)
Week 05	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Schematic Design Development	Studio (5 hr)
Week 06	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Schematic Design Development	Studio (5 hr)
Week 07	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Schematic Design Development	Studio (5 hr)
Week 08	SUBMISSION 2 JURY Present Schematic Design	Studio (5 hr)
Week 09	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.2 hr)
Week 09	Review changes made in response to Jury feedback. Design Development	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Design Development	Studio (5 hr)
Week 11	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.2 hr)
Week 11	Design Development	Studio (5 hr)
Week 12	Architecture Lecture / Structural Lecture	Lecture (1.2 hr)
Week 12	Design Development	Studio (5 hr)
Week 13	SUBMISSION 3 JURY Present Detail Design	Studio (5 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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 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.

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

LO1. identify and design appropriately for a full range of site factors including slope, orientation, outlook, context, and both micro- and macro-climate
LO2. employ appropriate circulation and activity spaces to achieve functional planning
LO3. design and integrate an appropriate structural layout and construction system
LO4. understand and employ the fundamental principles of ventilation, solar design, natural lighting and the performance of building materials and elements for passive comfort
LO5. integrate construction, structural and environmental design principles to produce an environmentally sustainable design exhibiting firmness, commodity and delight.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1. Design: Project briefing 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues. 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 4.1. Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements. 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design 4.6. Investigation and integration of appropriate material selection for the project design.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships. 4.5. Investigation and integration of appropriate structural, construction, service and transport systems in the project design. 4.6. Investigation and integration of appropriate material selection for the project design.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.7. Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief. 4.7. Coordination and integration of appropriate environmental systems, including for thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics. 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. 6.5. Nomination of quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings components and systems.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design 5.2. Resolution of project design addressing all building occupancy and functional aspects including spatial requirements and relationships and circulation aspects. 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties.

Responding to student feedback

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

Unit was adapted from feedback and consultation with tutors from 2024

Additional information

Canvas:

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

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BDES3026: Architecture Studio 3A

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links