BDES1026: Semester 1, 2025

Overview

This course aims at providing students with the conceptual and technical skills required to creatively explore dynamic transactions between artistic processes, place and architecture. Throughout the semester, students will extend their ability to work with complex ideas while drawing on interdisciplinary practices related to structure, form and site. This course provides a space for architecture students to establish parameters and territories for exploration beyond the concerns of conventional architectural projects. From generative form making to performative action, this course has an emphasis on making with material exploration. Essential design sensitivities and skills will be developed through different modes of working including lectures, tutorials, presentations and writing as well as the physical engagement with new materials and building processes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	BDES1011
Prohibitions ?	DESA1001 or BDES1010 or BDES1024
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	DEBORAH Barnstone, deborah.barnstone@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	DEBORAH Barnstone, deborah.barnstone@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Peter Fisher, peter.fisher@sydney.edu.au
	Carmelo Nastasi, carmelo.nastasi@sydney.edu.au
	Emma O'Brien, emma.o'brien@sydney.edu.au
	Miriam Osburn, miriam.osburn@sydney.edu.au
	Tara Sydney, tara.sydney@sydney.edu.au
	Sophia Di Giandomenico, sophia.digiandomenico@sydney.edu.au
	Jason Dibbs, jason.dibbs@sydney.edu.au
	Thomas Stromberg, thomas.stromberg@sydney.edu.au
	Isabel Gabaldon, isabel.gabaldon@sydney.edu.au
	Nicholas Mielczarek, nicholas.mielczarek@sydney.edu.au
	Mano Ponnambalam, mano.ponnambalam@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task in class #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2025 at 17:00	60 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Week 4 - Composition with Lines Panels, Iterative Models, Presentation Model, Journal, Statement	25%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2025 at 17:00	Presentation by student then feedback
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	WEEK 8 - Composition with Planes Panels, Presentation Model, Iterative Models, Statement, Collage, Journal	35%	Week 09 Due date: 14 Apr 2025 at 17:00	Presentation by student then feedback
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	WEEK 13 - Composition with Lines and Planes Panels, Presentation Models, Iterative Models, Drawings, Collage, Statement	40%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 17:00	Presentation by student then feedback
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = restricted AI ? = 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

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

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 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.

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 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	The World of Lines, Space In-Between	Studio (5 hr)
Week 02	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Dimensional Translations, Linear Recursions	Studio (5 hr)
Week 03	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
	Early Feedback Task	Studio (1 hr)
	Assemblage + Production	Studio (4 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 - Student presentations - A3 Panels, Iterative Models, Presentation Model, Drawings, Statement, Journal	Presentation (7 hr)
Week 05	Pre-recorded Lecture on Canvas	Lecture (2 hr)
	Walking Tour/Field Work	Field trip (3 hr)
	Sky Country/Celestial Cartographies	Studio (5 hr)
Week 06	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Atmospheres, Observation Places	Studio (5 hr)
Week 07	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Planar Recursions, Assemblage + Production	Studio (5 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 - Student Presentation -- A3 Panels, Iterative Models, Presentation Model, Drawings, Collage, Statement, Journal	Presentation (7 hr)
Week 09	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Form + Volume, Program + Parti	Studio (5 hr)
Week 10	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
	Zoning, Choreography	Studio (5 hr)
	Student-led visit to Sydney Modern/the AGNSW	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 11	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Bone, Skin	Studio (5 hr)
Week 12	Lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Assemblage, Production	Studio (5 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 - Student Presentations - Panels, Iterative Models, Presentation Model, Collage, Drawings, Statement, Journal	Presentation (7 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please follow the UNIT GUIDE and University Policies

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

It is very important that you read broadly to develop your own ideas about architectural design and art practice and that you become conversant in the theories and principles that are being explored in the studio.

A general reading list will be providied in the UNIT GUIDE 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. experiment and identify with techniques and materials in order to formulate ideas within selected mediums, emphasising interdisciplinary process, sensory interactions, and critical contextualisation
LO2. learn the fundamental elements of architectural design; learn how to combine these elements to make space and form; begin to learn design processes; develop an understanding or required processes, techniques and materials; theoretical, social and/or historic engagement
LO3. use a range of secondary and primary research sources in order to enrich and articulate ideas in both written and verbal presentations
LO4. exercise critical judgment and realistic self-evaluation through class discussions, presentations and the use of process journals
LO5. demonstrate awareness of broader ideas in diverse field of contemporary art/design practices informing students own creative works.

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.

This unit has further developed to include alternative exploratory materials testing and a greater emphases on local socio-cultural understanding. It is also now organised to emphasise foundational knowledge for architectural design in order to prepare students for future success.

Additional information

Please refer to UNIT GUIDE and Week by Week Handouts on: CANVAS > Modules.

Additional costs

MATERIALS + TOOLS SUPPLIED at cost > Refer to UNIT GUIDE for amount and payment options: A4 sketchbook Bamboo Skewers (approx. 30 per student) Grease Proof Paper roll (or Tracing Paper) A4 Cutting Mat Model making blade UHU glue stick 12mm Masking Tape Flying Kite Line String w/ Winder Handle (or light weight string) Bamboo Dowel (or similar) Metal Ruler Scale Ruler Polypropylene for plaster mould making Plaster Packing tape

Site visit guidelines

Site visits will be in tutorial groups

Work, health and safety

Please follow the Week by Week Handouts with specific WHS requirements

Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 28 Feb 2025.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

BDES1026: Architecture Studio 1A

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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