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Unit outline_

DAAE2002: Architecture, Place and Society

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit aims to investigate the relationship between architecture, place and society and to explore the meaning of cultural and social sustainability in architectural design. The unit assumes that designers will increasingly work in places where cultures are unfamiliar at home or in a global context, and that an ability to understand, and interpret, diverse cultures, and the way design occurs in diverse locations, is an important area of knowledge for designers. A key aspect of social sustainability is the practice of social responsibility, and the unit explores how this may occur, including involving people in the design process. On completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate: an ability to better understand the connections between architecture place and society, and the social, cultural, political and economic factors affecting sustainable environments; skills and knowledge in participatory processes necessary for effective communication about environmental design issues; increased critical awareness about social responsibility in relation to the practice of architecture and the design of the built environment, and an ability to exercise this awareness. This unit will provide architecture students with knowledge of the relationship between culture and architecture, as well as practical knowledge of the social aspects of design practice. It is intended that students from other disciplines will develop a critical awareness of the built environment as a form of cultural production, and the possibilities for their participation in its production.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
DESA2211
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Michael Tawa, michael.tawa@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Michael Tawa, michael.tawa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Mahroo Moosavi, mahroo.moosavi@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Place analysis
Oral presentation
25% - 18 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Essay/critical review
Written task
60% Multiple weeks 2000-2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Creative assessment / demonstration Participation and contribution
Participation
15% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6 LO5 LO4

Assessment summary

  • Place analysis: Prepare a critical review of a setting (urban, landscape, architectural), building or architectural fragment, focusing on its sociocultural registers and its contribution to placemaking.
  • Essay/critical review: Two options are available for this task: 1) Prepare an illustrated essay to a topic of your choice which is directly related to the thematics of this UoSthat is, on the relationship(s) between architecture, place and society. 2) Alternatively, prepare a critical review of the sociocultural registers, assumptions and preconceptions (or absence thereof) in one current legal, policy or guideline document related to the delivery of designed environments, to architecture professional practice, to the university sector or to research practice.
  • Participation and contribution: Extent and quality of individual engagement, participation in and contribution to seminars, roundtables and presentations. Evidence of reading and engaging key texts. Contribution to moderated discussions (associated with Assessment Task 1).

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 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.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Architecture, place, society Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 02 Society, culture Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups A and B Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 03 Space (chore), place (topos) Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups C and D Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 04 Place, language, narrative Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups A and B Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 05 Space scripting Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups C and D Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 06 Time (khronos), opportunity (kairos) Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups A and B Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 07 Logos, topos, ethos Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups C and D Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 08 Atmosphere, ambiance, mood Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups A and B Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 09 Architecture as a practice of placemaking Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups C and D Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 10 Phusis, poises, techne Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups A and B Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 11 Architecture as enabling infrastructure Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups C and D Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 12 Emergence, presencing, place Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups A and B Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 13 Review Lecture (1 hr)  
Groups C and D Tutorial (2 hr)  

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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. analyse historical, cultural and social issues in architecture and the built environment
  • LO2. identify and understand the historical, cultural, ethical and intellectual contexts of architectural ideas, and how those ideas are deployed in the architectural history, theory and practice
  • LO3. identify, understand and work with the different kinds of theoretical and historiographical frameworks, techniques, methods and conventions of architectural research
  • LO4. use sophisticated communication concepts including oral, written and visual to illustrate a synthesis of ideas
  • LO5. demonstrate a working knowledge and technical skills of writing and representation in the communication of architectural narratives
  • LO6. collaborate, employ self-reflection and practice positive critical review.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

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

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