Outline

Overview

This unit explores social sustainability principles and their application to create better built environments. Students will learn how architecture, planning, and design practices can incorporate social considerations alongside environmental and economic factors. The course covers essential frameworks including Social Value International principles, OECD wellbeing measures, and relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students will develop practical skills in stakeholder engagement, participatory design, and social impact assessment—tools increasingly demanded by industry and communities. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will learn to identify, measure, and communicate social outcomes in built environment contexts. The unit emphasizes how built environment professionals can address contemporary challenges like social equity, community resilience, and inclusive design. By completion, students will be able to apply social sustainability principles to their professional practice, evaluate methodologies for measuring social impact, and develop strategies for integrating social value into design and planning processes. This unit serves students across multiple disciplines including building performance, architecture, urban planning, and design programs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BPSD5010
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Deepti Prasad, deepti.prasad@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Small test 90-minute in-class paper-based test, a combination of 20 multiple-choice and 3-5 short-answer questions based on the content taught on Days 1 and 2.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 14:00	90 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation Presentation	20%	Week 12 Due date: 21 May 2026 at 09:00	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Social Sustainability Design Intervention Report and Technical Appendix Social Sustainability Design Intervention Report and Technical Appendix	50%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 23:59	10 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Small test (On-campus supervised): 90-minute in-class paper-based test, a combination of 20 multiple choice and 3-5 short answer questions based on the content taught on Days 1 and 2.

(AI usage: AI cannot be used during the in‑class supervised test, but it may be used beforehand and after the test as a study aid to review concepts, clarify ideas, or generate practice questions.)

Presentation: Develop a social sustainability design approach for a conceptual built environment project. Teams will identify key social values and stakeholders, propose community engagement strategies, and show how social sustainability can be integrated, delivered, and evaluated across the project lifecycle.

(AI usage: AI may be used to support background research, brainstorming, drafting slides, and refining the content, provided all AI‑assisted contributions are acknowledged and the final content reflects the team’s own analysis and decisions.)

Social Sustainability Design Intervention Report and Technical Appendix: Present a Social Sustainability Design Intervention as an executive-style report outlining key findings, analysis, and recommendations for a conceptual built environment project. This is accompanied by a Technical Appendix detailing the data sources, assessment methods, stakeholder analysis, and evaluation tools used to inform and support the proposed social sustainability approach.

(AI usage: AI can assist with drafting sections/structure, organising data, and improving clarity, as long as sources are verified, AI use is transparently disclosed, and all analytical judgments, evaluations, and recommendations are the students’ own.)

Authorised AI Tool Usage: Only University-endorsed AI tools are permitted for use in assessments to maintain standardisation and trust.

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 reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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 /orexceptional 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	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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 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 02	Lecture 1: Introduction to Social Sustainability in the Built Environment; Lecture 2: Theoretical Frameworks for Social Value; Lecture 3: Project Lifecycle and Social Sustainability Integration - Overview	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Workshop/Tutorial 1: Mapping Social Sustainability in the Built Environment; Workshop/Tutorial 2: Applying Theoretical Frameworks;	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 4: Participatory Design and Co-creation;	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Workshop/Tutorial 3: Mapping Social Sustainability and Stakeholders Across the Project Lifecycle; Workshop/Tutorial 4: Participatory Design Techniques	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 06	Lecture 5: Data, Reporting, and Communication Across the Lifecycle;	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop/Tutorial 5: Comprehensive Reporting and Communication	Workshop (2 hr)
	In-Class Test	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 08	Lecture 6: Pre-conceptualisation and Strategic Planning; Lecture 7: Detailed Design and Planning Approvals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Workshop/Tutorial 6: Developing Pre-project Social and Planning Assessments	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	Lecture 8: Delivering Social Sustainability Through Construction and Implementation; Lecture 9: Operation, Management and Post-Occupancy Evaluation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Workshop/Tutorial 7: Construction Phase Social Sustainability Planning and Implementation and Post-Occupancy Social Sustainability Evaluation Design	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Lecture 10: Adaptation, Renewal and Decommissioning;	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop/Tutorial 8: Adaptive Reuse and Decommissioning Plans	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Group Presentations	Assessment (2 hr)

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

Students must attend 90% of this unit's timetabled activities to satisfy attendance requirements, or risk failing the unit. Late arrival or early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who are unable to attend class due to illness or misadventure must provide reasonable evidence to support their absence to be considered for an exemption from the attendance threshold. In this case, students may be offered the opportunity to complete an alternative assessment to meet the pass requirement for the unit. Students are expected to be actively engaged in their learning during class. This includes coming to class prepared (e.g. completed readings etc) and making respectful and appropriate contributions to class discussions. Students should refer to the School of Architecture, Design and Planning resolutions (https://policyregister.sydney.edu.au/doctract/documentportal/08DE2219FEF9F9588045F2E46B9ACB35) for specific information relating to attendance and participation.

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 analyse theories of social value and sustainability in relation to the built environment
LO2. Apply stakeholder engagement principles and approaches to identify material social outcomes in built environment context
LO3. Evaluate, design and implement methodologies for measuring, assessing, and reporting social impact in built environment projects
LO4. Create integrated design interventions that address multiple sustainability goals and social value considerations
LO5. Communicate social sustainability principles effectively to diverse professional and community 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.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BPSD6010: Social Sustainability in the Built Environment

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links