BDES3023: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

BDES3023: Architectural Technologies 3

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Architectural Technologies 3 develops in students an advanced understanding of moderately complex building systems. It addresses the technical design of buildings in their entirety and in their details, through the three interrelated perspectives of environment, structures and construction. As in Architectural Technologies 1 and 2, primary emphasis is placed on developing an understanding that appropriate formal architectural solutions can be the outcome of technological considerations and that, reciprocally, technical solutions can not only support but inform conceptual ambitions. A major project-based assignment, a case study analysis, individual technical drawings and a final examination are used as the vehicles for students to demonstrate the knowledge that they have gained in analysing and synthesising the various considerations that are to be addressed in the design of a building system that appropriately responds to, and integrates, the three key technical considerations of environment, structures and construction.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(BDES2013 or BADP2004) or BDES2613
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BDES3603
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Paolo Stracchi, paolo.stracchi@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Task 3: Exhibition component (A Globe in a Box (20%)
The final assignment includes submitting a 20-page A4 document summarizing your design proposal for the final exhibition. During Week 15, each team will install their project as part of an exhibition, title A Globe in a Box, in the Wilko Heart.
20% Please select a valid week from the list below
Due date: 12 Jun 2025 at 10:00
3 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Task 1: Preliminary Design Presentations (30%)
For the presentation of their preliminary design, students are required to prepare 2–3 portrait-oriented A1 boards that include sketches, renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, and other visual tools to effectively communicate their proposal.
30% Week 06
Due date: 03 Apr 2025 at 23:00
6 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Task 2: Final Design Presentations (50%)
For the presentation of their final design, students are required to prepare 2–3 portrait-oriented A1 boards with sketches, renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, and other tools to effectively communicate their design proposal.
50% Week 12
Due date: 22 May 2025 at 23:00
5 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO6 LO8 LO1 LO3 LO5 LO7 LO9
Attendance hurdle task AI Allowed Attendance
Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.
0% Weekly Duration of class
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

TASK1: Delivery for Preliminary Design (30%)

For the presentation of their preliminary design, students are required to prepare 2–3 portrait-oriented A1 boards that include sketches, renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, and other visual tools to effectively communicate their proposal.

Detailed requirements for Assignment 1 can be found on Canvas

TASK2: Delivery for Final Design (50%)

For the presentation of their final design, students are required to prepare 2–3 portrait-oriented A1 boards with sketches, renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, and other tools to effectively communicate their design proposal.

Detailed requirements for Assignment 2 can be found on Canvas

TASK3: Exhibition component (A Globe in a Box) (20%)

The final assignment includes submitting a 20-page A4 document summarizing your design proposal for the final exhibition. During Week 15, each team will install their project as part of an exhibition, title A Globe in a Box, in the Wilko Heart.

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. 
 

Detailed requirements for Assignment 2 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 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.

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 Unit introduction. Structural Design: Designing with Portal Frame Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Students are required to gather and discuss ideas on shapes, materials, and details through the analysis of case studies. A minimum of three relevant case studies must be identified, analyzed and presented for task 1. Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 02 Structural Design: Designing with Cables Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Develop the conceptual design through diagrams, sketches, and preliminary/study models Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 03 Structural Design: Structures: Designing with Arches Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Verify the conceptual design through plans, sections and elevations Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Structural Design: Structures: Designing with Rings and Torous Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Renzo Piano / Details & Materials Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Verify the conceptual design through plans, sections and elevations and 1:50 model Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 06 M Pavilions - Design & Build Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Presentations Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 07 Enric Miralles / Structural Eclecticism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design/Modelling Tutorial (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 08 Santiago Calatrava / Form & Structure Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Design/Modelling Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 09 Integrated Design Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design/Modelling Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Integrated Design Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design/Modelling Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 11 Integrated Design Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Design/Modelling Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 12 Presentations Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Presentations Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 13 What We Learnt Lecture (1 hr)  
Exhibit installation Tutorial (3 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

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

Attendance 90% required

 

 

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

It is expected that you conduct your own research in terms of experimentation including the sourcing of appropriate materials, as well as undertaking library visits to gather data to substantiate your knowledge, design concepts and strategies.

These are suggestions only – students are expected to conduct their own research.

Modern Construction Handbook.  Andrew Watts, 2016.

·Construction Materials Manual. Hegger Manfred, 2006.

·Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures. Edward Allen, 2009.

·The Structural Basis of Architecture. Sandaker Bjorn, 2011.

·Why Buildings Stand Up, Mario Salvadori, 1981.

Magazine:

The Plan 

Detail

 Website: 

https://divisare.com/

 

Canvas

The Canvas e-learning site will be used in this Unit of Study to distribute course material— including written notes from the weekly lecturers and pdf of reading material; to update you on developments via the email function; and for all your submissions, including text and design-based submissions as well as Turnitin submissions.

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. study precedents critically and apply that knowledge in the development of your own architectural ideas and proposals
  • LO2. identify architectural program requirements and select appropriate design solutions to deliver an efficient, coherent and distinctive work of architecture (understand how design decisions determine the overall feasibility of an architectural project)
  • LO3. identify a building’s structural system and understand that an integrated structural solution can both inform and respond to architectural forms and concepts
  • LO4. identify building’s envelope systems and detailing, and understand that technical considerations can both derive from and enhance architectural concepts
  • LO5. describe a building’s construction methods and detailing, and understand that technical considerations can both derive from and enhance architectural concepts
  • LO6. create digital models, renders, diagrams, sketches and physical models, and use these to develop and communicate your architectural ideas
  • LO7. prepare competent technical drawings at appropriate scales to document a building’s structural system, construction methods and detailing
  • LO8. prepare accurate and comprehensible documents that include, as required, reports and other relevant modes of information to fully and clearly describe technological aspects such as structure, building envelope, construction and materials
  • LO9. use iteration to develop your ideas and work constructively with others.

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

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

New assessment tasks and deadlines, including weekly Attendance. All discussed and approved by the PDs.

Additional costs

Please note that this project involves costs for students for materials, fixings etc., and the extent of these costs depends on your projects.

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 18 Feb 2025.

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