Outline

Overview

As the culminating design studio for the degree, Architecture Studio 3B offers students the opportunity to develop and articulate their architectural positions within their projects. Building on the themes explored in Architecture Studio 3A, this studio advances students’ understanding of design with a focus on programmatic ambition and the proposal of a significant public building. Proposals are developed in response to place, including the spatial, environmental, historical and cultural dimensions of their context. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary public building, its civic role and its capacity to serve the public realm, supported by culturally competent and ethical design thinking that anticipates the intended and unintended consequences of design decisions and considers underrepresented perspectives. Architectural representation is used as a means of generating, testing, and conceptually clarifying design opportunities, supporting the development of design propositions from concept through to resolution and fostering advanced communication skills to effectively convey architectural ideas. Students are also encouraged to integrate structural, technical, and material considerations coherently into their designs. The ultimate goal is for students to produce conceptually challenging, integrated, and compelling pre-professional architectural design projects that address a variety of spatial contexts, engage critically with key contemporary themes in architectural practice and demonstrate a high level of design sophistication.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	BDES3026 or BDES3010 or DESA3001 or BDES3616
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BDES3020 or DESA3002 or BDES3012
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tara Sydney, tara.sydney@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Design Book Portfolio	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:59	Portfolio	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance (tutorials) Participation attendance (tutorial/studio)	0%	Multiple weeks	10 (out of 11) x 5 hour	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Early Feedback Task The EFT brings together the work developed during the first three weeks. The focus is on understanding where your project currently sits, what is working well, and what requires further testing or clarification before your Phase 1 Presentation.	0%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2026 at 09:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Phase 1 Design Presentation Submission of architectural drawings and models, plus verbal presentation.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 07 Sep 2026 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Phase 2 Design Presentation Submission of architectural drawings and models, plus verbal presentation.	30%	Week 12 Due date: 26 Oct 2026 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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

Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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 (2 hr)
	Introduction	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Introduction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Unpacking the brief	Lecture (2 hr)
	Unpacking the brief	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Unpacking the brief	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Entanglements	Lecture (2 hr)
	Entanglements	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Entanglements	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Compositions	Lecture (2 hr)
	Compositions	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Compositions	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Threshold and transition	Lecture (2 hr)
	Threshold and transition	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Threshold and transition	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Assessment 1: Phase 1 Design Presentation	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assessment 1: Phase 1 Design Presentation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Assessment 1: Phase 1 Design Presentation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Edges and interface	Lecture (2 hr)
	Edges and interface	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Edges and interface	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Structure and Construction	Lecture (2 hr)
	Structure and Construction	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Structure and Construction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	The fragment and the whole	Lecture (2 hr)
	The fragment and the whole	Tutorial (2 hr)
	The fragment and the whole	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Dress rehearsal	Lecture (2 hr)
	Dress rehearsal	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Dress rehearsal	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Reflection and production	Lecture (2 hr)
	Reflection and production	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Reflection and production	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Assessment 2: Phase 2 Design Presentation	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assessment 2: Phase 2 Design Presentation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Assessment 2: Phase 2 Design Presentation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Composing a Book	Lecture (2 hr)
	Composing a Book	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Composing a Book	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Per University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and
Planning Resolutions: Coursework Awards - Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption. The Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean (Education) or relevant Unit Coordinator may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

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 prescribed readings for this Unit of Study are available on the Canvas site, and a list of recommended readings is also provided there.

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. Critically interpret an architectural brief for a medium-scale public building, identifying requirements, opportunities and constraints in relation to civic role, place and cultural context.
LO2. Evaluate multiple written, graphic and spatial sources in order to filter and synthesise information for design decision-making and the formation of an architectural position.
LO3. Demonstrate ethical and cultural competence in design by making informed design decisions that account for intended and unintended consequences and the perspectives of diverse and underrepresented stakeholders.
LO4. Devise an imaginative and credible architectural proposal through a clear conceptual and spatial strategy, informed by critique and iterative development.
LO5. Integrate structural, technical, material and environmental considerations coherently into an architectural design proposal.
LO6. Employ appropriate conventions of architectural representation, including drawing, model making, and oral and written modes of communication, to test, develop and convey design ideas.

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.

Studio 3B has been fine-tuned in response to feedback from the previous cohort, with a more focused brief and weekly activities adjusted to more directly support design development. These refinements aim to help students connect conceptual inquiry with spatial, technical and representational resolution, while continuing to support pre-professional preparation through an ambitious capstone project.

Additional information

Additional costs

There will be printing and model making costs associated with this unit of study.

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

There are no specific work, health and safety requirements for this unit of study.

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

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BDES3027: Architecture Studio 3B

Semester 2, 2026 [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)

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

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links