Outline

Overview

This unit aims to equip students with the analytical and design tools essential to understand building performance. By the end of the unit, students will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of building performance at both macro and micro scales. They will be able to select and apply appropriate methodologies for measuring and predicting building performance, utilizing simulation tools for detailed analysis. Students will integrate knowledge from building physics to identify and evaluate solutions for enhancing building performance. Additionally, they will develop strong communication skills to effectively convey complex building physics concepts and simulation results with the use of both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	BPSD5030
Prohibitions ?	DESC9015
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ozgur Gocer, ozgur.gocer@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Analyzing strategies for building performance improvement Written report	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:00	10 A2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Urban microclimate and building performance assessment Written report	40%	Week 06 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:00	5 A2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: Urban microclimate and building performance assessment: This assignment aims to strengthen students’ ability to design climate-responsive residential buildings by analysing both current and projected climate conditions and applying passive design strategies. Through this task, students will explore how climate influences building performance, identify effective passive design strategies tailored to a specific climate zone, and evaluate the long-term relevance of these strategies under 2050 and 2070 climate projections. In doing so, they will develop a deeper understanding of climate adaptation and resilience in residential design and apply technical and environmental knowledge to create appropriate design responses.
Assignment 2: Analyzing strategies for building performance improvement: This assignment aims to support students in developing passive design strategies to improve thermal comfort and daylight performance in a residential project, while also critically evaluating the climate resilience and adaptability of their proposed design under future climate scenarios (e.g., 2050 and 2070 weather data) using DesignBuilder. Students are expected to interpret simulation results and discuss potential architectural adaptations for improved performance, based on passive design principles.
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.

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 an excellent 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 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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:

In accordance with the University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, 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 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	Unit Introduction, Form-givers in architecture: Introduction to Climate and Climatic Elements Climate Change (Urban heat island), Urban Design and Environmental Analysis: wind, urban pattern-related factors & material use	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Assignment 1 Developing climate design strategies with the use of EPW data and bioclimatic charts	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Form-givers in architecture: Microclimate and Its Impact on Building Design and Performance Bioclimatic design: Case Study	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Developing climate design strategies with future climate scenarios Overview of DesignBuilder	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Building envelope design: Introduction to Building Physics-heat transfer Methods for calculating heat transfer: U-values, R-values, and thermal bridging. Passive solar heating design strategies Q&A session for Assignment 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Introduction to DesignBuilder Exercise: Geometric model and creation and of sun path diagrams for an existing building for different climates and orientations, solar analysis	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Building envelope design: Passive design elements: window systems and shading devices, thermal mass, and natural ventilation.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Exercise: The effect of building construction systems (walls, roof/ceiling, etc) and glazing system performance (U-value, SHGC and VLT)	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Thermal Comfort & Visual Comfort & Occupants Behaviour	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to Assignment 2 Exercise: Shading Device Integration & Reporting simulation outcomes i.e Dry-bulb air temp/Operative temperature/Daylight analysis (UDI analysis)	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Building envelope optimization for improved performance Q & A session for Assignment 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Feedback on thermal & visual comfort analysis	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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. Refer to the School Resolutions: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/542&RendNum=0

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.

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 understanding of the fundamental principles of building performance at macro and micro scale.
LO2. Select and apply appropriate methodologies for the measurement and prediction of building performance.
LO3. Apply simulation tools to analyse the building performance of the built environment.
LO4. Integrate knowledge in the field of building physics to identify solutions for improving building performance.
LO5. Develop strong communication skills to convey complex building physics concepts and simulation results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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.

Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate your insights, and the suggested changes will be incorporated to improve the learning experience.

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)

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BPSD5040: Building Performance

Semester 2, 2025 [Block mode] - 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links