Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the study of construction within architecture, with a focus on the development of decision-making processes, project outcomes, and pathways for innovation. It addresses key topics such as construction strategies, methods and means, site organisation, on-site and off-site practices, and construction management approaches. These themes are examined within the economic, social, and political contexts of construction, both in Australia and internationally. The unit also traces the historical evolution of construction methods, identifying the key forces driving contemporary trends. Through case study analysis and research-based inquiry, students will engage with the principles of construction ecology—including construction thinking, design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA), the role of stakeholders, supply chains, and circular economy models.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MARC5000 and MARC5300 and MARC5400
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paolo Stracchi, paolo.stracchi@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
Creative work	Case-Study Analysis (Report) Case-Study Analysis (Report): This assessment investigates a specific aspect of architectural construction through a detailed analysis of a selected project.	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 11 Jun 2026 at 23:00	4000 words, plus infographics	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Mapping Review of a Selected Construction-Focused Topic. Presentation + Submission of a Mapping Review of a Selected Construction-Focused Topic.	40%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:00	1500 words, plus infographics	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Task 1: Mapping Review of a Selected Construction-Focused Topic

In this task, you will produce a mapping review of a construction-focused topic of your choice and present it as a structured Miro Board. A mapping review is a method for surveying, organising, and visualising what is already known about a topic. Rather than building a single argument, your aim is to map the field: key themes, debates, evidence types, stakeholders, and gaps—so you can define a clear and feasible direction for the Case-Study Analysis (Task 2).

You will identify and review a curated set of relevant sources (academic publications and, where appropriate, professional/industry material such as standards, technical guides, reports, or case documentation). You will then organise your findings into a coherent framework—typically by themes, building systems, processes, stakeholders, performance criteria, time periods, or methodological approaches—and visualise these patterns through a clear mapping structure (e.g., a matrix, taxonomy, timeline, or concept map).

Your Miro Board should communicate your research process and findings through a combination of short text, diagrams, and structured tables. The focus is on clarity, organisation, and the quality of your synthesis.

Task 2: Case-Study Analysis (short paper)

This assessment requires you and your team to undertake a focused case-study investigation of a selected project—or, where appropriate, a construction method or delivery approach—to examine a specific aspect of architectural construction (e.g., stakeholder networks, design-to-construction workflows, innovation, circularity, procurement, risk, or performance). Building on the Mapping Review (Task 1), you will refine your topic into a clear analytical focus, select an appropriate case study, and produce a structured, evidence-based report.

Your analysis must move beyond a general project description. It should demonstrate how construction outcomes are shaped by design intent, technical systems, procurement and delivery processes, and performance requirements over time. You are expected to support your claims with credible evidence drawn from relevant sources (e.g., drawings, specifications, technical literature, standards, published case documentation, project records, and—where feasible—interviews).

Detailed information for each assessment and case-studies can be found on Canvas

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 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.

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:

Yes - as per Uni Policy

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/ What is Architectural Construction? Scope, terms, evidence.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Group formation / Keywords selection / Mapping discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Technical Domain 1/2: Building the Sydney Opera House: from concept to formworks and cranes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Mapping discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Technical Domain 2/2: Australia Square (Sydney) and the Bibliotheca Hertziana (Rome): from concept to construction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Mapping discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Social Domain: Where construction happens—site culture, labour, safety, training, and tacit knowledge.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Mapping discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Industrial Domain: The economics of construction—supply chains, negotiations, margins, value engineering.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Mapping discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Presentations (Task 1) Studio-style reviews of the Mapping Review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Presentations (Task 1) Studio-style reviews of the Mapping Review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Organizational Domain: Actors, roles and networks (client, architect, engineer, contractor, subs, certifiers).	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Working on research.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Political Domain: procurement forms, regulations, client drivers and public interest	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Working on research.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Environmental Domain: Circularity, DFMA and lifecycle thinking.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Working on research.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Practice Lens I (Guest Lecturer)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Working on research	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Practice Lens II (Guest Lecturer)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Working on research	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Practice Lens III (Guest Lecturer)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Working on research	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Recap and Conclusions UoS	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Working on research	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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 for specific information relating to attendance and participation.

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 advantages and limitations of various construction materials, means, and methods to inform architectural design decisions.
LO2. Analyse construction strategies and site processes—including temporary works—in relation to the execution and expression of architectural intent.
LO3. Critically evaluate how historical, social, economic, and political contexts shape construction practices and influence architectural outcomes.
LO4. Identify and interpret emerging trends in construction methods to support innovative, sustainable, and purpose-driven architectural design.
LO5. Produce a detailed piece of research that includes original findings and/or critical analysis relevant to construction and architectural practice.

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.

offered for the first time

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

Task 1: Mapping Review of a Selected Construction-Focused Topic

Task 2: Case-Study Analysis (short paper)

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

MARC5050: Architectural Construction

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Task 1: Mapping Review of a Selected Construction-Focused Topic

Task 2: Case-Study Analysis (short paper)

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