Outline

Overview

This unit will introduce students to the history of Australian architecture in its various contexts. Lectures and seminars will cover key architects, projects and building types and their relation to Australian history. Students will become familiar with a range of architectural styles and movements and their characteristics. They will undertake individual self-directed research and learn how to record and present the results of this research. Students will also acquire an appreciation of the factors that shape architectural design and thought in Australia and how these relate to wider social and cultural circumstances. Tutorials will introduce students to key books, essays and journals concerned with Australian architecture. On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: demonstrate a familiarity with a range of Australian architects, buildings and types; research, record and present a specific project in Sydney; connect specific works to other works of a similar style, period or cultural context. This will be assessed in the submitted essay.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DESA2305
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Daniel Ryan, daniel.ryan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Daniel Ryan, daniel.ryan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Making Sense of it All Essay	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2025	2500 words essay
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks Closing date: 30 Jun 2025	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early feedback task Multiple choice quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2025 at 13:59 Closing date: 13 Mar 2025	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Archives, Articles and Records (process submission) Portfolio	15%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2025	Dossier documenting research activity.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Investigating a Site Portfolio	20%	Week 07 Due date: 10 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2025	Dossier documenting research activity
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Course assessment will build up over a series of formative assessments that track and test weekly exercises in archival and bibliographic research, with a focus on engagement with online resources. Assessment items focus on the discovery and analysis of primary and published documents.

The > School of Architecture, Design and Planning's resolutions, clause 8.3, states that "A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study". If you fail to comply with the School resolutions, you will FAIL this unit.

Attendance and participation will be recorded during tutorials by your tutor.

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) 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:

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 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	Course Introduction. Lecture: Changing approaches to the history of Australian Architecture.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to assignments, strategy—how to find what you need. Discussion of course reading	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Site visit: Hyde Park Barracks	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 02	Searching for Images, tracing movements.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Country Towns, Macquarie, and the Frontier Wars (1820-1840) Asking historical questions and analysing images	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Early feedback task. Discussion on image analysis and citation practices.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Contact, tradition and Indigenous Architecture Convicts and the virtuous prison	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Discussion on reading and assignment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Imperial Gothic The Myth of the Bush	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Victorian Gothic at University of Sydney	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Architecture in Northern Australia 1900-1950	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Evaluation of reading. Assignment discussion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	City in a Garden - Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra Arts and Crafts: Three Biographical Sketches	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Discussion of reading. Working with arguments	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	The Modern House in Australia Housing Design competitions during the inter-war period	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Discussion of reading and assignment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Cold War Modern	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Discussion of reading and assignment progress	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Building Cultural Institutions - the Opera House and the Black Theatre	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Discussion of reading	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	The 60's and 70's. Tropicalising Prefab	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Discussion of reading and assignment progress	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Identity Crisis (1960–1980) Public Architecture.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Discussion of reading and assignment progress	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Sustainability and Australian Architecture in the 1990s and 2000s; Australia and the World—Course conclusion.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Essay Clinic	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption.

Participation in this course will be evidenced in submissions for the formative assessments.

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

All readings, both prescribed and recommended for extension, are from books and journals held in the University of Sydney’s online collection, or accessible through public repositories. Students will require USyd credentials to access these resources. Required and extension readings will be advised on Canvas.

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 knowledge of a selected range of social, cultural, technological and political factors that have shaped Australian architecture
LO2. conduct research in the holdings of the city’s collections, archives and libraries
LO3. demonstrate critical analysis and the ability to examine works of architecture in their context, reflect on their connections with works, movements and ideas of various kinds
LO4. express your own views on the work of others and explain how your views are informed by, and extend, the literature on the history of Australian architecture and cognate fields
LO5. demonstrate an ability to think abstractly, conceptually and critically about architecture both contemporary and historical
LO6. convey a coherent argument in visual and written form.

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.

Course was reviewed very positively last year and we have kept the structure largely the same. Added attendance and early feedback tasks as per policy. Have reorganised lectures for better flow and added more lectures that foreground First Nations history of Australian Architecture.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

There will be one site visit off campus. Advice and instructions will be posted on Canvas concerning expectations, requirements and safety considerations, all consistent with School policies.

Work, health and safety

This course is taught on campus. When accessing physical resources in the University or visiting the campus, please refer to published University advice.

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

Early feedback task

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DAAE2001: Australian Architecture

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links