Outline

Overview

The unit provides a comprehensive overview of building technologies with respect to complex building design and construction, with a focus on the Australian climatic and regulatory context. Students will gain the ability to integrate architectural design concepts with technological aspects such as structural design, building performance, material and components design, construction process, building maintenance and durability, end-of-life. The unit explores architecture and the integration of structural, construction, environmental and services systems within the design development process. It aims to give students the ability to understand how structural and constructional technologies and systems are conceptualised, developed and integrated within the technical design of architecture. The unit also aims to provide a basis for the development of specialised technical skills. This unit reviews a series of seminal architectural approaches and explores the technological approaches associated with realising such buildings, it explores the nature of both the building fabric and, the environmental and management systems which enable a building to function optimally in a complex and dynamic urban environment. Students are expected to develop the ability to research structural, environmental and construction systems within different frameworks of aesthetic and conceptual intent and to evaluate systems based on clearly articulated criteria. Knowledge required for the selection of strategies, systems, and the integration of the systems, within a variety of design situations, is assessed through case-study analysis, in-class test and a design-based exercise.

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	Arianna Brambilla, arianna.brambilla@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 5 June 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Self check-in quiz in class quiz	0%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	EFT take home quiz	5%	Week 02 Due date: 04 Jun 2026 at 18:00 Closing date: 05 Jun 2026	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Envelope performance Application of theory and principles through technological design	35%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 19 Jun 2026	A4 report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Evidenced-based optimisation Application of theory and principles through schematic design	60%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Jun 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 26 Jun 2026	A3 report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

You will gain the ability to integrate architectural design concepts with technological aspects such as building performance, material and durability, end-of-life. It aims to give you the ability to understand how building science and performance are conceptualised, developed and integrated within the technical design of architecture.

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.

Assessment criteria

Grade	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 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:

As indicated in Canvas

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	Building physics: energy flows Life Cycle Assessment & embodied carbon	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 02	Assessment 1	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Indoor envrionmental quality	Lecture (3 hr)
	IEQ	Tutorial (5 hr)
	Technical design	Lecture (3 hr)
	Define the baseline	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	Improvement strategies	Tutorial (8 hr)
Week 04	Assignment 2 review	Tutorial (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Detailed information can be found on Canvas.

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

Detailed information can be found on Canvas. Additional readings and learning materials will be made available 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.

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

LO1. Appraise the impacts of material, component and system selection on the whole life carbon performance
LO2. Understand the principles of performative design approaches and their impacts on the design process
LO3. Identify and analyse relevant legislation, codes and industry standards
LO4. Draw on knowledge from different disciplines to apply a performative design approach
LO5. Evaluate and integrate knowledge and information on technological and environmental systems over the lifecycle of a project into the early stages of design
LO6. Justify and appropriately communicate design choices and their whole-life performance implications

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 (2021) - 1.2 (PC10). Understand the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems. 2.1 (PC35). Understand the operational and embodied carbon implications of chosen materials, components and systems. 3.1 (PC39). Understand how the integration of material selection, structural and construction systems impacts on design outcomes. 3.1 (PC45). Understand processes for selecting materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, based on consideration of quality and performance standards, the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1.2 (PC10). Understand the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems. 2.1 (PC35). Understand the operational and embodied carbon implications of chosen materials, components and systems. 3.1 (PC39). Understand how the integration of material selection, structural and construction systems impacts on design outcomes. 3.1 (PC45). Understand processes for selecting materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, based on consideration of quality and performance standards, the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 1.2 (PC10). Understand the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems. 2.1 (PC35). Understand the operational and embodied carbon implications of chosen materials, components and systems. 3.1 (PC39). Understand how the integration of material selection, structural and construction systems impacts on design outcomes. 3.1 (PC45). Understand processes for selecting materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, based on consideration of quality and performance standards, the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2.1 (PC28). Be able to draw on knowledge from building sciences and technology, environmental sciences and behavioural and social sciences as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design to optimise the performance of the project.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2.1 (PC31). Be able to identify, analyse and integrate information relevant to environmental sustainability – such as energy and water consumption, resources depletion, waste, embodied carbon and carbon emissions – over the lifecycle of a project. 2.1 (PC33). Be able to investigate, coordinate and integrate sustainable environmental systems – including water, thermal, lighting and acoustics – into the conceptual design.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 3.1 (PC47). Be able to complete and communicate on-time, accurate documents for relevant stakeholders, including drawings, models, specifications, schedules and construction documentation.

National Standard of Competency for Architects -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2.3		Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost.
3.4		Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards.
3.6		Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options.
3.7		Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief.
4.5		Investigation and integration of appropriate structural, construction, service and transport systems in the project design.
4.6		Investigation and integration of appropriate material selection for the project design.
4.7		Coordination and integration of appropriate environmental systems, including for thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics.
5.3		Evaluation and integration of regulatory requirements.
5.5		Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties.
6.4		Timely completion and communication of accurate and comprehensible documents that will include, as required, drawings, models, specifications, schedules and other relevant modes of information.

Responding to student feedback

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

The unit incorporated changes to respond to students' feedback: 1) change timetable to distribute the lectures during the semester 2) additional resources available for each module 3) additional formal check-in for the final assignment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MARC5300: Foundation of Building Performance

Intensive May - June, 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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links