Outline

Overview

The Interactive Informed Environments unit introduces students to the world of responsive design systems, operating within a continuum of Extended Realities (XR). We start our exploration with digitally simulated environments and progress towards virtual and augmented realities. Students will learn how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and how to implement computational design prototyping together with a real-time development engine. Students will explore practical applications for creating responsive fully-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environments in extreme climates and weather conditions. An open studio brief will allow for autonomy in decision-making, fostering critical thinking and teamwork. Students will use iterative prototyping to develop and test their design concepts, drawing upon the vast capabilities of computational technologies. The unit develops an understanding and skills in applying AI logic and the use of interactive design systems in architecture and design. At the conclusion of this unit, students should be equipped to use iterative prototyping, produce interactive simulations, create immersive XR environments and use AI in a meaningful and efficient way.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anastasia Globa, anastasia.globa@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
Creative work	Extreme Environments Canvas submission	30%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2026 at 23:00	20-page PDF, Poster, Video 2 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Habitation in the Extreme Presentation and Canvas Submission. Booklet, Video, and Poster	30%	Week 09 Due date: 08 Oct 2026 at 23:00	Presentation & Q&A,	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Interactive Immersive Environment Presentation, Q&A and Canvas Submission, Unity Game, Video, Poster, Booklet	40%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 23:00	Presentation, Q&A	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance and Participation 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.	0%	Weekly	Weekly Attendance and Participation	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Extreme Environments: Working individually, students will produce a series of conceptual scenes for a chosen extreme environment using AI to inform their design process. Students will be required to define the design brief for the proposed habitation within this extreme environment.
Habitation in the Extreme: Students will work in teams of three to develop a novel creative design concept based on their individual work. Students will need to demonstrate the development of their interactive proposed spaces placed in the context of their chosen extreme environment.
Interactive Immersive Environment: Students will continue to work within their team further developing their designs and placing them into a gaming engine – Unity3D to enable interactions and immersive experiences. Students will test their proposals through a series of VR/AR prototypes. Students will present their work to the class in the form of a video presentation outputted from Unity.

Detailed information for each assessment 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 of a very high standard, a credit of a good standard, and a pass of 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 the 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 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	[Task 1.1] Introduction to the unit. Generative AI systems for design and architecture.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	[Task 1.2] AI Continued. Application of AI for creating extreme weather/conditions environments. Translating 2D into 3D spaces and objects.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	[Task 1.3] Development of the design brief. Conceptual collaborative design. Interactive systems and forces.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	[Task 1.4] Assessment 1 (30%) Due. Introducing Assessment 2	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	[Task 2.1] Unity Basics. Progress review session.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	[Task 2.2 Review of assessment 1 submissions. Unity continued. Rhino and Unity Crossover.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	[Task 2.3] Unity lighting and textures. Progress review.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	[Task 2.4] Assignment 2 Submission due. Presentation	Assessment (3 hr)
Week 09	[Task 3.1] Particle Systems and Animations.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	[Task 3.2] Interactions in XR. User Interfaces.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	[Task 3.3] Immersive environments & Group Feedback	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	[Task 3.4] Preparation for Submission of Assignment 3.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	[Task 3.5] Assignment 3 Final Presentation. Submission is due.	Assessment (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

In this course, students will be learning how to use AI systems and the Unity3D gaming engine. The course material delivered in class will be supplemented by recorded tutorials. Attendance of all lectures and tutorials is compulsory.

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

Virtual Aesthetics in Architecture: Designing in Mixed Realities by Sara Eloy (Editor), Anette Kreutzberg (Editor), Ioanna Symeonidou (Editor)
Virtual Architecture by Giuliano Zampi, Conway Lloyd Morgan
Virtual and Augmented Reality for Architecture and Design by Elis?ngela Vilar (Editor), Ernesto Filgueiras (Editor), Francisco Rebelo (Editor)
Collaborative Design in Virtual Environments by Xiangyu Wang (Editor), Jerry Jen-Hung Tsai (Editor)
Mixed Reality in Architecture, Design, and Construction by Xiangyu Wang (Editor), Marc Aurel Schnabel (Editor)

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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Exercise critical thinking in order to systematically and holistically research a pre-existing or constructed ecosystem
LO2. Demonstrate understanding and competency in using Artificial intelligence (AI) systems applied in the field of architecture to inform the conceptual design process
LO3. Utilise an understanding of creating responsive/interactive environments through Unity 3D and associated software literacy
LO4. Utilise lighting, texturing and post-processing techniques to successfully create engaging, creatively carefully crafted visualisations.
LO5. Integrate and apply knowledge gained about immersive XR environments to enable creative and innovative solutions and experiences
LO6. Utilise 3d modelling, AI systems and gaming engine assets to create engaging experiences

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief. National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2.1 (PC18). Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of three dimensional form and spatial quality.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2.1 (PC18). Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of three dimensional form and spatial quality.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2.1 (PC18). Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of three dimensional form and spatial quality.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit

Additional information

Students will be provided with VR and AR headsets.

Additional costs

Additional costs will be incurred for the printing of presentation materials.

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

N/A

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

Alignment with Competency standards

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

MARC5210: Interactive Informed Environments

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

Alignment with Competency standards

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