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Unit of study_

MARC6000: Thesis Studio

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The Thesis Studio is a final design studio option of the Master of Architecture. A unique aspect of the Thesis Studio is the integration of a capstone design project with a research thesis. Firstly, this unit requires students to produce an original design proposition in respect to an architectural brief that integrates a specific research agenda and a critical theme pertinent to current architectural discourse. In the continued engagement with critical topics, students further specialise their areas of design and research expertise. Through thoroughly investigated, well-resolved and technically adept architectural projects, students deliver contributions to knowledge in their chosen field of investigation. Secondly, students develop an in-depth piece of research in an area of architectural study. Topics can include any aspect of architecture for which adequate supervision can be made available. Specialisation include, but are not limited to architectural design, the history or theory of architecture, architectural or building science, urban design, indigenous architecture, and architectural technology. Research methods may likewise be drawn from across the full breadth of disciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary practices in which architecture figures. The research may inform or be complementary to work being undertaken. The outcome of the research is presented for assessment in a form appropriate to the research topic (which might include, but not be limited to, a short dissertation, or a design, prototype, workflow, or art project presented with supporting text). Within the programmatic framework of the Thesis Studio, students will develop individual design propositions and research approaches that demonstrate skills in critical evaluation, independent decision-making and communication through multi-disciplinary collaboration and discussion with academics, practitioners, researchers, government and industry. Delivered by visiting national and international architects, design practitioners and researchers, this unit will provide students with a platform to demonstrate design prowess and an engagement with critical cultural discourse.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MARC6000
Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 24
Prohibitions
? 
MARC6010 or MARC6020
Prerequisites
? 
MARC5000 and MARC5010 and MARC5020 and MARC5300 and MARC5400
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Duanfang Lu, duanfang.lu@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assessment 2b. Portfolio and thesis
Portfolio and thesis. Refer to Canvas for details.
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 22:00

Closing date: 24 Jun 2024
Max. 6,000 words (including references)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Creative assessment / demonstration Assessment 1. Interim presentation
Presentation on conceptual design. Refer to Canvas for details.
30% Week 06
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 22:00

Closing date: 15 Apr 2024
8-minute presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO3 LO2 LO1 LO7
Creative assessment / demonstration Assessment 2a. Final presentation
Presentation on final project. Refer to Canvas for details.
50% Week 13
Due date: 19 May 2024 at 22:00

Closing date: 09 Jun 2024
10-minute presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO4 LO3 LO2 LO1

Assessment summary

Assessment 1. Interim Presentation (30%)

Assessment 2a. Final Presentation (50%)

Assessment 2b. Portfolio and Thesis (20%)

Assessment criteria

Grade

Description

High Distinction 85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The design proposal 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 design proposal 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. The design proposal evidences excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Pass 50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed. The design proposal evidences satisfactory, though marginal quality for the majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail
0 - 49

Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed. The design proposal does not evidence satisfactoryquality for the majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

Per uni policies.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: thesis by creative work Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Self-introduction, brief discussion and site visit Tutorial (9 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 02 Speculative architecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Framing the conceptual approach Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Metabolism and beyond Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Defining and situating the project Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Abstract writing and research methods Lecture (1 hr) LO6 LO7
Experimenting with ideas Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Architecture and health Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Thesis abstract and design development Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Thesis structure Q&A Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Interim presentation: Conceptual design Presentation (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Interim reflection Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Design development and draft thesis structure Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Thesis writing and referencing Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Design development Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 09 Tectonics and materiality Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Refining architectural vocabulary Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Architectural videos Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Design development and draft thesis Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Architectural representation Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Unlocking the potentials of architectural representation Tutorial (9 hr) LO5 LO7
Week 12 Creative synthesis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO7
Synthesising the project Tutorial (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Thesis Q&A Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Final presentation Presentation (9 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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 24 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 480-600 hours of student effort in total.

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. 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.
  • LO2. Be able to explore options for siting a project, including integrating information and analysis of relevant cultural, social and economic factors.
  • LO3. Be able to undertake site, cultural and contextual analysis as part of preliminary design research.
  • LO4. Be able to develop and evaluate design options in terms of the heritage, cultural and community values embodied in the site, and in relation to project requirements.
  • LO5. Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design.
  • LO6. Be able to generate a detailed piece of research, including original findings and/or analysis.
  • LO7. Be able to demonstrate well-developed skills and fluency in various modes of architectural expression, including writing, drawings and models, to develop and communicate convincing architectural propositions and present findings/analysis/scholarship in a manner appropriate to the conventions of design and humanities research.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives.
3. Design: Conceptual Design
3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options.
LO2
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.
National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - AACA
2.1 (PC25). Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design.
2.1 (PC29). Be able to develop and evaluate design options in terms of the heritage, cultural and community values embodied in the site, and in relation to project requirements.
2.1 (PC30). Be able to explore options for siting a project, including integrating information and analysis of relevant cultural, social and economic factors.
LO3
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content.
4.1. Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements.
4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts.
4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design
LO4
National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - AACA
2.1 (PC25). Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design.
LO5
National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - AACA
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.
LO6
National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - AACA
2.1 (PC25). Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design.
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.
LO7
National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - AACA
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.
2.1 (PC34). Be able to apply principles and methodologies for presenting conceptual design proposals and associated information to clients, stakeholders and communities, including using culturally responsive methods appropriate to different audiences.

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

This is the 4th time I have coordinated this UoS. Continual refinement of the curricula and fine-tuning of the different projects is underway.

The use of AI tools is allowed in MARC6000 as an experiment in architectural education, so long as students use them appropriately and acknowledge their use following related University policies. In any case, students should not present AI-generated contents as their own. Acknowledgements should be made following related guidelines of this unit. Refer to Canvas for details.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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